HONOLULU — A Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) proposal that would eliminate the need for 190 out of the 513 school buses statewide in an effort to save money was not approved at Tuesday’s state board of education meeting, The Garden Island reports.

Sixty-seven of the eliminated buses would result from route consolidations with no loss of service, but the removal of 123 other buses would discontinue service to about 7,500 students statewide. The department acknowledged that the proposal would increase staff workload, congestion at school drop-off and pickup areas, and possibly increase student tardiness and absenteeism.

The department will work to create a less severe recommendation, according to Randy Moore, DOE assistant superintendent. It will be considered at the board’s July 3 meeting or at a possible special committee meeting on June 19.

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