Deptford Township School District reverses plan to cut back bus services following pushback
DEPTFORD, N.J. - The Deptford Township School District reversed its controversial decision to cut school bus services for some students following pushback from parents and families.
Superintendent Kevin Kanauss shared a letter with the school district community on Monday explaining their decision to rescind the transportation plan for next year.
"The recommendation and decision to rescind the transportation plan for the 2024-2025 school year has been made," Kanauss wrote. "Deptford Township Schools will continue courtesy transportation to the individual buildings that have received it in the past."
The school district originally planned to cut bus services to students who live within 2-2.5 miles of their school. As an alternative, the district proposed that parents can opt to pay an annual fee of $365 per student.
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The district said Friday it came to the "difficult" decision to "optimize resources and ensure financial stability" in a move that is projected to save $1.65 million yearly. The discontinued plan also called for bus stops to be consolidated to one central location in a neighborhood, meaning longer walks for students.
Deptford Township Council, Public Safety Director and Chief of Police demanded the "plan be rescinded immediately" in a letter issued to the district on Monday, citing safety and time concerns.
"Please also note that while we are maintaining courtesy busing, we still need to be mindful of the number of bus stops and resources we are using," Kanauss wrote. "All students will be transported but there will be a need for more neighborhood stops, which may increase the length of the bus ride."