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Parent urges East Grand Forks board to allow canceling rural bus routes in severe weather; board cites legal limits
Summary
A rural parent asked the East Grand Forks Public School District board to permit canceling rural bus routes during hazardous conditions while keeping in-town classes open; board members said legal equity concerns limit selective cancellations but said they are exploring alternate pickup sites and other practical steps.
Ross Pap, a parent of district students who lives about 10 miles north of East Grand Forks, told the school board during public comment that district buses should be allowed to suspend rural routes in hazardous weather while keeping school open where in-town conditions remain safe. "We do not expect the entire district to close operations solely because specific rural areas are impacted," Pap said, urging the board to consider waivers or alternate pickup locations for rural families.
Pap said the district stretches as far as 25 miles north and that conditions can vary widely across that area. He described past legal challenges that led the district to stop selective rural-route cancellations and asked the board to consult legal counsel about options, including a parent waiver tied to bus enrollment.
Board members acknowledged the concern but repeatedly cited legal and equity constraints. Amanda, a board member, said she agreed with the concern for rural families but noted the district has faced lawsuits in the past over selective route cancellations: "I do appreciate you bringing up the alternatives...we're probably not going to be able to change the law," she said, while asking staff to investigate possible approaches used elsewhere.
Board discussion focused on practical alternatives rather than immediate policy change. Multiple members and staff said the district is working with drivers to identify alternate pickup sites on routes that become unsafe in spring flooding or when gravel roads are soft and prone to buses getting stuck. The board indicated it would consider formalizing procedures or agreements and asked staff to follow up; no formal policy change or vote was made at the meeting.
The exchange came amid broader operational updates presented earlier, including a staff report that enrollment is down 12 students from the prior month and that the district anticipates a significant budget shortfall. Staff told the board a formal budget presentation will be made at the next meeting and that a special meeting or work session (possible March 30) may be needed to address the funding gap.
The board approved routine business during the meeting: the agenda and consent items were approved by voice vote, the board authorized payment of K12 bills 131232–131319 and electronic transfers totaling $1,291,162.118, and set its next regular meeting for March 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Board members thanked retiring staff for long service and encouraged the community to complete a Nexus survey that will inform upcoming budget recommendations.
The district said it is exploring alternate pickup locations and will return with more detail; board members asked staff to consult legal counsel about whether waivers or other devices could lawfully allow route-by-route flexibility while avoiding equity-based legal exposure.
