Our district, like so many, needed to find savings in the annual school budget this year. So this summer, they took a hard look at the bus routes and determined they could make some changes and cut several hundred thousand dollars from the operating budget. Patrons took it hard -- kids would have to walk farther to their stops, there would be fewer stops, schedules would change... change is always hard on people.
We all weighed in, and a few changes were made that helped ensure safety for our students. In our case, the middle school stop is still at the top of the subdivision, up a large hill and the elementary stop is around the corner rather than within shouting distance of our home.
But our middle schoolers gave it some thought, cased out the area and asked if they could purchase a lock and ride their bikes to and from the stop each day. We thought it was a great idea and got a few lock choices. (Nevermind that they lock up to a large bush!) This change started with them thinking about the situation, coming up with a creative solution, and now has given them extra exercise and an invigorating ride down the hill in the afternoon, which is beneficial in many ways. We walk our elementary student to and from the stop up and around the corner, and enjoy extra time to visit with her along with some of our neighbors.
Change usually offers an opportunity if you look at it that way... the blessing of bus budget cuts has provided us with additional exercise, chances for conversation and more resources that can be used in the classroom -- and everyone wins!
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