Changes that will impact existing school walk zones will be implemented in the 2018-19 school year. Here is what you need to know.
In an effort to address new attendance zones and walk zones due to redistricting, ACPS conducted a review of its existing transportation policies: Student Transportation Services (EEA) and School Bus Scheduling and Routing (EEAB). This review led to changes to both policies and the implementation of a new regulation Student Transportation Services Regulations (EEA-R/EEAB-R).
In June, letters will be sent to all families to inform them of their transportation eligibility for the 2018-2019 school year.
Two major changes for next year are:
- Distances for K-8 walk zones will be measured by the actual walking distance from the school instead of being measured in a straight line from the school
- The one-mile walk zone will expand beyond just K-5 students to apply to all K-8 students, ensuring uniformity between traditional middle schools and K-8 schools.
Beginning in the 2018-19 School Year
For elementary and middle school students:
- ACPS will provide transportation to students in grades K-8 living beyond a one-mile walking distance from the school they attend, or where no paths within a one-mile walking distance from the school are free of hazardous areas. Currently, ACPS provides transportation to students in grades K-5 living beyond a one-mile radius from the school.
For high school students:
- ACPS will provide transportation to students in grades 9-12 living beyond a one-and-one-half mile radius from the school they attend, or who live within a one-and-one-half mile radius, but who could not reasonably walk to school without passing through a hazardous area. Currently, Students in grades 6-12 living beyond a one and one-half mile radius from the school are provided transportation.
For students eligible for qualifying services or accommodations
- ACPS will provide transportation to any student eligible for qualifying services or accommodations, as defined in the regulation.
ACPS does not provide transportation for students who have received an administrative transfer outside of their attendance zone.
These changes will result in:
- A decrease in students eligible for transportation at the elementary level
- An increase in students eligible for transportation at the middle school level
- No change at the high school level
The revised policies and new regulation are designed to:
- Promote bus ridership and sustainable transportation modes
- Improve safety with better-defined hazard areas
- Consider student ability realistically
- Determine transportation eligibility equitably
- Ensure uniform application of policy
View the related documents:
- School Bus Scheduling and Routing (Policy EEAB) (PDF)
- Student Transportation Services (Policy EEA) (PDF)
- Student Transportation Services Regulations (EEA-R/EEAB-R) (PDF)
Have questions or concerns? Please contact us.