Transportation Changes

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES – EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014

Significant changes to the transportation provided by the Punxsutawney Area School District for students that ride different buses on bus passes have been made. These changes are being done to ensure the safety of all students riding the buses.

AM and PM Bus Stop Assignments

Effective January 1, 2014, students will only be permitted to have one (1) AM bus stop and (1) PM bus stop assignment subject to the exceptions discussed below which can be requested through the Transportation Director on a case-by-case basis. In the past, we have been extremely generous in accommodating almost every schedule requested; but because of student safety issues and the significant number of students transported each day, we can no longer provide that level of flexibility for parents. To request a change to this one stop, please fill out the Student Transportation Form.

The Punxsutawney Area School District recognizes families in our district are faced with work, childcare and custody constraints, and for that reason will consider written requests for an individual stop alternative for these reasons. The Alternative Bus Stop Request needs filled out for this change. Please understand that requests will only be granted under the exceptions discussed above and will be subject to the following limitations:

• No more than one alternative stop will be allowed.
• The request must be accompanied by a two week or yearly advance schedule.
• The schedule must be fixed.
• Custody arrangements must be supported by a written custody agreement.
• There must be available capacity on the bus that the alternate request is being made.
• The alternate stop must be on an existing route. We will not alter the existing bus route to accommodate the request.

Student Drop for Students in Grade K through Grade 3

Starting on January 1, 2014, students in Grade K through Grade 3 will not be left off the bus in the afternoon unless an adult/older sibling is present at the bus stop. Parents may waive this requirement and have their student dropped off without an adult/older sibling present by signing the required section on the Student Transportation Form  and returning this form to the school. Students will be returned to their child’s school where parents will be required to pick them up. 

Summary of Changes

• As Needed Bus Passes will no longer be accepted as of January 1, 2014.

• All students will have only one (1) AM stop and (1) PM stop. This stop will stay in effect until a new request form is received.  *Please Note* - Bus Stops will continue to be evaluated each year and are subject to change at any time. Stops for Elementary Routes are different than stops for Secondary Routes.

• One alternative stop may be allowed but must be on a fixed schedule and on an existing route.

• Daily bus passes may be allowed for existing bus stops on existing routes only depending on the reason for the stop.

• Students in Grade K through Grade 3 must have an adult/older sibling present at the bus stop before they will be dropped off.

We would like to thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We understand that changes are difficult and may have a significant impact on your family. If you have questions, please contact Kelly Surkala - Transportation Director ([email protected]) at 814-938-5151 x1116.