SCS Hoping to Retain Interest in Clubs Despite Busing Changes

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - The move to one bus run at Schoharie Central School may create some challenges for high school advisors to maintain interest in the numerous clubs at the school.

After having two bus runs in the past few years, the district is switching back to one bus run with the school day starting at 8am and ending at 2:34pm. This matches most of the neighboring districts and schools in the Capital District.

Schoharie has built up a big interest in clubs, activities, and intramurals in the past few years, Superintendent David Blanchard. Clubs met during a "flex" period, which was the last period of the day.

Officials do not want the interest in clubs to wane this school year, he told school board members at their August meeting.

In order to maintain that interest, the district is planning two late buses for after-school activities and they will still run the 5:30pm bus for athletics, Mr. Blanchard said.

"We are hoping there will be enough interest generated," he told board members. If not, officials may have to look at a mid-day flex period to maintain participation for clubs and activities. "That remains to be seen."

The transition to one bus run will take some time, he added.

"It's going to be a challenge for a few days, but there is always a challenge, but once we get into the flow of one bus run will be better," Mr. Blanchard said.

The number of bus runs have been reduced but there was still a need for two more drivers, as of mid-August, Mr. Blanchard added, "Two more drivers would be ideal. We have the buses."

Mr. Blanchard also noted that because of the shift to one bus run and one start time for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, as well as a general trend of having more families in recent years drop off students in the morning in their personal vehicles, officials anticipate a very busy first few mornings of school.

To ensure the safety of students and families, officials outlined the following busing instructions and suggestions:

Allow for an extra 10 minutes before and after the scheduled pick-up time, as bus drivers get used to new routes.

Elementary students will be required to sit in the front of the bus. High School students will be required to sit in the back of the bus. If younger and older siblings wish to sit together, they may do so in the middle of the bus.

Buses will hold students in the parking lot until 8 a.m.

The 3:30pm late bus run will start later in September. More details will be available later. The 5:30pm late bus will begin on September 5.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will not be released from a bus in the afternoon unless there is an adult present at the drop-off location.

For more on student busing, please visit the district transportation page on the district website.