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Lawmakers highlight charter transportation disputes; PDE says statutory change is needed
Summary
Members raised safety and equity concerns about some districts refusing to provide equal school transportation to charter students. Acting Secretary Rowe told lawmakers that the statute uses the term 'transportation' rather than 'yellow bus' and that resolving the issue requires legislative clarification or statutory change.
Representative Nelson described local examples where public districts declined to provide the same yellow‑bus transportation for students who choose to attend charter schools, leaving some elementary students to transfer buses or walk on busy roads. Committee members said the disputes affect thousands of students in recent complaints.
Acting Secretary Rowe said the transportation statute specifies "transportation" but does not mandate yellow‑bus service for charter students and that PDE lacks authority to change the statutory interpretation unilaterally. She said the issue is primarily legislative: if lawmakers want to change how transportation is defined or funded they should clarify the statute. Rowe welcomed discussions about targeted funding for specialized transportation or adjustments to the funding formula to address high‑cost routes and special education needs.
Members requested PDE provide analyses of specialized transportation needs and the fiscal impacts of potential legislative changes so the committee can consider statutory language or targeted appropriations to ensure student safety.
