Challenges and Consequences

 District was facing a projected $16,000,000 budget shortfall  Transportation was given 10 days to bring back $2,600,000 in reduction proposals

On June 17 th We Brought to the Board a list of 7 Proposals Totaling $3,000,000  Proposal 1 - (Projected Savings $1,538,595) The district would modify from the 3 tier routing system currently employed to a more efficient 2 tier system. This change would require a change in school bell times for almost all schools involved, with the most significant impact at the middle and elementary school levels. This would require both high school and middle school students be transported on the same buses. The major benefit of this proposal is that the district would realize significant reductions in route mileage and salary by eliminating the third tier. This would also allow for a reduction in ESE routes by combining their high school and middle school students Additional benefits are that elementary students will no longer be waiting at bus stops in the dark and that older siblings will already be home when elementary students get off the bus in the afternoons.

 P roposal 2 (Projected Savings $152,550) Eliminate Non Funded School Choice Bussing. On February 9, 2012, the district received a waiver releasing the district from the obligation of providing transportation to those students who wish to continue participating in the school choice (PCS) program.  Proposal 3 (Projected Savings $648,000) The district would stop the practice of transporting students who reside within the 2 mile walking distance of their school and for whom the district receives no reimbursement from the state. The district currently transports over 4300 students daily for which we receive no state funding. The negative effects of this proposal are that it would increase traffic congestion at the elementary and middle schools and community acceptance.

 Proposal 4 (Projected Savings $378,000) This proposal would reduce to 30 minutes from 1 hour, the time currently paid to school bus drivers each day to perform pre-trip inspections and paperwork. This would require bargaining as this is a contract item.  Proposal 5 (Projected Savings $75,000) This proposal would eliminate the current practice of paying school bus drivers and attendants a $ quarterly bonus for perfect attendance.  Proposal 6 (Projected Savings $73,000) Through more efficient management and oversight, eliminate all time and a half overtime in the transportation department.  Proposal 7 (Projected Savings $126,000) Through reductions in dead head mileage and more efficient routing, realize an average reduction of 2 miles per route per day.

 At the June 24 School Board Meeting, the board chose to eliminate courtesy busing for the 4300 ineligible students receiving unfunded transportation

BLACK MONDAY

After making this decision we found that: 1. Parents and guardians were supportive of the decision 2. The School Board never waivered in their commitment! 3. All media coverage was spun in a positive light 4. It was a quiet and smooth start to the school year for Transportation…..

NOT!

The Public Reaction Parents Flood Board Meetings Organized a Face book Campaign Several letters to the Governor (Just ask Charlie) Concerns, Anger, Threats……

The Board Reacts: School Board adds Local Hazardous Walking Conditions School Board institutes Fee Based Busing Program for students under 2 mile limit Some members waiver…

 Created Transportation Phone Bank  Created a Dedicated Address for Transportation Issues  Evaluated All Safe Walking Route Areas as Requested  Worked with Local Government entities to Place Crossing Guards

 Increased Parent Traffic at Schools  Dealing with Exceptions (Who makes the call?)  Politics  The Blame Game (Who is Responsible?)

 Time For Proper Parental Notification Is Essential !  The Decision-makers Must Be Willing To Accept Responsibility Or At Least Support Those In The Field  When Bringing Proposals To The Board, Be Sure That They Understand The Implications of Their Decision. Especially If You Are Primarily Responsible For The Implementation Of Their Decision!