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After debate, Arlington ISD approves hybrid Blanton transportation plan — hubs with neighborhood routes in parts of zone
Summary
Following parent concern about access after Blanton Elementary's closure, the board approved a modified hub plan that designates Blanton as at least one hub and allows neighborhood routes in portions of the attendance zone; trustees said the plan will be reviewed after one year.
Arlington ISD trustees approved a modified transportation plan on April 9 to serve families rezoned after the planned closure of Blanton Elementary.
Staff presented three options: (1) provide only for riders eligible under the two‑mile standard, (2) set up hub transportation that would consolidate pick‑up points for blended families (the staff recommendation), or (3) run neighborhood routes to pick up children at corner stops. The administration said incremental cost would be limited to additional fuel because buses commonly run multiple tiered routes each day.
Several parents and trustees pushed for the neighborhood option (3), saying the district’s decision to close Blanton required a strong mitigation for families who lack vehicles. Trustee Ms. Richardson moved and trustees approved a modified option two that ensures at least one hub at the Blanton campus and authorizes neighborhood‑style stops in parts of the zone where needed.
The board’s motion directed staff to implement the hybrid plan and to review ridership, family feedback and attendance impact after one year. Dr. Hill said routes and hub locations will be finalized after district staff confirm the number and addresses of students who request transportation.
Trustees noted that transfers to other campuses would not automatically carry transportation; families choosing an out‑of‑zone transfer would remain responsible for transportation under standard district transfer policy.
Next steps: transportation staff will plot student addresses, propose hub locations (including Blanton), run routing analyses and report back with a one‑year monitoring plan.
