Board tables plan to remove middle-school athletic-busing line item after parents and members voice concern

A Site & Finance committee proposal to remove the middle-school athletic-transportation line from the FY27 budget drew sharp pushback from parents and several board members at the May 20 Plainfield SD 202 meeting, and the motion did not advance.

Committee leadership presented an action to remove the funds from fiscal-year 2027 to reflect that the district has not operated regular middle-school athletic routes since 2020 due to driver shortages. "It is my motion to remove the funds from the fiscal year 27 for middle school athletic transportation as presented," said the committee chair.

Parents, board members and staff raised equity and safety concerns. "This would risk continued participation by families in need, create inequities, and continue avoidable risk," said a board member who said low-income shares of attendance have risen and argued the district should not remove the item entirely without soliciting parent feedback. Parent Anne Dreger urged the board not to delete the line item, saying keeping it in the budget preserves the possibility of reinstatement when drivers are available.

Finance staff clarified budgeting mechanics: if the line is removed but not spent, funds remain in Fund 40 (the transportation fund). Board members discussed compromises such as keeping a nominal amount (a $0 or $1 line) to preserve the conversation without materially affecting next year’s budget. A motion to amend or table the removal failed to secure a second and therefore did not pass; the board agreed to revisit the issue and provide a public update in late July if driver availability changes.

No final elimination of the funding was recorded; the board signaled it will keep the item under discussion and review driver availability before moving forward.