Photo from the BESD Transportation website Student’s Input on the Proposed Schedules of the 2023 School Year Due to a few bussing issues, the Box Elder School District is considering 2 options for the 2023 to 2024 school year’s schedule to alleviate this concern.
The bussing issues are a touchy subject. According to the video sent out by Superintendent Carlson, a shortage of bus drivers is causing too many students to be on one bus at a time. By forcing secondary schools and elementary schools to be picked up on the same route. Drivers are not able to make double runs for secondary and elementary schools due to them getting out around the same time. Many students are also on the bus for too long; some students spend 40 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes on one trip. With 60 percent of the district's population (7,432 students) depending on transportation by bus to and from school, the district came up with two possible solutions to solve these issues. According to the video, the change of the start and end times for secondary and elementary schools should make it so that bussing issues are minimal. For instance, with one starting earlier than the other by about an hour to give bus drivers enough time to make double runs; one run for secondary schools and one for elementary schools. This will eliminate the problems of too many students on one bus and long routes, altogether making the bus ride safer for students. Option one is that all secondary schools will begin earlier than all elementary schools. The schedule would be the following. BRHS & BEHS -- 7:30am to 2:13pm BRMS & BEMS -- 7:40am to 2:23pm ACHI & ACYI -- 7:50am to 2:33pm Elementary (K-5th) -- 8:55am to 3:15pm Option 2 would be the opposite. With elementary schools beginning earlier than secondary schools. The schedule would be the following. BRHS & BEHS -- 8:30am to 3:13pm BRMS & BEMS -- 8:40am to 3:23pm ACHI & ACYI -- 8:50am to 3:33pm Elementary (K-5th) -- 7:45am to 2:05pm Each schedule would have its effect on students and their families. Camron Norton, a sophomore at Bear River High, said “7:30am to 2:13pm works better. [then later time] With all the sports I play, if we got out of school at 3:13, we’d be practicing until like midnight! Also with young mens I wouldn’t have time for anything!” He is one of many students involved in school sports and clubs. Adrain Flores, also a sophomore at Bear River, said, “I wouldn’t get home until around 7pm after sports and extracurriculars, then I would have homework and chores. That leaves zero time to spend with my family if I want to get to bed at a decent time.” Option 1 is a better choice for many students with busy schedules after school. However, many students are open to option 2. Alyssa Cristan is a senior at BRHS; even though she won’t be a part of the 2023 school year she still gave her opinion on the situation. “ Option 2 is clearly a good choice, teenagers function and learn better later in the day when they are fully awake. It is scientifically proven.” According to an instagram poll of 129 students, 75 agreed with Alyssa. Although no decision has been made, more information is to come in the near future. A meeting will be held in a few weeks with the school board and school council committee. Where they would discuss the comments and input for the proposed solutions to the bussing issues. The 2023 school year is upcoming and full of great opportunities for students, families, and teachers with the great chance to start off with something new. Article Written by: Janessa Esquivel
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