Provide Input on CPSD’s Proposed 2021-22 School Schedule Adjustments to Ensure Safe, Reliable Transportation Services Through June 18
Clover Park School District is proposing changes to 2021-22 school hours (start and end times) to ensure the district’s ability to safely and reliably transport students to and from school amidst a national school bus driver shortage. The online survey to gather input has been extended through Friday, June 18.
This is an ongoing issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic, and other local area school districts are facing the same challenges for next school year. Without any adjustments, the school district will experience a shortage of up to 19 bus drivers and cannot operate current bus routes.
The district’s goal is to provide safe, reliable transportation services to Clover Park students and families. The proposed changes include:
|
School
|
Start Time
|
End Time
|
Change
|
|
Harrison Prep
|
7:25 a.m.
|
2:10 p.m.
|
-80 min.
|
|
Hudtloff, Lochburn & Thomas
|
9 a.m.
|
3:30 p.m.
|
+15 min.
|
|
Beachwood, Custer, Dower, Lake Louise, Oakbrook
|
8:10 a.m.
|
2:40 p.m.
|
-20 min.
|
|
Idlewild, Lakeview
|
8:10 a.m.
|
2:40 p.m.
|
+25 min.
|
|
Carter Lake, Evergreen, Rainier, Tillicum, Tyee Park
|
8:30 a.m.
|
3 p.m.
|
+45 min.
|
|
Hillside, Meriwether
|
8:30 a.m.
|
3 p.m.
|
No Change
|
|
Park Lodge
|
9 a.m.
|
3:30 p.m.
|
+30 min.
|
|
Four Heroes
|
9 a.m.
|
3:30 p.m.
|
+75 min.
|
There would be no changes to school schedules for Clover Park and Lakes high schools and Hillside and Meriwether elementary schools.
The school district presented information to staff and families in regarding the proposed changes on June 3. Copies are available from the district’s YouTube channel:
Provide Your Input on Considerations by June 10
After reviewing the information, we invite you to provide your input on special considerations the district should be aware of as it plans for any changes to support safe, reliable transportation services for the 2021-22 school year.
The online survey will run through Friday, June 18: Survey Link
The district has studied other options that it has determined would have greater negative impacts on students:
- Double runs which would result in 30-45-minute delays
- Increase the walking distance to 2 miles for high school students and 1.5 miles for elementary and middle school students (in conjunction with bus passes)
- Pierce Transit Bus Passes (limited bus service on JBLM)
- Contract Routes (First Student, Durham)—neither vendor was interested in bidding on providing this service
The district will review the input received from staff and families and incorporate it into its planning for any adjustments to school start and end times. Families and staff will receive updates on how their input has been considered and any changes for the 2021-22 school year.