Board previewed opt‑in high‑school busing plan that would require annual student sign‑up

District transportation staff presented a proposed change to high‑school busing that would require eligible 9–12 students to opt in each year for morning, afternoon or no transportation.

District presenters said the change is designed to create more reliable, predictable routes and reduce mileage and schedule adjustments later in the year. The proposal keeps existing distance‑based eligibility (1.5 miles) and exempts K–8 students and students receiving special education services from the opt‑in requirement.

If the board approves the policy on Feb. 23, students and families would submit opt‑in selections through Infinite Campus during a window projected from Feb. 24 through June 5. Staff said Palmer (the routing vendor) will use opt‑in responses to build routes and that campus offices and counselors will manage late or one‑off transportation requests.

Sean Vandermeets of Palmer said the change won’t necessarily reduce the number of buses immediately but will reduce unnecessary miles and mid‑year route revisions because planners will have accurate ridership data up front. In questions, board members asked what happens if a student attempts to board a bus on the first day without having opted in; staff said they would handle such cases as they do now and accommodate students where possible.

The board will consider the item for action at its Feb. 23 meeting; staff said families will receive multilingual communications and email reminders if they do not complete the opt‑in form.

What happens next: The board will vote on Feb. 23 on the opt‑in policy; if approved, district communications and Infinite Campus opt‑in pages will launch on Feb. 24.