Bus service will once again be rolling down the streets near Cass School District 63 schools, at least for next year.

After a one-year hiatus, District 63 is able to reinstitute its bus service to students for the 2008-09 school year, thanks to state funding request made by state Rep. Jim Durkin, R-82nd District, of Western Springs.

Last year, school officials cut $338,000 from District 63’s transportation fund, resulting in no bus service for the students to and from school. The two-school district serves Darien, Willowbrook, and unincorporated areas near Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove and Lemont.

While bus service will return next year, Superintendent Kerry Foderaro said it is a year-by-year issue.

“We’re extremely grateful to Rep. Durkin, to think about us last August when he pushed for the funding. Our money was definitely in limbo until this came through.” he said. “In the following year, the 2009 school year, as of now, we have no transportation, unless our fund situation changes. Until then, we’re going to take full use of this money and provide transportation. It’s a nice relief for the school.”

Foderaro said the district must use up all of its state granted money before looking at getting more to pay for the bus service. District 63 has reduced its budget by more than $2 million since 2006. Voters have shot down multiple attempts by the district to seek additional tax revenue via referendums in recent years, the last being in February.

As a state classified “common district,” District 63 is not mandated to provide transportation to the 950 students that attend Concord Elementary School and Cass Junior High. To retain bus service for the 2007-08 school year, up to seven programs would have been needed to be cut, a move School Board officials deemed too costly.
Cass Junior High Principal Paul Bleuher said he is relieved to see transportation restored.

“Well, it’s definitely good for the parents and kids to have transportation to and from school. It eases their concerns quite a bit, especially with the busy streets that are near the schools,” he said.

Foderaro said a bid will be placed in July with a bus company.
“July is going to be a very busy month. A competitive bid will be placed next week, and hopefully vendors will still be willing to bid on such short notice,” he said.