District cuts special-needs bus routes

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville City Schools is cutting its special-needs bus routes to reduce costs, according to WAFF.

The news source reports that some parents whose children have special needs received a letter informing them that they will have to find another way for their kids to get to and from school.

The letter indicates that the state Department of Education allows a local board to make a payment to parents in lieu of transporting students where it is impractical to do so. The letter also notes that the school system does not have enough special-needs students to warrant the cost of transporting them.

Parents had until Feb. 19 to submit an acceptance form to be reimbursed for travel expenses beginning on March 8.

A spokesman for the school district told the news source that parents who have concerns with the transportation changes should contact the district’s special-education department.