As part of our district’s efforts to address our significant budget challenges while continuing to prioritize classroom experiences and student learning, we are making several adjustments to our transportation services for the 2025–26 school year. These changes are intended to improve system efficiency and reduce costs, with an estimated savings of nearly $2 million.
What’s Changing with Transportation in 2025-26
To maintain a sustainable transportation system, we are making the following changes for the 2025-26 school year:
1. No Bus Zone Expansions
We are aligning more closely with state statute (and many of our neighbors) and expanding our No Bus zones. This means bus service will no longer be provided for students who live within:
- 1.0 mile of their elementary school (previously 0.5 miles)
- 2.0 miles of their secondary school (previously 0.8 miles)
We understand this is a shift for families. A transportation fee option is being explored for those living within No Bus zones.
2. Open Enrollment Busing
Because the annual cost per bus is about $100,000, it is critical we cap the number of buses offered. In the past, we’ve provided transportation to most open-enrolled and in-district transfer students. That will change next year.
- We are working with our bus contractor to offer a pay-to-ride option for open-enrolled families. Details will be shared within two weeks.
- Service levels will differ from previous years.
- Open-enrolled and in-district transfer students can request in-district transportation based on in-district bus availability.
3. Return to Three-Tier Structure
Alice Smith and Gatewood will move to the third-tier bus schedule, aligning with Meadowbrook.
- New school hours will be (approximately): 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We recognize this may be a disappointment for families and staff who appreciated the earlier schedule. We are unable to sustain the financial demands of the two-tier structure. To support families through this change:
- Before-school care will be offered at Gatewood and Alice Smith through Kids & Company (families will be able to request care beginning Monday, April 14 at 8am. More information can be found at HopkinsSchools.org/Kids).
- We are launching a Transition Support program for families needing additional assistance.
4. Nonpublic School Routing Changes
We plan to adjust nonpublic school routing (required by state law for students within our attendance area) to a less impacted tier. This will not affect public school routes but will increase system wide efficiency and save costs.
We know these changes will require adjustment and will impact families and staff differently across our system. By mid-May, we will begin sharing specific information with families whose children live within the newly defined No Bus zones. At the same time, we will partner with family clusters at each elementary school to explore safe, creative solutions to support those most impacted.