LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- While Jefferson County Public Schools are out for the summer, there's still some homework to do for parents and district staff.

Heading into the next school year, JCPS and the Jefferson County Board of Education are working over the next few months to ensure a smoother start when it comes to transportation.

The district said 95% of families plan to stay at their magnet and traditional schools, despite losing transportation. It's just one of the factors the district is considering when planning for next school year. That is according to the JCPS Transportation Intent survey that has since closed.

The Intent survey was sent to families of magnet or traditional school students losing transportation. JCPS asked families if their kid will remain in their current school, despite losing the bus, or if they will transfer to a reside school, which guarantees transportation. 

"Of course, you don't know how it's really going to shake out once we get to August, people could make other choices at that time as well, but the number we're seeing right now is 95%," JCPS' Chief Communications Officer Carolyn Callahan said.

JCPS is now circulating its Transportation Verification survey. All JCPS families are required to fill out the survey by June 6, where they will specify whether their student will be a bus-rider, car-rider or walker.

"We need that information to help our schools and help our transportation team work through routing and what next year is going to look like," said Callahan.

Even though JCPS is cutting routes, a reminder that bus delays won't go away completely.

"The board-approved transportation plan is not an on-time plan," said Callahan. "It does not mean there will be on-time transportation for all students. We still have fewer bus drivers than we need."

That is why Chris Banaszymski is planning to transport his own kid, despite having access to transportation next school year. 

"For school we're going to do car-rider line. Camp Taylor's not very far from our house," said Chris Banaszymski. "For me, putting her on a bus is terrifying, to be honest, with all the problems JCPS had just this last year."

Banaszymski's soon-to-be kindergartener has the option to ride the bus or not come August, because she will be attending her reside school. But keeping a routine is a priority for the family, which is why Banaszymski is putting transportation into his own hands.

"We're losing time with our daughter in the evening and the morning, so I just would like to spend more time with her," he said.

JCPS is in the process of hiring more bus drivers. It's hosting another Bus Driver Blitz this Saturday, which serves as a one-stop-shop to begin the application process to becoming a JCPS bus driver.

The Blitz will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Crittenden Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Interested candidates can apply on-site, get a physical there and get help with the application. Bring a driver's license, two forms of ID and a copy of your high school diploma or GED. Also, bring a social security card, voided check or letter for direct deposit and information from two references.

To learn more about driving for JCPS, click here.

The district has set up this webpage for new information about next school year.

WDRB News wants to hear from you about your transportation experiences. Fill out our survey by clicking here.

JCPS Transportation Coverage: 

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.