Charter school takes over transportation duties

WINONA, Minn. — Riverway Learning Community became the first charter school in the state to take on its own transportation services last week, taking delivery of a new 77-passenger school bus, Winona Daily News reports.

Public school districts are required to provide transportation to all eligible students living in the district, even students who attend charter schools. But providing its own transportation means the charter school can set its own routes and calendar.

Riverway plans to start school earlier this year, increase the length of the school day and restructure the school year to maximize five-day weeks. The charter school will also hire its own bus driver. Vans will pick up students who live off practical routes.