School District to Cut Back on Bus Service

Facing a $40 million reduction in state support for next school year, the Elk Grove Unified School District announced Tuesday it will drastically reduce bus service for kindergartners and secondary school students.

For the 2011-2012 school year, kindergartners who attend school in the morning will only be able to ride the bus on their way to school, according to a district press release. Their parents must arrange to pick them up after school. Afternoon kindergarten students will be able to take the bus home, but must find their own way to school.

The district said it is eliminating all morning transportation for grades 7 through 12. Middle- and high-school students will still be able to ride the bus home from school.

"The current $40 million reduction will mean that the state will have reduced EGUSD’s budget by more than 36 percent over four years," the press release announcing the changes reads. "Unfortunately, as a result, our schools and programs will lose additional staff and services for the 2011-2012 school year."

Parents with questions about the changes can contact the EGUSD Transportation Department at (916) 686-7733.