Gifted program students denied school bus
NEW YORK CITY — The city’s Department of Education has provided MetroCards instead of a school bus for 17 Brooklyn fifth-graders commuting to a local school to participate in a program for gifted students. Parents argue that the children are too young to get to school alone via public transit, but a department spokesperson said none of the students was eligible for an exception. To read the full story, click here.

Residents petition to move bus stop
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. — Richland Township residents petitioned for a change in location of a school bus stop because of its proximity to an adult bookstore, a burned-out building and a high-traffic road. District officials were sympathetic to the request but said the fact that the streets are privately owned prevented them from moving the stop. To read the full story, click here.

Drivers vote to join union
SAVANNAH, Ga. — An estimated 400 bus drivers, monitors and technicians employed by First Student for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools voted to join the Teamsters Local 728. Union organizers said workers have identified better insurance benefits and higher wages as priorities in negotiating a new contract. To read the full story, click here.