Series #7: What do you think about this bond issue topic?
Q: How will a new single site elementary affect busing and what will it cost?
A: We believe that more students will be bused with a single elementary. Because both Norris and York function as a single site, they were asked about the percentage of elementary students bused in their districts. In conversations, we learned that they transport approximately 75% of their elementary students. Then, we talked to First Student (our student transportation provider). With this information, it was estimated we would need an additional three buses. Depending on size, each additional bus would cost around $4,000 per month (3 buses x $4,000 per month x 10 months = $120,000 per year). We are reimbursed by the state using a formula where we get the lesser amount of our actual costs or the number of miles. Most of the costs should be reimbursable, and the District would pay the remainder. We are still working on how much this will be. Currently, elementary students who live more than 9 blocks from school do not pay to ride the bus. The Board is looking at the option of free busing for all elementary students, but no decision has been made at this time.