LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — After years of transportation challenges, Jefferson County Public Schools officials say the district’s first day back in the classroom was a success, with every bus cleared before the district’s 7 p.m. goal.
Nearly 95,000 students returned to JCPS classrooms Thursday as Superintendent Brian Yearwood praised the district’s transportation team for what he called an “impossible” task.
JCPS set a goal of having every student home by 7 p.m. Officials said all buses completed their routes by 6:22 p.m. — about two hours after the final bell. That was earlier than the first day of school in each of the past two years and and a major change from the transportation problems that disrupted the start of the 2023 school year.
Officials said there were still a few bumps during dismissal, but they described them as typical first-day issues.
JCPS said 16 students were temporarily unaccounted for at some point after school, but all returned home safely. District leaders said that number was lower than in previous years.
"It can be as simple as, I got off the bus with a friend of mine instead of getting off at my stop, or I got off at the stop and decided to wander somewhere else," JCPS Chief Operating Officer Rob Fulk said.
The district’s 485-RIDE hotline received about 1,600 calls Thursday, which officials said was fewer than in previous years. Parents who experience bus issues are encouraged to contact the hotline for help.
While transportation was a major focus of the first day, students said they were excited to be back.
"My first day of school was great. We did a lot of fun stuff," seventh-grader Bryce said.
Seventh-grader Declan said his favorite parts of the day were lunch and reptile class.
"My favorite part of the day today was orchestra because I got to be with all of my friends," seventh-grader Eden said.
JCPS officials say they will continue monitoring transportation as students settle into the new school year.
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