Changes coming to Moorhead Schools busing

(Moorhead, MN) -- A warning for those who have children that take the bus to Moorhead Area Public Schools.

Due to bus driver shortages, the Moorhead school board has finalized transportation changes for the 2022-23 school year.

A brief summary of the changes are below:

• Families living within 2 miles of Horizon Middle School or Moorhead High School, will not receive bussing. Elementary schools will keep the 1 mile radius.
• The number of students on some buses will increase from 55 to 70+.
• Rural Moorhead High School routes will be combined resulting in longer ride times.
• Private school families living within 2 miles of the school will not receive bussing. Private school routes will be combined with public school routes.

District Officials says families of students who will no longer receive bussing due to these changes will be notified directly by August 19th. 

"The district is working with the city to ensure safe crosswalks are available for students at major intersections," said Executive Director of Operations and Emergency Management Steve Moore in a statement released to WDAY Radio. “Student safety is our number one priority.”

As drivers become available, the district says it will add routes back as quickly as possible.

"The goal is to be back up to full capacity before winter," noted Moorhead Area Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak. Dr. Lunak says he recognizes the impact this has on families and says the district is exploring a before school program at the middle school to help ease the burden.

“Our desire is to limit impacts to students, families, staff and drivers. Until staffing improves, we ask for your patience, understanding and support.”