It’s been over 10 years since the Paola School District picked up kids who lived less than 2 1/2 miles from school. But that service may go back into effect soon. Superintendent Matt Meek says the issue comes up every few years. Families come to him and let him know they live just inside that zone and get missed by bus service. He says since Paola lost a taxi service and the trolley no longer takes kids to school, it is becoming more of an issue. Plus, residents in the northern part of Paola do not have sidewalk access to get to the school. Mees says four current bus routes could be added where in town stops could be made; however, families would have to pay for the service, but those with free or reduced lunch could not be charged, and that adds up to about 40 percent% of the student population.
Talk of letting the bus service handle it themselves, so that way the kids could be charged, was thwarted by some board members. They say they realize the financial burden but they would like to see the district come up with a way that provides free in-district bussing for students. No official decision has been made.
