Whitehall-Coplay School District has been ordered to resume district busing for children 12 and older attending charter schools by Monday.
Six charter schools and a group of parents had challenged the district’s decision to use public transportation provided through LANTA for the students. The Commonwealth Court order Thursday resolves a request for emergency relief filed Sept. 9 while leaving open the legal dispute. It does not require either side to make admissions regarding their claims and defenses in the case.
The district busing required by the court “shall continue through the entry of a final, non-appealable order or adjudication disposing of Petitioners’ claims in this matter, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties or ordered by this Court,” the judge’s order states.
The court action resolves the immediate transportation issue while the underlying legal case continues, CEO of Seven Generations Charter School Amanda Cossman said in a news release.
“This Order provides immediate relief for students and families who should not have to choose between attending their charter school and having unequal transportation. Restoring District transportation gives eligible students a dependable way to get to school while the broader legal issues continue to be addressed,” Cossman said.
The Whitehall-Coplay superintendent’s office did not immediately return a request for comment Friday.
The school board voted 8-1 in June to eliminate yellow school bus services for older charter school students, sparking parent complaints at subsequent board meetings. A recent state Supreme Court case ruled school districts can end bus service for charter students if alternative free transportation is provided.