May 4, 2012

Dear Parents and Guardians:

As we close out the 2011-12 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the improvements we are making to our school transportation. We are working hard to streamline processes and reduce operating costs.

Recently, a Transportation Task Force was established to review our transportation processes and current bus routes, and make recommendations for cost-saving changes. As a result of their recommendations, we will be making changes to bus routes for the 2012-13 school year. This will save the school system $5 million, which will be put back into the classrooms. More importantly, these changes will help to improve overall service while better serving all students and families. Our ultimate goal is to create a safer and more sustainable system that best meets our school system’s long-term needs.

The changes are as follows: 

• The maximum walking distance between residences and bus stop locations for all students is now one-half mile (.5); 
• Walk zones have been adjusted at approximately 24 schools; and
• In some cases, middle and high school students will share bus rides, a common practice in some neighboring districts.

We will continue to provide transportation to specialty programs.

In the coming days, you will receive a letter indicating your child’s bus stop location, pickup and return times, and bus route number for next school year. We are sharing this information with you well in advance to make you aware of the upcoming changes and provide ample time to share any concerns prior to the new school year. For a complete list of the 2012-2013 school bell times and other important information, please visit our website at www1.pgcps.org.

Please contact 301-952-6570 to share any concerns. We will do our best to address your questions. Thank you for your ongoing support of Prince George's County Public Schools.

Best regards,

William R. Hite, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Download PDF.