SBCSC gears up for new bus routes and other changes

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- August is fast approaching, which means back-to-school season is also fast approaching. One of the biggest tasks is getting students to school each day.

The South Bend Community School Corporation's (SBCSC) transportation will look different this year because the district drew new school boundaries, just one of many changes hitting the district this year.

"So, we are working really hard at transportation, we are finalizing our routes, we’re finalizing our opt-out forms," said SBCSC Superintendent, Dr. C. Todd Cummings. "We've sent out some letters in error, we've called those back. And so, we're going to work really hard today, up until the beginning of school to communicate really clearly about transportation."

Cummings is referring to incorrect letters sent out to many South Bend parents, saying their child may not have transportation, but the district says these are just a mistake! He says parents will get letters soon with their bus number and pick-up times. South Bend school leaders even said today they expect glitches the first couple weeks of school.

Other big changes coming to the district include new headquarters, SBCSC staff will now be housed at the former Brown Intermediate School.

It’ll also be the first year without Clay High School and Warren Elementary.

And finally, the dissolution of the South Bend empowerment zone. That means Coquillard, Harrison, Wilson Elementary plus Navarre Middle School will all merge back into the district.

"So, the district has three goals," Cummings said. "Making sure students are reading to grade level graduation, increasing high school graduation rates, and safe and secure schools. These meetings are part of making sure parents are informed about transportation, about academics, and about enrollment. We want to make sure with all the changes that we’ve had, that we're answering parents' questions and are ready for a smooth beginning to school."

There are two more parent meetings on Tuesday where questions will be answered.

The first on July 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Near Northwest Neighborhood on 1013 Portage Ave.

The second on later July 30, 6 p.m. at Howard Park, Farmer Room on 219 S. St. Louis Blvd.