April 4, 2008

 

On April 1, 2008, the Board of Education of the Corona-Norco Unified School District approved the adoption of fees for pupil transportation,

effective the 2008-2009 school year.

 

This action was taken in response to the continuing shortage of state funding for school busing in California. Since 1983, the Legislature

has provided only cost-of-living adjustments for transportation funding and has not taken growth into account.

 

This situation has been particularly difficult for our District. In 1983, CNUSD operated 22 schools serving 16,284 students; today,

there are 46 schools and 51,964 students. While we have grown rapidly, our state transportation funding has not.

 

Our transportation budget is $11,800,000 this year, but the state gives us only $2,085,000 for busing. The remaining $9,715,000

is made up from funds which could otherwise be allocated directly to student learning.

 

Students eligible for busing under existing Board Policy may apply for bus passes under the new policy. The rates will be $360 per year

round trip for the first student, $300 for the second student, and $240 for the third student in each family. Additional students in each family

will not be charged. One-way and half-year passes will also be made available.

 

Exemptions from fees will be made for students approved for free or reduced-rate meals under the National School Lunch Program,

special-education students whose busing is mandated, and students who are bused for classroom availability.

 

Parents of eligible students will be notified how to apply for bus passes starting May 1.

 

Although the Open Enrollment Period has closed, transfer requests will be accepted should parents prefer to have their student walk

to a school that may be closer to home. Transfer requests may be obtained by contacting the Pupil Services department and will be

approved if space is available.

 

The District has a legal obligation to be fiscally responsible and this policy is one of several changes being made to meet that obligation.

 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.