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Parents and students warn cutting Access Academy buses would bar many from the program
Summary
Multiple students, parents and program staff told the board that proposed cuts to Access Academy transportation would effectively bar lower-income and working families from the needs-based program; staff said state reimbursement reduces the district's net cost to about $450,000 but that reimbursement arrives a year later.
Parents, students and program staff urged the Portland Public Schools board not to eliminate or sharply reduce bus service to Access Academy, saying the routes are essential to keep a needs-based program accessible to lower-income families.
"If you take our buses, you are creating a school where only privileged kids can attend despite it being a needs-based school," said Xander Beadel, an Access Academy student, who testified that many students rely on a 45-minute bus ride because their parents cannot drive them.
Parents described logistical and financial hardship if routes were cut. Rachel Weishaar said the Access bus is "an absolute lifesaver" for her third grader and warned that eliminating service would force many students back to neighborhood schools that may not meet their learning needs. Josh Shalek, speaking for his daughter, called the potential cut "a form of gatekeeping." Seth Kaufman and other parents noted real-world consequences, including interrupted learning and increased downstream district costs.
District staff said the headline savings from cutting Access routes are reduced by state reimbursement. In response to a board question, staff said once state reimbursement is accounted for the net cost to the district would be about $450,000 per year; reimbursement typically arrives about a year after expenses are incurred. Staff also said transportation reimbursement is roughly 70% (district responsibility ~30%) and that maintenance and replacement of district-owned buses is not reimbursed. Staff emphasized students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that include transportation would continue to receive required bus service.
Why it matters: Access Academy is a needs-based program that serves students who require different instructional settings; witnesses said removing buses would reduce equity of access and could force students into settings that do not meet their needs. Board members asked staff to explore alternatives, including fewer stops, consolidated hubs, or other efficiency measures to preserve service while reducing costs.
Next steps: Staff said they are reviewing route options and will provide more detailed cost information to the board. The board scheduled the final budget vote for 05/26/2026.
