Brandon Twp.- After months of discussion and amidst protests from several parents, the finance committee is recommending busing students in the district to home schools only.
The committee voted 2-1 at their meeting Feb. 16 to recommend to the school board that busing be discontinued for in-district transfer students. Greg Allar and Luke Frye voted yes, while Debbie Schummer voted no. The recommendation will be taken to the next school board meeting, set for 6:30 p.m., March 8, at the central district office, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.
‘I support this recommendation although I know it is very difficult for the parents it will impact,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. ‘In these financial times, very difficult decisions will have to be made.?
Under the proposed plan, students would still be able to attend the elementary school of their choice, but if it is not their home school, they would have to supply their own transportation. The move would save the district at least $12,000 and reduce by 15-20 minutes the longest bus rides, but it has drawn criticism from working parents concerned about changes to transportation to and from daycare providers in the community. Under the new plan, only students from Harvey Swanson would be offered bus transportation to and from Stepping Stone Child Development Center. Students from Belle Ann would have the option to be bused to and from Ortonville Montessori and Oakwood students, with no public daycare nearby, would only have the option of private daycare within the school’s boundaries.
McMahon said if the recommendation is approved by the board, the district may still pursue alternative transportation options in partnership with the daycare providers.
The recommended bus change is not the only change to busing that is being considered. During the finance committee meeting, one mother said she was outraged that the district is considering privatizating transportation.
McMahon acknowledged that the district ‘will be looking at it.?
Jamie Cowan, executive director of fiscal affairs for the district, explained that privatization is not something they want to do, and would be considered as a last resort.
‘Legislation is requiring us to do due diligence,? Cowan said. ‘We have to go through this process even if we don’t want to go this route… Limited conversation is all that’s happened at this point. We have to pursue all these areas of consolidation of services, not just privatization.?
Besides researching privatization of transportation, maintenance, custodial and food services, the district may also have to consider sharing a superintendent with another district, outsourcing of payroll, and additional consolidations with other school districts.
‘We don’t consider these good options, but the state might force us,? McMahon said. ‘It’s not absolute, but it’s being talked about. We have to make sure our budget is as efficient as possible, so we have to see what our options are.?
Debbie Allen, union steward for the Brandon bus drivers, said several drivers turned out to the finance committee meeting Tuesday anxious to hear about possible cuts.
‘Drivers are concerned that (the district) is getting bids to privatize,? she said. ‘It’s not something our community would like…We’re an important step in getting the kids to school. We do it every day, safely and proudly.?
District officials encourage parents to contact state legislators with their concerns about funding cuts.
For more information, visit www.sosmichigan.org.