Last week, parents of 150 students in Stoughton Public Schools, a district near Boston, were informed that due to funding constraints and a shortage of buses and drivers, their children would not have access to school bus services.
The announcement was reported by the Boston Herald and has raised concerns among the affected families.
The news coincides with the state’s decision to fund transportation for students from more than 200 migrant families, which has sparked frustration among some local residents.
In a letter to parents, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Baeta acknowledged the situation, stating, “Finalizing the bus routes and the list of students riding the bus is one of the signs the start of the school year is near.”
“Unfortunately, for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, 150 secondary students who signed up to ride a bus were not able to be placed on a bus. Those families not receiving bus transportation were notified this week. Those receiving bus transportation will receive their bus postcards the week of August 19.”
However, the shortage of resources has left many families scrambling to find alternative transportation options as the new school year approaches.
“We understand the feelings of disappointment and frustration this caused for the families who did not receive bus transportation. We feel it is important to explain this situation to all of our families to allow you to better understand how we arrived at this point.”
Baeta claimed the influx of migrants is not the reason for the shortage.
“We are utilizing funding the state provides to the district to bus the students living in hotels/shelters.”
“The funding for these two buses does not come from our operational budget. It is inaccurate to suggest that these children receiving busing is the reason yours did not. If we were not receiving the funding from the state for the students living in hotels/shelters, we would not be able to have these two additional buses.”
