For most if not all of those associated with special needs transportation in some form, the decision to enter the profession was lead by a passion to help others. But, when reality sets in and budgets shrink with each school year, trans- porters of students with disabilities find it more difficult to fulfill the promises they have made to themselves and the students they support. Close to 380 people submitted responses to this year’s special needs survey, with a little more than 300 completing the entire survey. And al- though budgets may be beginning to level out sooner than later, the number of students being serviced has yet to level out.


REBOUNDING ECONOMY? WHERE? For many of the respondents, the economic down-


grade over the last few years, even with its current upswing, has had a negative effect on special needs transportation services. Consolidated runs, collabora- tions with adjoining school districts and relocation of special needs programs were just a few examples of how districts are attempting to keep buses running for their special needs students. “We are maximizing efforts at consolidating runs,


identifying [least-restrictive environment] ridership on regular buses, reducing aides to essentials and working with case managers for most efficient placements,” said Doug Geller, a transportation director for Clark County (Nev.) School District. But for some, even the smallest reductions can have


the biggest effects. For Joint Council for Economic Opportunity Head Start in Franklin County, N.Y., the elimination of only two bus runs represented a decrease in ridership by 40 percent. Tis could have a profound effect on meeting the federal rules that mandate special needs students must make up at least 10 percent of the Head Start student population at any given agency. “We service an extremely rural population, and this


resulted in several families being unable to have their children attend Head Start,” said Dennis Lewis, the pro- gram’s transportation coordinator. In all, 54.5 percent of the survey contributors saw


an increase in the number of special needs riders, and 7.7 percent experienced a decrease. Meanwhile, 37.8 percent said they saw no change. Some districts only re- alized increases under 10 percent, but for more than a handful, the numbers are hitting 20 to 25 percent, and even a 50 percent increase for some. But instead of cut- ting services, some districts are cutting personnel. “Budget cuts are affecting my ability to have enough


0-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%


What percentage of your special needs students ride on general education routes?


11.7% 10.9 % 56.6% 20.9%


Has the number of special needs students: 7.7%


54.5%


37.8%


Increased


Decreased


No Change www.stnonline.com 37


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