Parents and students in a school district near Boston were notified last week that they would not have school bus service due to a lack of funds and a shortage of buses.
The 150 students attending Stoughton Public Schools must find alternative transportation before the academic year begins on September 4, according to a report by the Boston Herald. This announcement coincides with the state’s recent decision to fund buses for the children of more than 200 migrant families who have recently settled in the area.
“Regrettably, for the 2024-2025 school year, 150 secondary students who requested bus service could not be accommodated,” wrote Superintendent of Schools Joseph Baeta in a letter to parents. “Families who will not receive bus transportation were informed this week, while those who will receive transportation will get their bus information the week of August 19.”
The letter acknowledged the disappointment and frustration among families who were denied bus service and sought to explain the situation. The superintendent noted that over 160 more students applied for bus transportation compared to the previous year, but budget constraints have reduced the number of available buses. Additionally, there is a shortage of bus drivers.
While Massachusetts does not require transportation for students in grades 7-12, the district is obligated to provide busing for students living in hotels and shelters. However, the superintendent clarified that the arrival of migrant families in Stoughton is not responsible for the bus shortage.
“We are using state-provided funding to bus students living in hotels and shelters,” the letter explained. “This funding is separate from our operational budget. It’s inaccurate to suggest that the busing of these children is why others are not receiving transportation. Without state funding, we would not have these two additional buses.”
However, in a March letter, the superintendent noted that the influx of migrant families had contributed to financial pressures, including increased enrollment, special education needs, transportation, and services for English Learners.
The district acknowledged that it could not provide additional bus service but announced a virtual forum on Monday night for families to voice concerns or ask questions.
“Our priority has been retaining teaching staff and supporting the large influx of students this year, including providing necessary English Learner services,” he wrote. “We have had to adjust our budget to accommodate this increase, and the situation remains fluid as we seek additional state funding.”
Some parents expressed their frustration on Facebook.
“How are 150 Stoughton students supposed to get to school now? We just found out YESTERDAY that our son, along with 149 other students, lost their bus seat,” one parent wrote. “They didn’t even offer an alternative option like paying for a ride, which we would do because we have ZERO way to get our son to school. This town is disgusting me. So my kid is supposed to walk 3 miles to and from school straight up route 138!?! We live basically in North Easton. What are all these families supposed to do!? Unbelievable.”
“Stoughton, MA has cut bus service for students just last week,” another parent said. “They are telling parents to arrange transportation. The town has 237 migrant families, and they are all guaranteed bus service. So the cuts to bus service for students affect only legal Stoughton residents. Schools requested a 7.1% increase in funding for this year & got it. Migrants are causing financial strain, says Town Manager. Two buses will be dedicated to migrants only.”
In February, Stoughton Town Manager Thomas Calter wrote a letter to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, stating that the arrival of at least 237 migrant families was having an “adverse impact” on the community’s budget, economic development, and safety.
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