Opt out of busing

Getting students who need transportation to school is obviously a major concern. The lack of bus drivers is making this problematic throughout the state.

One way this could be helped is to allow districts to use opt out forms for parents who either choose to drive their children to school, or who have older children who drive themselves. As a former high school teacher, I know that in many school systems there are many buses that have very few students on board.

Parents would need to sign off and recognize that this would be permanent for the whole year or at least a significant period of time. (Perhaps a marking period or semester, allowing for any adjustments that need to be made as situations change.)

This would allow more consolidation of bus routes and lessen the need for as many drivers. As a side benefit, it could also lower the costs to districts when contracts are renegotiated.

Tom Marak North Branford