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Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
No such thing as a free ride
Fees due for GHS transportation
By Rachael Ackerman
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By Rachael Ackerman
Herald Editor
They say there is no such thing as a free lunch, well, now at GHS there is no such thing as a free ride.
While transportation to and from school has long been considered an annual staple provided by the district for families, the skyrocketing cost of fuel has forced many school districts throughout the nation to start charging students who ride the bus – Galt included.
Beginning with the opening of school, today students in the Galt Joint Union High School District will be required to pay $180 per year for bus services to and from either the campus at Galt High School or Estrellita Continuation High School.
Students may pay by the semester at $95 per semester, or they may purchase punch cards for $30 each that are worth 20 one-way trips.
Compared to surrounding districts, Galt’s transportation fees remain lower than average. Elk Grove families now pay $225 per year for transportation for the first rider, and other districts charge as much as $300 per year.
As separate districts, these fees only apply to students in the high school district and do not apply to riders in Galt’s elementary school routes.
Much like the district’s free and reduced meal program, students who qualify will receive transportation fee waivers. The district will use the same household income indicators as the meal program to determine eligibility. Families who believe they qualify are encouraged to apply.
Approved by the board in April 2008, the fee will take effect the 2008-09 school year and is scheduled to become a permanent part of district transportation plans.
“At this time we do not see the fees going away as prices continue to rise for gasoline and other transportation expenses,” said District Chief Business Official Audrey Kilpatrick. “And we don’t see that situation stabilizing anytime soon.”
When it comes to alternatives, the district said issuing transportation fees is in keeping with its commitment to keep budget cuts away from the academic classroom.
“We don’t know any other way,” said Kilpatrick. “The only other alternatives at this point are to reduce school services and/or personnel.”
Although mandatory, Kilpatrick said no student who shows up to get a ride to school would be turned down. Instead, the district has allowed for a 10-day period at the start of the school year for all families to get signed up and paid for transportation.
At the end of that time period, students who do not have student body cards with transportation privileges that board buses will be reported to the district for non-compliance.
“We will always take the kids on the bus. We’re not going to refuse students if they don’t have a pass,” said Kilpatrick. “What we will do is communicate with the parents, always with the adults to try to get the students on line with the transportation fees.”
Kilpatrick said the district has already received a number of applications and fees as a result of early distribution of schedules and other required information last week.
“After the first few days of school we will be asking those families that still need assistance in getting signed up for transportation to visit the district offices on C Street,” said Kilpatrick. “We will continue to work cooperatively with the parents, students and the community to ensure that all students are provided the opportunity for a successful academic experience.”
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