News Summary
A special legislative commission in Rhode Island has proposed significant changes to the state’s school bus transportation system, suggesting the redistricting of regions to save approximately $3.5 million. The existing five-region model is outdated, and the commission recommends increasing to nine regions for better efficiency. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on students attending private schools. The comprehensive report highlights potential annual savings of up to $750,000 through operational changes, along with calls for further dialogue with affected families.
Providence, Rhode Island – A special legislative commission in Rhode Island has proposed a significant overhaul of the state’s school bus transportation system, suggesting redistricting could save approximately $3.5 million. The findings, outlined in the commission’s final report completed on April 16, indicate that the existing five-region model is outdated and does not efficiently meet the needs of today’s school students.
The commission’s recommendations highlight the possibility of increasing the current regions from five to nine. The existing regional framework, established in 1977, is largely based on historical maps that corresponded with vocational high school locations that no longer reflect present circumstances. This change is expected to reduce inefficiency and curb unsustainable costs associated with the statewide student transportation system.
Co-Chairs of the commission, Rep. Terri Cortvriend and Sen. Linda Ujifusa, pointed out the pressing need for these changes after analyzing the financial and logistical challenges faced by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), which has managed the state’s transportation system since 2009. RIDE coordinates transit for various school types, including public, private, and charter institutions.
Over the past eight months, the commission, composed of six General Assembly members along with representatives from unions, school districts, state agencies, and a student representative, held discussions to formulate the report. This initiative was launched as a result of specific legislation introduced in June 2024, aiming to address the inefficiencies observed in the current transport strategy. The commission’s final report noted that Rhode Island is among a few states that provide unrestricted, fully-subsidized transportation for children attending private and parochial schools.
A breakdown of the funding indicated that Region 3, which covers several urban municipalities, accounts for approximately 85% of private school transportation costs, subsequently placing significant financial strain on public schools in the East Bay area. As reported, the cost for transporting students outside their home districts could reach an alarming $40 million in the current fiscal year, with the comprehensive K-12 transit bill potentially surpassing $140 million.
The anticipated restructuring, which advocates for creating nine smaller transportation zones, may facilitate the elimination of around 30 buses from operation. This shift is designed to slash costs by minimizing long-haul routes, likely increasing efficiency within the overall system. Furthermore, the commission recommended a move towards incorporating vans for student transport instead of traditional minibuses, which could result in potential yearly savings of up to $750,000 if implemented.
Legislation aimed at raising the allowable capacity for student transport vans from eight to ten has already passed through the House and is awaiting consideration in the Senate. The commission’s report comprises 13 recommendations, although two dissenting opinions were raised by Rep. Joseph Solomon Jr., who expressed concerns regarding potential adverse impacts on families that rely on the current system.
Amidst these proposed changes, several parents and community members expressed apprehensions about how the redistricting might affect students attending private schools, indicating a need for further dialogue on the implications of such policies. Concerns were also raised regarding “ghost riders,” or students who apply for but do not utilize bus services, complicating effective route planning.
The comprehensive report and all associated documents from the commission’s deliberations can be accessed on the General Assembly’s website, providing transparency and information for families, educators, and community members interested in understanding the underlying rationale for the proposed changes in the school transportation model.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Drive Less RI App Encourages Sustainable Commuting in Rhode Island
Rhode Island House Approves $13.947 Billion Budget for 2025
Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: School Bus District Changes
- ALXnow: Draft School Boundary Redistricting Options
- Turnto10: Student Left on Minibus
- Northern Virginia Magazine: Changing School Boundaries
- Valley Breeze: Enrollment Challenges in Cumberland
- Wikipedia: School Transportation
- Google Search: School Redistricting
- Google Scholar: School Transportation Efficiency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Districts
- Google News: School Transportation Issues
