Written by a Berkeley Heights Community Member and BHPSNJ Parent Volunteer
The long awaited transportation presentation was provided to the public and the Board at the 2/26/24 meeting. Inconsistencies with our current transportation program were the key takeaway. Those inconsistencies mostly surrounded bussing routes and highlighted a need for an updated software program to tackle most issues surrounding the current transportation plan. The presentation fell short regarding any actual data or metrics and what the next steps are to ensure the success of the BHPS transportation program.
Courtesy bussing was the anticipated topic during this presentation, as it has been a hot topic due to its mysterious and undocumented existence within our district.
Courtesy bussing refers to the free bussing of students who do not fit into the criteria for busing as defined by the state; that is, more than 2 miles from a student’s home. However, the state allows funding for schools offering students free bussing who reside in areas designated as “Hazardous.”
A little history: until about 5 years ago, BHPS offered courtesy (free of charge to families) to all kindergarten students (regardless of where they reside), students who lived in “hazardous” areas, and students who were attending schools that were further than 2 miles from their home.
During the process of redistricting and realignment, when budget cuts were made, one of the more significant monetary cuts was to the courtesy bussing – essentially removing the program that provided free transportation to all kindergarten students. Students residing in “Hazardous” areas were still provided free bussing. (Insert pandemic, followed by a song and dance around bus driver shortages to make these cuts seem necessary and validated.)
The term “Hazardous” is not defined by the state as it relates to road safety conditions. Each district is responsible for defining what “Hazardous” means for their school transportation program, determining who receives free bussing and who has to pay for it.
How many students currently receive courtesy bussing live in Hazardous areas?
How many students who do not live in Hazardous areas receive courtesy bussing?
No one, I mean NO ONE, knows these answers, as this has been the district response for the last year. Ironically, data surrounding bussing is submitted to the state every year.
Then there’s the topic of the maps! The consultants commented that it was not easy to read the maps or street names while conducting their study. Maybe this is because the maps used were from August 4, 1997, are missing streets, and are nearly impossible to read without a magnifying glass. Also questionable is why the versions available on the county and township websites, which are updated and clear to read, were not used – who provided the consultants with the maps, or did they get them on their own? (Township zoning map & County district map).
The consultants know what they are doing and seem to be extremely thorough and educated in their respective fields of work.
However, one question remains…where do we go from here?
This presentation felt flat in that it didn’t seem to have any achievable or measurable goals set either by the district or by the consultants. More questions remain on the topic of transportation than were answered.
Who are the qualified individuals responsible for determining Hazardous routes?
What are the districts transportation goals?
Who is tasked with ensuring bussing is equitable among all students?
Who is keeping all this data so it can be presented annually to the public and the state?
The district transportation presentation can be viewed here
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