Hazlet Schools To Eliminate Courtesy Busing For 2026-27 School Year

HAZLET, NJ — The Hazlet Township Public School District is set to eliminate courtesy busing for the 2026-27 school year, Superintendent Scott Ridley recently announced.

The decision to eliminate courtesy busing comes in the midst of budget season, as school districts across New Jersey prepare their budget plans for the upcoming school year.

In Hazlet, the district is set to receive a $381,506 (or 6%) increase in state aid compared to 2025-26.

In total, Hazlet Schools will see $6,739,947 from the state in funding.

• Read More: NJ State Aid: See How Much Hazlet Township Schools Will Get

Despite this increase in aid, Ridley said the district has still been faced with significant budget challenges due to “unprecedented rising health and prescription costs” this year and in the coming year.

Because of these rising costs and financial challenges, the district will eliminate courtesy busing for 2026-27 to help balance the budget.

“While we have been fortunate enough to not compromise any of our educational priorities, we have nonetheless been compelled to make some fiscal adjustments in order to balance our budget and move the district forward come the 2026-27 school year,” Ridley said. “As such, we will be eliminating courtesy busing come September in order to balance our bottom line.”

While the district will be eliminating courtesy busing for the upcoming school year, Ridley said the district will continue to transport students across Routes 35 and 36, as well as over the Garden State Parkway.

Additionally, subscription busing will be available for parents who are interested in that option. Subscription bus applications can be found here.

To check if your student qualifies for transportation in the 2026-27 school year, you can refer to the Eligibility By Street Guide.

On April 27 at 7:30 p.m., the Hazlet Township Board of Education will conduct a public hearing on the budget for the 2026-27 school year at Raritan High School.

To learn more, you can visit the Hazlet Township Public School District website.

Related

• NJ State Aid: See How Much Hazlet Township Schools Will Get