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Parents urge caution as RSU 23 board reviews LMS schedule consolidation
Summary
At its Feb. 12 meeting, the RSU 23 board heard a presentation on consolidating LMS start times and bus routes; parents told the board the change could force split childcare routines and raise safety concerns about younger students riding with older ones. Board members said hiring bus aides is a priority if staff are available.
RSU 23 trustees on Feb. 12 heard a presentation on a proposed LMS school schedule consolidation that would shift start times and consolidate bus runs, prompting several parents to warn of safety and childcare impacts.
Jillian Cote, a parent with children at JES and LMS, said the change would 'cause a significant impact with families with young children' and could require her to visit the bus stop twice because her younger child 'cannot be left alone at the bus stop.' Kim Schildroth, who also has two children in the district, said the change would affect her working hours and that her son had a bad experience on a short ride with high school students.
Matt Foster, who presented the consolidation plan, reported current bus numbers for the affected runs: 21 riders in the morning, 32 in the afternoon and 27 available seats. Foster said the board could explore seating arrangements so older students sit together and potentially mentor younger riders.
Board member Santino Perrone questioned why some families did not receive the district survey; he was told families with only an 11th grader or only a kindergartner were not included in that mailing. Mark Beaudoin said his priority would be hiring bus aides to support drivers. Superintendent John Suttie said, 'if we have the staff to accommodate, then we will do that.'
Board members discussed logistics but did not set a vote date. Superintendent Suttie said the board is taking the process 'one step at a time' and noted that hiring bus monitors is feasible but depends on candidates coming forward.
Why it matters: The consolidation could alter morning and afternoon routines for families across the district and raises operational questions about supervision, bus capacity and the reach of district communications. The board will continue collecting input as it refines the plan.
Next steps: The board did not schedule a definitive vote for next month and signaled additional community outreach and staffing considerations before any final decision.
