In a controversial move, the Stoughton Public Schools district in Massachusetts has eliminated school bus service for 150 students, while continuing to provide busing for migrant students from recently arrived migrant families, citing financial pressures and a shortage of buses.
The decision has sparked outrage among Stoughton parents and students, who were notified last week that their children would no longer have transportation to school. The cutbacks come as the district grapples with budget constraints and a shortage of bus drivers.
According to a letter sent to parents by Superintendent of Schools Joseph Baeta, over 160 more students applied for bus transportation compared to the previous year, but the district has one less bus available due to budget limitations. Baeta emphasized that busing is not required for students in grades 7-12 in Massachusetts but is provided to students living in hotels and shelters.
Stoughton, MA, Cuts School Bus Service for Students, Citing Funding Shortages and Migrant Shelter Influx
However, the superintendent clarified that the arrival of migrant families is not the sole reason for the bus shortage. The district is utilizing state funding to provide transportation for students living in hotels/shelters, and this funding does not come from the operational budget.
Despite the district's explanation, many parents expressed dismay at the news. One parent questioned how their child was expected to walk 3 miles to and from school on a busy road. Another parent criticized the decision to cut services for Stoughton residents while providing transportation for migrant families.
Stoughton, MA, Cuts School Bus Service for Students, Citing Funding Shortages and Migrant Shelter Influx
The influx of migrants has been acknowledged as a contributor to financial pressures in Stoughton, according to the superintendent's March letter. The district has faced increased enrollment, including in the migrant student population, along with challenges in special education, transportation, and services for English Learners.
In a letter to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Stoughton Town Manager Thomas Calter stated that at least 237 migrant families had moved into the community, resulting in adverse impacts on the budget, economic development, and public safety.
Stoughton, MA, Cuts School Bus Service for Students, Citing Funding Shortages and Migrant Shelter Influx
The district highlighted that it is actively seeking additional state funding to address the transportation needs of all students. A virtual forum has been scheduled for Monday night to allow families to express concerns and ask questions.
However, the decision to prioritize transportation for migrant students over Stoughton residents has drawn criticism and raised questions about the district's commitment to equitable access to education.
Stoughton, MA, Cuts School Bus Service for Students, Citing Funding Shortages and Migrant Shelter Influx
