Why is my child listed as a walker this year if they had a bus last year?
In previous years, CSDNB was sometimes able to provide courtesy transportation to students who lived within the Board of Education’s established walk zones when transportation resources and available seating allowed.
Due to significant budget constraints and increased transportation costs, the district is no longer able to continue this practice. For the 2026–2027 school year, transportation eligibility is being determined in accordance with Board of Education policy.
What are the district’s walk zones?
Under Board of Education policy, students are considered within walking distance when they live:
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0.5 mile or less from school for elementary students
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1.5 miles or less from school for middle school students
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2.0 miles or less from school for high school students
Students who live within these distances are considered walkers and are not eligible for district transportation unless transportation is otherwise required.
Why is the district ending courtesy transportation?
The district is facing significant budgetary constraints and increased transportation costs. While CSDNB was previously able to provide transportation beyond what was required under Board policy in some circumstances, the district no longer has the resources to continue providing these additional rides.
The district must use its available transportation resources to serve students who are eligible for transportation under Board policy and other applicable requirements.
Why am I only finding out about this now?
We understand the frustration, particularly for families who relied on transportation in previous years. Transportation information for the new school year was recently released based on each student's eligibility, and some families who previously received courtesy transportation may now see their child listed as a walker.
The district is communicating directly with impacted families to explain this change and recognizes that families may need to make different arrangements for the upcoming school year.
There is already a bus that comes down my street. Can my child ride it?
No. Transportation eligibility is based on Board of Education policy, not whether a bus travels nearby or has an available seat.
The previous practice of providing courtesy transportation when space was available is ending. Students who live within the established walk zone cannot be added to a bus simply because there may be an open seat.
My child's bus has empty seats. Why can't they continue riding?
Available seating does not determine transportation eligibility. Although empty seats previously allowed the district to accommodate some courtesy transportation requests, the district can no longer continue that practice.
Transportation assignments are now based on eligibility under Board policy and other applicable requirements.
Can I request an exception or courtesy ride?
The district is no longer able to provide courtesy transportation based on individual family circumstances. Transportation staff are required to apply the Board of Education's transportation policy consistently.
What if I do not have a car, have to work, or cannot walk my child to school?
We understand that the change may create a significant challenge for some families. Unfortunately, transportation eligibility cannot be determined based on individual family transportation arrangements. Eligibility is based on the Board-approved walking distances and other applicable transportation requirements.
What if I am concerned that my child's walk to school is unsafe?
If you have a specific concern about your child's walking route that you believe should be reviewed under Board policy, please contact the Transportation Office. Raising a safety concern does not automatically make a student eligible for transportation, but the district can review concerns in accordance with its established policies and procedures.
My child receives special education services. Are they still eligible for transportation?
Having an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or receiving special education services does not automatically make a student eligible for transportation if they live within the school's walk zone.
However, if transportation is specifically identified as a required related service in your child's IEP, that transportation will continue to be provided in accordance with the IEP.
If you believe your child's transportation assignment does not reflect transportation required by their IEP, please contact your child's school so the information can be reviewed.
What if I think the district has the wrong address or calculated my child's eligibility incorrectly?
If you believe your child's home address, school assignment, walking distance, or transportation designation is incorrect, please contact the Transportation Office. The district will review the information to ensure the transportation policy has been applied correctly.
Who should I contact with questions?
For questions about your child's transportation eligibility or if you believe there is an error in your child's transportation information, please contact the CSDNB Transportation Office at 860-827-2239.
We understand that this is a significant change for families who previously relied on courtesy transportation and appreciate your understanding as the district works to provide transportation fairly, consistently, and within the resources available.
