Dear EBR Families,
As we continue to make adjustments to rectify issues in our transportation system, we want to update you on our progress and improvements.
School Schedules:
Beginning this school week of Aug 21-25, all schools will open on time and classes will begin on the regular schedule. However, high schools and middle school classes will end at 1:25 pm and elementary schools (inclusive of Education Campuses serving students in grades PK-8) will dismiss at the regular 3:25 pm time. This staggered schedule will allow our limited bus operators to provide transportation to all students in several shifts as we work to augment our bus fleet and operator ranks.
Bus Operators and Routes:
Our transportation teams continue working daily on logistical shifts to our bus routing system, which is a crucial element in correcting and streamlining the system. We are consulting with outside logistical experts to aide in the facilitation of this process.
Related to the concerns of our bus operators, Dr. Narcisse has scheduled a meeting with all operators on Monday to share solutions to many of their challenges in the short and long terms. We have also taken a variety of approaches including the engagement of government and private business leaders to recruit additional bus mechanics to repair inoperable buses in our fleet.
The EBRPSS Board has approved funding for early care for all 43 elementary school campuses, and school leaders are working on implementation guidance for before and after-care programming that we anticipate beginning no earlier than Wednesday of this week for those who need to drop children off early at school. It is important to note that some schools already have before and after-care programs that are currently being facilitated. School leaders are currently crafting that guidance, and we will share those details with you early this school week.
We have also proposed a special board meeting for this Thursday to authorize a change in school start times. If approved, this meeting will serve two purposes:
1. An opportunity for the District to p