Jerome, Idaho, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Jerome School District halted classes for two days to address serious bus transportation problems affecting students’ timely arrivals home. Many students faced delays, while a sudden increase in bus ridership led to confusion and overcrowding. Parents voiced frustration over the situation, prompting the district to implement restrictions on bus riders. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss solutions and ensure safer and more reliable transportation for the upcoming school year.
Jerome, Idaho – The Jerome School District has canceled classes for two days as it works to resolve significant bus transportation issues that have affected the start of the 2023 school year. Classes were halted on Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22, allowing the district to address ongoing struggles with its transportation system.
The transportation chaos came to light when many students were left stranded well past their scheduled drop-off times, some not returning home until after 6:30 p.m., hours after the school day had concluded. A newly redesigned routing system, paired with an increase in bus ridership from 950 to 1,300 students, resulted in a disorganized environment that led to overcrowding and confusion.
Frustrated parents spoke out about the situation, referring to it as an “absolute fiasco.” The cancellation of classes underscored the need for immediate solutions as families opted to drive their children to school themselves, resulting in long lines of cars waiting to drop off students at various school locations.
Changes to Bus Routing System
Starting the week of August 25, only those students with confirmed bus routes will be permitted to ride the buses. The district has put this restriction in place to ensure more secure and predictable transportation for students. For those without confirmed bus routes, they will remain at school until their parents can pick them up.
Some parents reported that inconsistencies in bus service eligibility disqualified their registered children from using the bus, leaving them with limited options for school transportation. The Jerome School District has not clarified the reasons behind these sudden changes in bus eligibility.
Upcoming Meetings and Adjustments
A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 6 p.m. at the district office, where school officials will discuss these transportation issues with concerned parents. Meanwhile, schools are actively reaching out to parents to verify addresses and ridership information to improve the accuracy of bus routes.
No new bus riders will be added during the upcoming week as routines are established for current students. Parents are encouraged to adhere to new pick-up and drop-off patterns, which include designated zones and traffic lane adjustments specific to various schools.
Walking Zones and Safety Measures
The school district has also set a new walking zone around schools at half a mile, with exceptions for crossings on major roads around Jerome High School, extending this zone to a mile. This measure aims to enhance safety for students walking to and from school.
The updated bus routes and stops can now be accessed on the Jerome School District’s website, where parents can find essential information regarding their children’s transportation. Horizon Elementary School has specifically requested parents to utilize the designated drop-off and wait lines efficiently, reminding them to park correctly if they choose to leave their vehicles.
Conclusion
The Jerome School District is working promptly to rectify the transportation issues that have disrupted the start of the academic year. Efforts are being made to stabilize routines, ensure safety, and provide a reliable system for students commuting to school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why were classes canceled in Jerome?
- Classes were canceled to address significant transportation issues that left many students stranded after school hours.
- What changes are being implemented for bus riders?
- Only registered students with confirmed bus routes will be allowed on buses starting the week of August 25.
- Will new riders be accepted during the upcoming week?
- No new riders will be added while the existing bus routes are established and stabilized.
- What is the new walking zone policy?
- The walking zone is now set at half a mile, with exceptions extending to a mile around major crossings near Jerome High School.
- When will the meeting regarding transportation issues take place?
- The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 6 p.m. at the district office.
Key Features of the Transportation Issues
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Class Cancellations | Classes canceled on August 21 and 22 due to transportation problems. |
| Transportation Issues | Bus riders increased from 950 to 1,300, causing delays and confusion. |
| New Policies | Only registered students with confirmed bus routes allowed as of August 25. |
| School Meeting | Transportation issues to be discussed on August 26 at 6 p.m. |
| Walking Zones | Half-mile walking zone with exceptions for one-mile around major crossings. |
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Additional Resources
- KIVI TV: Jerome Students Return to Classes
- Wikipedia: School Transportation
- KMVT: School District Addresses Transportation Issues
- Google Search: Jerome School District Transportation Issues
- Magic Valley: Jerome School District Transportation Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- KTVB: Jerome School District Cancels Classes Due to Bus Issues
- Google News: Jerome Idaho School Issues
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