North Caldwell School Busing Switch: BOE Releases Subscription Totals For 2016-17

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — There are 399 students who will be entitled to busing for the 2016-17 school year in the North Caldwell district, officials say.

As the North Caldwell Public School District prepares for a switch to subscription busing next year, officials released the enrollment totals for the area, which had an application deadline of June 1.

“We are pleased in the first year of the program that the number of subscriptions was at the high end of our expectations based on our research into the experience of other districts,” school administrators stated in a July 24 email newsletter.

“There are 399 students who will be entitled to busing (consisting of 225 two-way subscribers, 43 one-way subscribers and 131 mandated),” administrators stated. “In comparison, this past year, 511 students were entitled to busing, although the actual utilization was far lower - the average ridership was only approximately 319 students.”

However, board members cautioned against comparing the two totals.

“First, the 399 includes one-way riders. Second, and more significantly, while we expect that next year a higher percentage of those entitled to busing will take it, we know that not everyone will do so. So, it is possible that there will be an impact on the carline, depending on how the actual utilization plays out. While it is theoretically possible that utilization would be very high and the carline will not be negatively impacted, the board cannot assume that will be the case. We have been proactive and actively preparing for the possibility that the carline will be longer. Frankly, we think that most parents would agree that there is a need to improve safety on the carline even if the utilization does not change.”

According to board members, administrators continue to meet with the Borough Council, Mayor's Office and police department to discuss steps that can be taken to promote student safety and have an efficient carline process.

“The collaborative attitude of all parties has allowed us to make significant progress together,” board members stated. “We expect that later next month, you will be hearing about improved procedures aimed principally at protecting our children.”

The North Caldwell Board of Education will hold a public meeting at 8 p.m. on Aug. 16 in the Grandview cafeteria where residents and parents can offer their input on the process.

SWITCH TO SUBSCRIPTION

Starting next school year, the North Caldwell Public School District will switch to subscription busing.

According to administrators, children who live more than two miles from their schools will continue to be eligible for free busing. But students who live less than two miles away will be required to pay a busing fee.

The cost of the new busing service is $450 per child for the school year, with a maximum charge of $1,000 per family, school administrators said.

• See related article: North Caldwell Switching To Subscription Busing: $450 Per Child

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com