In an effort to reduce costs during the current unprecedented reduction in school funding, Friendswood ISD is reducing its transportation services for the 2011-2012 school year.
            At the regular meeting of the Friendswood ISD School Board on Monday, June 13, the Board took action that reduced or eliminated transportation services for some FJH and FHS students.  There were no changes made in service eligibility for elementary or intermediate students.
            For FJH students, no services were eliminated.  However, walk to stop distances may increase for students living nearest the FJH campus in the Falcon Ridge, Eagles Lakes, Sandy Lakes, and Lakes of Falcon Ridge areas.  Instead of eliminating service to those areas, every effort will be made to continue providing transportation services with a minimum of additional miles to the bus routes.
            For FHS students, some service has been eliminated.  Those students living nearest FHS, in the area bounded by FM 2351, Sunset, FM 528, Chigger Creek, and the Brazoria County line, transportation service has been eliminated.
In the area between Sunset, FM 2351, FM 518, and FM 528, walk to stop distances may increase to minimize bus mileage that is not reimbursed by the State.
            “Every effort has been made to continue providing service in those areas with the greatest use, and to keep as much money available to the classroom as possible,” Transportation Director Mike Jones said.
            With the start and dismissal times for the k-5 grade Westwood Bales campus being at 8 am and 3 pm, routes for those  k-5 grade students will run together.  Most morning routes were currently combined for the two schools this past year.  The remainder of the morning routes and all of the afternoon routes will be combined for the 2011 – 2012 school year when the two campuses will be one k-5 campus. 
            Some stops may be moved between routes to accommodate the new loads, but the majority of routes will remain very similar to last year.  The District is encouraging students to use the transportation service when possible to avoid any congestion around the Westwood and Bales buildings.
            Specific routing information along with all bus and stop information will be available on the District’s transportation website in late July.