WFISD Examining Impact of Cutting Choice Program Bus Routes
By: Mechell Dixon
Updated: November 29, 2012
Wichita Falls school board officials say putting the brakes on the choice program busing routes for students could save an estimated $200,000 in expenses.
But before they give it the green light they plan to take a closer look at the impact it will have on several hundreds students and their parents.
About 450 Wichita Falls junior high and high school students ride the bus in the district's Choice Program.
It was started several years ago to allow students to choose which secondary school they would attend even if that school is far from their home.
But tough economic times have school board members looking at cutting that program to save money.
While the board's proposal is sparking concern for some parents who depend on the bus system to get their kids to and from school other, like this parent, say it will simply cause their child to make an adjustment.
"We're for wherever our daughter... if that's where she's suppose to go, if that's the district she goes in then that's the district she goes in. We don't oppose that at all," says Jeff Scruggs, who's daughter is in WFIDS's School Choice Program.
The plan is still in the works and school board officials say they're considering all options.
"We're turning over every stone to make sure we're doing the best to find any waste that we have going on or any ways in any duplication of services or anything that we can do to save money just to, again, true up our bottom line and move forward with the things we want to do and that's improve education," says Kevin Goldstein, Wichita Falls ISD board president.
School board officials plan to weigh several factors before making their decision, including looking at other programs that could be cut.
But officials say if they do eliminate the choice program bus routes, which would amount to seven routes, they would give parents at least one year to prepare for the change.
