Process to give out JCPS bus stipends begins, but only some families able to sign up

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The process to give out bus stipends to Jefferson County Public Schools families has started.

But only some families are able to sign up right now.

The stipends are for an estimated 21,000 families who lost transportation at magnet, traditional, or non-resides academies of Louisville and are now having to drive their kids to school.

But a pilot program will only include Butler High School, Carter Elementary, Foster Academy, Newburg Middle School and Valley High School.

JCPS said all parents who are eligible for the stipends were emailed Thursday, but only those at the five pilot schools can sign up right now.

Families at the five pilot schools need to fill out the Stipend Invitation Request in the Transportation Portal by next Thursday, Sept. 5. From there, families will get an email from the vendor, PaymentWorks, for the next steps.

Once the pilot program has ended, JCPS said it will send sign-up info to the rest of the eligible families.

The district said the pilot program will help determine if any adjustments need to be made first before rolling out stipends to all eligible families.

The stipends are $5-$10 a day, depending on if a student is on free or reduced lunch.

JCPS has set up a hotline for questions on how this will all work. The number is 502-305-4142. It's open Friday, and Tuesday through Friday next week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Process to give out JCPS bus stipends begins, but only some families able to sign up