SUBJECT: Reminder Regarding Reduced DCSD Bus Routes for the Upcoming School Year
August 3, 2020
Dear DCSD Community,
Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the many facets of our Road to Return Plan.
Current local and state public health orders are limiting the number of students that are permitted to ride on a DCSD school bus. For example, on a standard 72 passenger school bus, only 26 students will be allowed on board in order to maintain appropriate physical distancing. Further, only one student will be permitted per seat on a school bus.
As we have presented to the DCSD Board of Education, and posted to the FAQs of our Road to Return page of our website, this reduced capacity, combined with factors such as a nationwide bus driver shortage, is creating incredible challenges in regard to transporting students in school districts around the country. As a result, DCSD will be reducing the number of bus routes available for the 2020-2021 school year.
Generally, DCSD school bus service will be available to the following students:
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Elementary School Students Who
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Middle and High School Students Who
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Attend their assigned neighborhood school
-and-
Live more than 2.5 miles from their assigned neighborhood school
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Attend their assigned neighborhood school
-and-
Live more than 5 miles from their assigned neighborhood school
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Bus transportation will continue to be provided for all eligible students with special needs, as well as homeless and foster children, and other eligible students as required by applicable law.
We are sad to share that, for the 2020-2021 school year, DCSD will no longer be able to provide bus service for the following riders:
- Elementary students who reside within 2.5 miles of their assigned neighborhood school.
- Middle and high school students who reside within 5 miles of their assigned neighborhood school.
- Students who reside in gated communities where stops can be moved to gates one mile from home.
- Students attending or participating in BASE, International Baccalaureate, or Band.
- Students who are enrolled in a school other than their assigned neighborhood school.
DCSD will reach out to families with students who are eligible for DCSD bus transportation under the new guidelines and invite them to sign up for busing. These families will receive information on costs, how to obtain a SMARTtag, etc. This information will be provided no later than August 7.
We recognize the hardship not having bus transportation creates for our families and apologize for the inconvenience. Should local and state public health orders change and increase our bus capacity, we will re-evaluate our routes.
Should you have any questions, please contact the DCSD Transportation Department using this form.
Thank you for your understanding.
DCSD Transportation Department