Some high school students may have been forced to walk, catch a ride from a friend or parent, or even bike to their school in Hillsborough. Since 2019, the Board of Education only offered courtesy busing, busing for all students despite their homes distance from the school, for students up to sixth grade. The HHS and HMS students that lived within two miles of their school were forced to find a different method of transportation to get them to and from school.
However, at the December 16 board meeting, the lack of courtesy busing was raised as a major concern.
“I felt it was crucial to reinstate it as a commitment to our students and families,” Superintendent Michael Volpe said. “This adjustment allows us to provide transportation to more students, while ensuring their safety and timely arrival at school.”
The change, which is part of the district’s strategic plan, was implemented on January 2, the first day back to school from the 2024-2025 school year’s winter break. Courtesy busing was cut in the past due to budget constraints.
“The change has been relatively smooth with the exception of a few hiccups with buses,” Vice Principal Colin Simpson said.
Vice Principal Steven Jablonski shared that courtesy busing positively affected traffic at the high school. “It definitely led to less lines in the morning and less backup,” he said.
The new busing changes affected approximately 640 HHS students and 900 students in the district as a whole. Freshman Brandon Lopez who has not had a bus since sixth grade just began taking the bus once again. “The bus has helped because I am able to take it in the morning, and it’s really cold,” he said.
Senior Daniel Renaud agrees that riding the bus is a good option during the winter. “The new busing is very helpful for me,” Renaud said. “Busing provides a warm travel home and more opportunities to talk with my friends. I get home quicker and don’t feel frozen by the time I open my front door anymore.”
Others have had contrasting experiences with new bussing. Sophomore Durga Maheshsethulekshmi, who also recently started using the bus said,“I haven’t gone on it a lot, but I’d say that they can get better. They stop really far away from my house, so I am still walking,” he said.
Overall, the new courtesy busing has seemed to help many students, reduce traffic in the school parking lot, and improve organization, making it easier for students to get to school on time and in comfort.
“Having a bus is a blessing,” said junior Ciara Blair. “I no longer have to wake up one-two hours before school and walk in 10-degree weather.”
