Navigating school transportation can be a key part of ensuring a smooth school year for your children. Blue Valley Schools partners with Durham School Services to provide bus transportation for eligible students. Understanding the guidelines and services available is essential for parents within the Blue Valley School District.
Eligibility for Free Bus Transportation
Blue Valley Schools offers free bus transportation to students under specific conditions. Eligibility is primarily based on the distance between a student’s home and their assigned school. Currently, free busing is provided for students who reside 2.5 miles or more from their school, measured by the most direct route.
In addition to distance, there are other pathways to qualify for free bus service. Students who are approved for the federal free and reduced lunch program may also be eligible for complimentary bus transportation, regardless of distance. Furthermore, free bus service may extend to children enrolled in certain special education programs, irrespective of the distance criteria.
Paid Bus Transportation Options
For families with elementary school students living closer than 2.5 miles to their assigned school, Blue Valley Schools offers a paid bus transportation service. This option allows parents to purchase busing for their elementary-aged children who may not otherwise qualify for free transportation due to proximity.
It’s important to note that transportation services are structured differently for older students. Currently, middle school and high school students living within the 2.5-mile radius of their school are not eligible for transportation services, including paid options.
Important Information for Durham Bus Riders
Durham School Services manages the day-to-day operations of the bus service for Blue Valley Schools. For detailed information regarding mileage eligibility, you can click here to access Blue Valley Schools’ mileage information page. Further inquiries about attendance areas can be directed to your child’s school. You can also reach Blue Valley Schools directly at (913) 239-4102 for general information.
For specific questions or concerns related to bus routes or transportation fees, Durham School Services is your direct point of contact. They can be reached at (913) 681-2492.
Please be aware that Durham School Services operates on a designated bus stop system, not a door-to-door service. Students are expected to walk to assigned bus stops for pick-up and drop-off. While Durham provides bus stop time schedules as a guide, these are approximate. Students should be ready at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time to accommodate potential variations in arrival times. Bus schedules are also subject to change, and unforeseen circumstances like severe weather can impact bus schedules.
To stay informed about potential delays or changes specific to your student’s bus route, families are encouraged to register each school year for Durham’s text caster messaging system.
If you have registered for bus service by the specified deadline, you should receive an email from Durham with your bus information before the first day of school. If you do not receive this email, it is crucial to contact Durham directly at 913-681-2492 to ensure your student’s transportation is arranged.
