Andy Close
RUSSELL, Pa. – Warren County School District Transportation/Purchasing Manager Mike Kiehl laid out the potential costs for the remaining six reconfiguration options during Tuesday’s second public engagement session.
After Kiehl’s presentation, a number of citizens voiced their concerns on a wide range of issues when it comes to potential school reconfiguration.
“Our transportation is subsidized by the state,” Kiehl explained. “Sixty-nine percent of our transportation costs get returned to us in the form of a reimbursement subsidy. Last year, we spent about five million on transportation and we received 3.3 million in subsidy from the state.”
Listed below are the six plans and the total amount they would cost per year, after the subsidy reimbursement.
OPTION 1: Move all 9-12 students at Sheffield to Warren: $24,900
OPTION 2: Split Youngsville 9-12 students between Eisenhower and Warren: $104,000
OPTION 3: Create a K-12 school in Youngsville: No additional costs but reimbursement will increase by $2,000 due to additional riders.
OPTION 4: Move all 9-12 students at Sheffield to Warren and move all 9-12 students at Eisenhower to Youngsville: $117,000
OPTION 5: Make no changes to the current configuration: $0
OPTION 6: Adjust attendance area boundaries to redistribute students in a more equitable manner: $39,000
“In Mike’s plan, there would be a splitting of the K-8 runs from the 9-12 runs so everyone can get to school at the same time,” said Superintendent Amy Stewart.”
Kiehl did acknowledge that a majority of students would face longer bus rides.
“Yes, some kids will get smaller ride times, but as a whole, as you eliminate the number of schools you go to, kids will be on buses longer,” Kiehl said.
That raised some concerns for those in attendance, including in regard to busing for after-school activities.
“My question is do you run after-school activity buses? All the outlying schools, would that continue with these options?” Gladys Archer said.
At this time, there isn’t a definitive answer to that question, though Kiehl indicated that those buses would likely continue.
“My concern is equity,” Archer said. “If Child A’s parents have the time and vehicle, but Child B needs to rely on the public transportation provided by the after-school activity buses. That’s a question of equity now. We have to think about that. Extracurricular activities are what saves a lot of these kids.”
Stewart also indicated that this is something the school district would “figure out.”
