Things To Know About...

TRANSPORTATION

QUESTION: What has the District done to reduce its transportation department budget?
ANSWER:  The District has implemented a variety of cost savings reduction initiatives, which have resulted in transportation savings greater than estimates provided by the union. Adjustments were made to school opening and closing times, thus allowing Transportation Services to consolidate routes and remove 100 buses from daily operation. Additionally, the District eliminated many Relief Operator positions. The District has seen a recent increase in bus ridership, which will also increase the District’s FTE funding. At the same time, the State of Florida funds transportation at less than 50 percent of the actual cost to Broward County Public Schools.

QUESTION: Why do we transport students out of local school areas to magnet schools?
ANSWER: Historically, it has been the District’s philosophy to provide free transportation for magnet students. There are no extra funds received from FTE for magnet programs. Magnet transportation costs are totally funded by the District’s General Fund. Magnet students can sometimes ride buses that are traveling near their magnet school. However, there are times when it is necessary to provide special buses just for magnet students based on regular bus availability.

QUESTION: Why are there school buses running at less than capacity?
ANSWER: Bus capacity is negatively affected by AYP, Cluster, County-wide Magnet and Alternative Suspension students. District buses usually have three runs scheduled in the morning and afternoon and are full to capacity for boundary schools. Although bus schedules are designed to maximize the bus seating capacity, particular student requirements do reduce the capacity.