Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, students in the Auburn-Washburn district who live within two miles of their school will no longer receive free bus transportation. The Board of Education approved the transportation policy changes during a special meeting held by the transportation committee Monday May 12, 2025
Elementary students that live within two miles can opt for round-trip bus service by paying an annual family fee of $250. However, bus service will remain free for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act, students with an Individualized Education Plan that includes transportation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and students who attend a licensed daycare in the district with others from the same elementary school.
Elementary schools will also see a change in drop-off times, with parents now allowed to drop off students at 8:15 a.m. instead of 8:25 a.m. Crossing guards and bike racks will be installed at Auburn, Farley, Indian Hills, Pauline Central, and Pauline South elementary schools to support students who walk or bike. Other elementary schools will continue to ban walking and biking until further infrastructure is developed. The district will use neighborhood and centralized bus stops when possible, giving priority to licensed daycares, as well as kindergarten and first-grade students. All elementary schools offer before and after school programs, and parents are encouraged to contact their schools for more details.
For secondary students (grades 6-12) living within 2 miles, families may opt for after-school bus service for a $125 annual fee. Secondary school drop-off times will also be adjusted, with drop-offs allowed beginning at 7:15 a.m. instead of 7:25 a.m. The district plans to use neighborhood and centralized bus stops and is exploring before and after school programs for middle school students.
There are no changes to early childhood transportation at this time. Families must choose one designated transportation location, which may be different from their residence. Families with both elementary and secondary students will pay only one family fee of $250 for all students. Out-of-district families will pay $300 for round-trip bus service (elementary) and $150 for after-school service (secondary).
According to Kansas law, school districts must provide transportation to students who live more than 2.5 miles from school. The state reimburses the district about $550 per student in that category but provides no reimbursement for students living under 2.5 miles. The district also plans to review compensation for bus drivers and paraprofessionals to support recruitment and retention. Fees collected from transportation will go toward transportation-related needs such as crossing guards, compensation adjustments, and infrastructure improvements like sidewalks and bike racks.
Families must sign up for bus service by July 15, with payment due at the time of sign-up to reserve a student’s seat on the bus.
