Some GIPS bus routes cut off due to budget cuts
A central Nebraska school district is cutting off some bus routes due to budget cuts.<br/>
July 11, 2024Updated: July 11, 2024
By News Channel Nebraska
By News Channel NebraskaGRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- A central Nebraska school district is cutting off some bus routes due to budget cuts.
Grand Island Public Schools announced that it's reducing its bus routes as part of a part of a plan to cut $5 million from its $130 million district budget.
Superintendent Matthew Fisher shared the update regarding transportation services in a July 10 letter to GIPS families.
The following routes will continue to be offered by GIPS.
- Gates & Knickrehm bus routes for middle school students riding to Westridge Middle School (AM/PM)
- Routes running between GISH and CPI and CCC throughout the day supporting CPI and CCC classes as well as Newcomers students
- Elementary Newcomers (Grades 2nd-5th) routes between home schools and Stolley Park Elementary School (AM/PM)
- Middle School Routes AFTER activities practices
- Field Trips & Extracurricular Activities
- Transportation for students who qualify for support from Families in Transition
- Transportation for students who have transportation needs identified in their individual education plans (IEPs) and students enrolled in Skills Academy programs
GIPS said that Neighborhood Bus Stops will no longer run.
Parents of GIPS students responded to the district’s social media post announcing the cuts with dozens of comments criticizing the district’s decision making. The district said that it is sharing the information before the school year so that families can work on a solution before classes start.
School board members approved the transportation updates at Thursday's board meeting.