Bus transportation is ending for most JCPS magnet schools. Here’s what you need to know
Thousands of magnet students in Jefferson County Public Schools will have to find their own transportation to and from school next year, after board members voted to end magnet busing for all but two magnet high schools Wednesday evening.
The change comes after a tumultuous year for the district's transportation system that has negatively impacted students, families and school staff. Without enough drivers to cover bus routes on a daily basis, students have lost a significant amount of instructional time with buses arriving at schools late every day.
Here's what families need to know.
Who is impacted?
Magnet students at Central and Western high schools will continue to receive busing. Additionally, magnet students with certain disabilities and those who are homeless will be bused because of federal requirements.
Students at W.E.B. DuBois and Grace James academies will continue to receive busing, because the district categorizes these two schools differently than any other magnets.
All other magnet students, including those in magnet programs, will have to find alternative transportation.
It is unclear how many students this affects because Western High is transitioning into a magnet school, so it isn't yet known how many of their students will need busing. Previously, district leaders recommended all magnet bus riders lose district transportation, which is about 16,000 students. There are about 900 bus riders at Central.
Can I switch my student's school?
If your student has already accepted their spot at a magnet school or program, they can still switch to their resides school.
"We will also ensure that the transfer to their resides school is easy for those who can no longer attend a magnet school or program because of the bus driver shortage," said JCPS spokeswoman Carolyn Callahan.
The district's transfer application window starts Monday, May 6. The application can be found here.
Families without computer access can call the Office of School Choice at 502-485-6250 to submit an application.
Will JCPS help magnet parents transport their children?
In previous board meetings, there have been mentions of providing all magnet middle and high schoolers with TARC bus passes, as well as providing stipends to parents who take their children to magnet schools. It is unclear if any of those plans have been solidified.
Will school boundary lines change?
There is a strong chance. During Wednesday's meeting, Board Chair Corrie Shull pointed out that there are only two high schools in his district: Male — which will lose transportation — and Moore, which is already at 95% capacity.
More: These JCPS schools are expected to be over their enrollment capacities next year
If a significant percentage of current magnet bus riders are forced to attend their resides school, some schools will become overcrowded, so district leaders said boundary lines will have to be altered.
Contact Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JCPS magnet school busing is ending. Here's what you need to know
