School Start Times May Change as District Seeks to Close Transportation Fund Shortfall

South Washington County Schools officials want to replace buses in the district’s fleet and maintain its transportation fund balance.

But that budget is about $940,000 short of being able to do so, and District 833 is looking at several options to cover the costs, including:

• changing school start times (see the image with this story) for $479,200 in savings;
• increasing walking distances for middle- and high-school students ($261,000 in savings);
• charging fees for transporting students under certain programs ($144,000 in savings); and
• other cost-saving measures or funding shifts.

Staff won’t likely make a recommendation regarding the options, said Mike Vogel, assistant to the superintendent for operations. Instead, the district is seeking feedback from residents through an online survey and encouraging people to share their thoughts at the April 26 school board meeting.

Find the survey online at the District 833 website (available through April 30). The options are also outlined in detail on the site.

The transportation budget could get a $150,000 boost from the general fund, and the district could reduce costs by not filling a vacant mechanic’s position and reducing its fuel budget, Vogel said.

The programs that could be charged for bus service include Nuevas Fronteras, Middle School Spanish Immersion, Gateway and Valley Crossing. Some of those students are bused from areas outside the district boundaries, increasing costs, Vogel said.

The district last changed its start-time schedule in 2009, Vogel said, when walking distances were reduced and grades were reconfigured.

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