LOUISVILLE, Ky. — JCPS has been warning that the current system of transporting every student on a school bus may not be in the future.
Now, the district said they will be alerting parents and sending letters about next year.
The bottom line – more people could be driving their students to school.
"They understand in plenty of time that they can make changes if needed and that's why we’re sending out notices this week," Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said.
Options include eliminating transportation to all magnet and traditional students which would impact 70 to 100 buses.
"These are not recommendations now, these are considerations,” he said.
Pollio made it clear these are potential transportation options to reduce the amount of bus riders to support the district's bus drivers.
Right now, if 50 out of the district's 550 drivers are out that's considered an "on-time" day.
"But if 60 are out then there will be 10 routes that will be impacted that day," Dr. Rob Fulk, interim operations officer for JCPS, said.
Other transportation options include providing hubs for magnet students or only transporting free and reduced lunch magnet and traditional students that would impact 35 to 45 buses.
Board member Sarah McIntosh expressed her concerns about this option.
"Say that only free reduced lunch students are going to be transported, how is that not a violation of student confidentiality around their Title 1 status?" she said.
Pollio reiterated that this was a “potential option” and the district would have to ensure they have legal ground to stand on.
Board member James Craig fears for the accessibility to magnet and traditional students if the district were to eliminate transportation.
"I'm really worried about the impact on magnet students and who is able to participate in magnet and traditional programs," he said.
Board member Linda Duncan feels monetary support should be given to JCPS parents who drive their students to school.
All options on the table as the district looks to make improvements for next school year.
JCPS parents can expect final recommendations in February regarding transportation next school year.
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