Why The Change?<\/p>\n
Plano ISD leaders say the adjustments were not made overnight. Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams points to years’ worth of data and feedback from the community and city partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese updates were not sudden, and they were not made lightly,\u201d said Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams in an official statement. \u201cThey reflect months of planning, years of data and a commitment to doing what\u2019s right for students both in terms of safety and the responsible use of taxpayer resources.\u201d<\/p>\n
The district points to several factors behind the decision, from a third-party audit\u2019s recommendations to meeting Texas Education Agency guidelines and addressing budget constraints. Trustees add that recent infrastructure upgrades \u2014 such as new crosswalks, sidewalks and pedestrian signals \u2014 have led some routes to fall outside the state\u2019s hazardous classification.<\/p>\n
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\nPhoto: Plano ISD
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Plano ISD says it remains committed to transparency and urges families to turn to official district communications for the most reliable and up-to-date information.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe value the trust families place in us, and while we understand that change can be difficult, we stand behind this decision as one that is necessary, thoughtful and grounded in long-term stewardship of public resources,\u201d\u00a0 said Board President Dr. Tyra. \u201cWe understand that change can create uncertainty. But fear should never replace facts. We are dedicated to supporting students and families, and upholding transparency in all we do.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
What Parents Can Now Expect\u00a0<\/p>\n
Plano ISD continues to provide four main types of transportation: regular bus service for students who live at least two miles from school or in designated hazardous areas; special education transportation as outlined in a student\u2019s individualized education program (IEP); hazardous roadway transportation for routes deemed unsafe to walk; and fare-based busing, offered to ineligible riders when space is available.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Parents and guardians can visit Plano ISD\u2019s website<\/a> for a directory of schools that are affected, as well as an up-to-date list of hazardous roadways, which include U.S. 75 Central Expressway, Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, S.H. 289 \/ Preston Road, among others.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0Despite the changes, the district says Special Education Transportation will remain unaffected, and families losing bus service have been contacted multiple times to help them prepare for the transition.\u00a0<\/p>\n Budget Pressures At Play<\/p>\n Like many Texas school districts, Plano ISD faces rising transportation costs without matching state funding. According to CBS News<\/a>, last year, the district spent $20.6 million on transportation but received just $2.5 million from the state to cover it.<\/p>\n The bus service cuts come on the heels of other cost-saving measures. Just last year, Plano ISD closed three campuses<\/a>, citing declining enrollment and high housing costs that make it harder for young families to move into the area. The closures are expected to save $5.2 million annually.<\/p>\n As the school year begins, Plano ISD stands by its decision \u2014 framing it as a balance between safety, fiscal stewardship and adapting to the realities of a growing, changing community.<\/p>\n