The District 833 School Board is set to vote Thursday on its options for closing a $950,000 shortfall in its transportation budget, which likely includes changing school start times.

The options include two alternatives for new start times at area schools. Check out the district’s website for the breakdown. One alternative would save the district $322,596 and the other $479,196.

Other options include increasing walking distances for middle and high school students (1 to 1.5 miles and 1.5 to 2 miles, respectively), charging transportation fees for choice programs (Nuevas Fronteras, MS Spanish Immersion, Gateway and Valley Crossing), and increasing the general fund level for transportation from 4.85 percent to 5 percent, according to a staff report on the matter.

Staff recommends the school board approve one of the options for the changes to school start times, along with the other measures listed above.

The changes have been suggested because South Washington County Schools officials want to replace buses in the district’s fleet and maintain the transportation fund balance.

The district previously asked residents for feedback about the proposals, and the results of a community survey are available online and are expected to be shared at the meeting.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at the District Service Center, 7362 E. Point Douglas Road S., in Cottage Grove.

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