District postpones proposed changes to bus eligibility

At its March 16 meeting, the Bethlehem Central School District Board of Education decided to postpone any changes to bus transportation eligibility for students for the 2022-23 school year. As a result, no public referendum on the matter will be held in May.

Bus transportation eligibility remains unchanged:

  • Elementary (K-5): Currently, all elementary students are eligible for bus transportation.
  • Middle School (6-8) Currently, students living more 0.5 miles from school are eligible for transportation.
  • High School (9-12): Currently, students living more than 1.0 miles from school are eligible for transportation.

The district had proposed expanding walk zones for all students K-12 in order to consolidate 4-5 bus routes and reduce the demand for bus drivers. The Board will revisit discussions about bus eligibility during the 2022-23 school year or sooner if the district’s bus driver shortage worsens.