Proposal moves forward that would leave some students in Fall River Public Schools without bus transportation

The Fall River School Committee Policy Subcommittee voted 2-1 on Wednesday to advance a proposal that would increase the minimum distance required for students to qualify for school transportation.

Under the current guidelines, students in grades K-5 qualify for transportation if they live 1 mile or more from their neighborhood school. Students in grades 6-8 qualify if they live 1.5 miles or more from their school.

The proposed distance adjustments that are headed to the full School Committee on Monday are as follows:

-Students in grades K-5 qualify for transportation if they live more than 1.5 miles (walking distance) from either their neighborhood school or from another school to which they are assigned. 

-Students in grades 6-8 qualify for transportation if they live more than 2.0 miles (walking distance) from either their neighborhood school or from another school to which they are assigned. 

-Students assigned to Special Programs may qualify for transportation if they are attending a program which meets walking distance criteria. 

-Special Education students may be eligible for transportation based on state regulations which are not addressed by this policy. Such transportation accommodations are determined as part of the Team process. 

-Transportation requests must be submitted by qualifying families, annually. 

-Information regarding transportation services to all students who qualify would be communicated to the families of these students in late August. This information would include bus stop assignments and schedules. 

This revised policy would go into effect beginning in school year 2026 if approved. Students who qualified for transportation in SY2025, remain housed at the same address and remain in the same school or program, will continue to be eligible for transportation. 

The district’s transportation costs have nearly doubled from $8 million in 2021 to nearly $15.9 million in 2025, however School Committe member Collin Dias, the lone no vote, has concerns with the current proposal.

“I voted against it because I believe this change was rushed, lacked parent input, and poses safety and equity concerns for many families. The full School Committee will take it up on Monday, and I will continue to oppose it unless these issues are properly addressed. Our focus should remain on supporting student attendance, safety, and access—not creating new barriers for families.”

Monday’s meeting will take place at the Durfee High School Auditorium at 5:30 p.m.