Page 12 - PASBOReportSept2018

The Bus Stops Here:

The Critical Mission of

Transporting Students

by Laura Knowles

hile public schools across Pennsylvania
focus on education, safety and facilities, "The entire dynamics of transportation
Wthere is one area that many people might not has changed in the last 15 years. We are
always remember. seeing more students that are homeless

or in foster care. This is an additional cost
Long gone are the days when students walked miles in
the snow to get to school. At Pennsylvania school districts, and expense that we did not have years
transporting students to and from school each day is a ago.
critical mission. And it takes a big bite out of school district - Kathy Ellis
budgets.
She explains that in Montgomery County, she sees
The challenges of managing transportation requires growth issues for all of the districts. New housing is
careful planning intended to increase safety, maximize cropping up everywhere, and the student enrollment is at a
efficiencies, keep up to date on reporting requirements and maximum level at the schools.
respond to issues related to homeless students, non-public
schools and special education needs. “This growth creates moving students to buildings
outside their elementary attendance boundary, which means
Many school districts contract their transportation adding buses or finding an existing bus that has enough time
services, while others have their own buses and provide to deliver students to school on time,” she says.
their own transportation. Still others have a combination of
both contracted services and their own services. Ellis also reports that special education costs are
increasing due to the increased number of students that are
As Kathy Ellis, director of transportation for the being identified as needing special services and equipment.
Colonial School District in Plymouth Meeting, points out,
her district has both. In her years at the school district, Like transportation directors throughout the state,
she has seen dramatic changes that make transportation Ellis has serious concerns about the under-funding of the
planning more challenging than ever. transportation formula that has occurred over the last few
years. While contractor rates are increasing, along with
“The entire dynamics of transportation has changed other transportation costs, there is no additional money
in the last 15 years. We are seeing more students that are coming into the districts to cover the added costs.
homeless or in foster care. This is an additional cost and
expense that we did not have years ago. Joint custody and One solution that Colonial School District is considering
accommodating those students on two buses is a challenge is teaming up with two nearby school districts to see if they
that is difficult to manage and creates a whole new dynamic can get better rates. By putting out a joint RFP this year,
for bus loads and routing,” says Ellis. they hope to work together with contractors.

9 PASBO Report