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Parents say changes to school bus routes in Leon County is inconvenient

Posted at 5:22 PM, Aug 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-09 13:49:29-04

LEON COUNTY, Fla. — School is almost back in session in Leon County, but a change this school year has many parents reacting.

It's all about how students are getting to school.

This school year, some Leon County school buses will start to take a different route. Some parents say that change is inconvenient.

LCS says the change would only impact about 1,300 children out of the 34,000 students in the school system.

The new routes will take more efficient routes. That means some bus stops may change.

Courtesy bus stops, the ones that are within two miles of a middle or high school, will no longer exist.

LCS says a new system is routing these changes to cut down on the fuel and maintenance costs for buses.

"The routes are done by the computer. It's done to find the most efficient plans in the county. It's large and expansive but we understand that things will have a few speed bumps in the first week," said Chris Petley, LCS spokesperson. "But after that, everything will lay out and we'll get up to speed after that."

News of that change prompted many parents to talk about their concerns on Facebook.

One mom even said that the closest bus stop to her child is now a 19 minute walk.

LCS is hoping to have a final bus route out by the end of next week.

The school district is aware that there are issues with the changes. LCS said that since there has been added confusion and anxiety surrounding the move to a new bus routing software program, they will have a call center open Saturday and Sunday and all next week that can be reached at 850-488-2636.

Parents can also email communityinfo@leonschools.net with any questions.

LCS states they are working as fast as they can to address parents' concerns.