LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of Jefferson County Public Schools students will no longer have a seat on the bus.
A lot of people aren't happy about the school board’s decision to cut transportation to certain schools, but the head of the union representing the people who drive the buses believes it will be better for students and bus drivers next year.
"It's not popular, but they had to do it," John Stovall, president of the JCPS bus driver union, said.
Stovall is applauding Wednesday's decision after years of butting heads with school officials.
"Sometimes hard decisions got to be made," Stovall said. "And like I've said before, unless God, Jesus, or Muhammad, or whoever is going to rain down 300 bus drivers, nothing was gonna work other than what they had to go with."
Wednesday, the JCPS Board voted four to three to cut transportation for most magnet and traditional schools, but students who attend Central and Western high schools will be able to ride the bus. Those two schools were exempt because more than 75% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches.
"It wasn't an easy decision," Stovall said. "And I applaud Dr. Pollio and them for doing it. But it's gonna be hard."
Before the vote, dozens of parents stood outside the VanHoose Education Center waiting for the decision and weren't happy with the outcome.
"I'll give Dr. Polio and them credit for coming back and saying 'OK, we screwed up,'" Stovall said. "Now let's work together. And we can point fingers all day long, but let's work together to get this right as far as we can. I think they've done it."
In addition to fewer start times, the morning and evening routes will be the same.
"And when people say 'what's the big deal about that?' Well, they're able to establish a relationship with the parents and the children if they're the same stops every day," Stovall said.
Stovall believes the district will work with TARC and other transportation agencies to get the remaining students to school next year.
Related Stories:
- Some JCPS parents angry over decision to cut transportation for magnet, traditional schools
- JCPS board votes to cut transportation to magnet, traditional schools with exceptions following heated debate
- JCPS board chair concerned about access to magnet schools if buses cut
- JCPS transportation lead questions results of district audit as revamped busing plan sits on hold
- New audit places blame on JCPS, AlphaRoute for transportation disaster on first day of school
- A year in review of JCPS transportation system, busing issues in Louisville
- Kentucky House committee passes resolution that would create task force to 'monitor' JCPS
- JCPS superintendent Pollio against splitting district, discusses challenges and highlights at 'State of the District'
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