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Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2008 > March > 16
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Oakwood: Getting on the bus?
There was an interesting little story written by my colleague Kelli Wynn in the paper last week. Oakwood, it seems, may be buying its first ever school bus.
And they are none to happy about it.
Oakwood, as many GOTB readers know, is a small wealthy suburban district just over Dayton’s southern city limit. It is so small, in fact, that it has never had need for a bus. Most of the community’s homes are within a short walk from an elementary school and a slightly longer walk to the high school.
In fact, the lack of buses and easy walking is one reason why Oakwood schools rarely close for bad weather. You know its a real snowstorm if Oakwood is closed.
As with most districts, though, Oakwood does occassionally need to move students around. Until now it has gotten by using smaller vehicles, such as vans and sport utility vehicles.
But now the Ohio Department of Education has told Oakwood it must use a school bus for transporting students to neighboring communities for vocational classes not offered at Oakwood. If it doesn’t, the state will stop reimbursing the district with transportation dollars for those students. And the department says Oakwood will take on more liability risk by doing so.
Oakwood is a very fiscally careful school district. The use of more affordable and versatile SUVs in place of expensive school buses is an example of the districts frugality and creativity. But Ohio says in this case they have been a bit too creative.
What do you think of this debate? Should Oakwood be forced to buy its first ever school bus?
(Image credit: FreeFoto.com)
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