Schools and Busing

[Orrymain]

In a nearby community, the school district is now charging $180 per student to bus a child to their school, which is several miles away. In the future, do you think location of schools is going to become more important to young families as they decide where to live?

[elvenrunelord]

I think the parents should be suing the schools for $180 plus court costs. They paid local taxes in good faith that certain services would be available to them and schools are one of the biggies that get local tax income.

[Orrymain]

Yeah, what are they supposed to do? One of the kids even said it on the news -- "there are 3 of us". She knows her parents can't pay almost $600 for all three of them. While the district is making exceptions for those who qualify for the lunch program (low income), for any middle-class family, $600 is a lot of money. Parents are worried; it's too far for their children to walk safely to school

So what are they going to do? 1) Sacrifice some other bill or go further into debt 2) Risk their children's lives and safety by having them walk 3) Keep the kids home ... or what?

[mandiees]

I have never heard of charging for using the bus! Is this common all over the US?!

[Rabscuttle]

I think it is very important to consider where the school is in proximity to your home, as well as the quality of education that they give (San Diego Unified doesn't give the, um, best education in my humble opinion).

[djschwab]

I think with the rising cost of fuel you are going to see more and more school district starting to charge for bus service, especially in rural areas.

[DianaR]

Originally Posted by djschwab

I think with the rising cost of fuel you are going to see more and more school district starting to charge for bus service, especially in rural areas.

Most definitely, and the cost won't be limited to those students who have to be bussed.

The only saving grace will be if school districts can afford to build new schools where new homes have been built.

[jhellie_baby]

for me, being near a school is a nice and important option in considering a house. also being near a convinient store, work place and malls, so to avoid daily living hassles.

[KrisNY]

Wow- that is just crazy! I pay school taxes and that pays for buses, upkeep on buses, bus drivers, etc. I'm not paying for my daughter to ride the bus!
I looked to see what school district I would be in before I bought the house. It's important- not only for busing reasons- but for school reasons.