BTSD to Reinstate Late Bus Runs

The Bristol Township School District is reinstating late bus runs.

The 9-0 vote came just a few short weeks after more than 100 people came to the school board meeting to protest the late bus cuts, which were part of the 2014-2015 budget that was approved in June.

The district said the late bus runs will cost less than the previous $120,000 price tag.

The run times have yet to be determined. Superintendent Dr. Sam Lee said officials will look at usage patterns again, talk with coaches and school leaders to determine when to the buses will run, Lee said.  Board President Angel Nober said the busing will resume October 1, which will give officials time to work out the logistical issues.

The buses will run for students from both Harry S. Truman High School and the township’s two middle schools. The buses will also complete runs from the various private and charter schools where district kids also attend.

The audience at the meeting clapped and cheered when the board voted to approve the bus runs.

Residents were originally upset when they realize township school students would have to walk home from after school sports and activities. Last week’s school board meeting was attended by over 100 residents and students who were upset about the cuts.

Nober told LevitownNow.com after the meeting that the district will be “smart” about planning the runs to save on costs. She said am amended agreement with bus contractor Student Transportation of America (STA) and six free buses they already provide the township will help keep costs down.

Parent Sirena Thomas was among the many who thanked the board for their decision.

Officials said they are considering several options including only one late bus run and/or dropping the students at neighborhood elementary schools instead of several bus stops in one neighborhood.

District officials said additional tryouts will be held for middle schoolers because some students didn’t try out because they were concerned they wouldn’t have a ride home.

Lee admitted last week that the district could have handled the bus cuts better by informing parents well in advance of school starting. He said parents would be notified of the changes.