Bus Transportation

No. This is a temporary measure. The School Committee will reevaluate transportation routes as soon as a staffing solution is in place, and transportation will be restored for affected students as the district is able.

We understand this is frustrating, and we want to be straightforward about why it's not a quick fix. Nantucket's biggest obstacle is geography: to get licensed to drive a school bus, a candidate has to leave the island to complete training and testing, which makes local recruiting difficult. 

We have been pursuing every avenue we can find, including conversations with the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority, the Town of Nantucket, and a public procurement bid for transportation management services for our district. We're hopeful these efforts will pay off, but realistically, a permanent solution is unlikely to be in place before the school year begins.

Eligibility depends on where a family lives relative to the two-mile zone. Students within the zone will not have bus service and should follow the walking/biking guidelines. Students outside the zone will still have bus service. Building principals will be reaching out directly with more specific information for affected families.

The zone is measured by actual walking route, not straight-line distance. All students who will ride the bus must be registered in the Aspen Family Portal, regardless of distance from school, or they will not be permitted to board. Families of K-6 students living outside the two-mile zone should register in Aspen Family Connection as soon as possible; the deadline is Friday, September 4. Buses will have monitors on board to confirm that only registered, eligible students are riding.

Eligible students will receive notification from their school and will be assigned a bus route. Only students with an assigned route may ride the bus. Families with questions may contact their child’s school directly. A transportation table will also be available during your child’s Meet and Greet.

We know this is difficult, and we understand it doesn't feel fair when siblings are treated differently. Bus eligibility is based on grade and the two-mile zone, not on household, so it's possible for one child in a family to qualify for the bus while a sibling falls within the walking/biking zone. We have to apply the policy consistently across the district.

Yes, after-school activities and athletics may be affected. Specific details are still being finalized, and the Athletic Director will communicate directly with student-athletes and their families as soon as those plans are set.

If your child's IEP or 504 plan currently includes transportation, nothing changes. That service continues without interruption, as required by law. If you have questions about your child's specific plan, please contact Dr. Debra Gately, Director of Student Services, at gatelyd@npsk.org.

Yes. Bike racks are available at our schools, and our usual start-of-school supervision, which is especially attentive for our youngest students, will be in place as always.

We recognize this change may increase traffic at drop off and pick up. We're adding extra supervision, signage, and support from our School Resource Officers to help manage traffic flow and keep students safe.

Yes. The Wave stops across the street from our schools, and students can ride free of charge.

Yes, the district encourages carpooling as one option for affected families.

Yes. Cape Cod Collaborative, the district's transportation contractor, is actively hiring drivers. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Cape Cod Collaborative directly at capecodcollaborative.schoolspring.com.

New drivers of large school buses earn $50 per hour for a minimum of two hours per shift. Training is paid, and training-related expenses are covered.

As soon as possible. Once a staffing solution is reached, the School Committee will convene to reevaluate transportation routes. 

Families can help by being patient and allowing extra time at drop off and pick up, having their student(s) walk or bike to school, or arranging a neighborhood carpool if able. Please also diligently follow school instructions for pick up and drop off to keep things running smoothly.