Due to state budget reductions, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, Gaston County Schools elementary bus stops will change. 

With the state budget cuts, the school district is working to save money and at the same time make elementary bus routes more efficient.  In August 2009, GCS changed bus stops for middle and senior high schools to save money and there were no major problems. 

Having fewer stops will save GCS close to $200,000 a year, reduce the need to idle buses, and decrease bus trip time.  The school district can no longer afford for school buses to stop at every household. 

Under the new bus route plan, no elementary student will be required to walk further than one-fifth or two-tenths of a mile to a bus stop.  The new bus stop program reduces bus trip time by 15 percent.  The bus stop changes also will reduce the need to idle buses, which is much better for the environment and especially our children. 

School transportation officials carefully checked all bus stops this summer to ensure student safety.  Specific information about bus stops will be provided to parents during the Back-to-School Orientations and Open House programs in August.

Again, the elementary school bus stop changes will reduce school bus route time and help the school district to save money during extremely difficult budget times.