1 mile added to walking distances at Colo. district

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Some students who used to take the bus will be walking or finding another way to school this year.

Mesa County Valley School District 51 has expanded walking distances for all students by one mile for the 2012-13 school year. That means school bus service will be provided for elementary students who live more than two miles from school and for middle and high school students who live more than three miles from school.

District officials said the change is “the result of further budget reductions the district is facing.” They added that all federal statutes will still be observed for special-education students with transportation needs.

Also, hazards are being taken into account, which may mean that some students who are within the new boundaries will be eligible for transportation. The district provided a form that parents with specific concerns about walking routes could use to provide input to the transportation director.

Other recent news related to walking distances:

• School bus services restored at Calif. district

• N.Y. district’s walking distance unchanged following vote