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The School Code says when a school district provides transportation for its own students, it must provide transportation for nonpublic students.
The confusion arises where public districts are starting their year virtually and therefore not busing their own students.
Jason Budd, deputy secretary for government relations for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s office of education, told KYW Newsradio that many suburban districts are planning not to bus nonpublic students to in-person instruction.
“There are numerous districts who are informing us that they are planning on not busing our students because they are opting for a virtual online experience and a non-campus experience,” Budd said. “The current number is in the dozens.”
Budd said a virtual start doesn’t exempt school districts from their responsibilities.
“They are choosing to opt for an online experience,” he said. “They’re not choosing to not serve their students with busing. No different than when they close their campus for, let’s say, a Jewish holiday but bus our kids because we’re open.”
In Upper Dublin, the year is starting virtually. Superintendent Steven Yanni told KYW Newsradio his district is not transporting about 400 nonpublic students to 40 schools — he said it’s a safety issue because sufficient social distancing isn’t possible on buses.
The Pottsgrove School District reportedly eliminated busing, furloughing 40 workers.
The Philadelphia School District does plan to continue transporting nonpublic students to their schools.
“If schools are open, we will provide service to them,” said spokeswoman Monica Lewis.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has been urging parents to sign an online petition that asks the state to ensure transportation for nonpublic students.
Gov. Wolf told reporters Monday the state is working with schools to find a solution.
“I think it’s a real issue. I can’t say that we have the final answer yet,” he said.
A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Education Department said the state is reviewing the transportation issue and plans to release guidance as soon as possible.