Brandon Twp.- In the past, elementary students here have been provided transportation to the school of their choice in the district.
No more.
Beginning next school year, students will be bussed only to the elementary school they are assigned to based on the area in which they reside.
‘In the tight economic times and because of the length of the bus rides, we are going to transport only within the elementary school area you live in,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon.
Students can still attend the elementary school of their choice, but if it is not their home school, they will have to supply their own transportation.
McMahon expects a savings to the district of just over $12,000, as well as a reduction of 15-20 minutes off the longest bus rides.
Transportation Director Betty Martin said almost half of the time students spend on buses is going from building to building and the decision to bus only to the school in which a student resides should eliminate this.
‘The students will ride the bus to their home elementary school and the intermediate school,? she said. ‘There won’t be multiple stops at elementary schools. I think it will be a good change and good cost savings.?