DPS students return to class with new bus transportation changes

DAYTON — Dayton Public School students started the school year Thursday with a new bus schedule.

>>PHOTOS: DPS School buses leave to pick up students on 1st day of school

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Big changes in store to get students to school in Dayton after previous system ‘caused strain’

As reported Thursday on News Center 7′s Daybreak, DPS Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence explained those bus changes.

News Center 7′s Xavier Hershovitz was at the DPS school barn as buses left just after 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Dr. Lawrence said drivers have practiced their bus routes over the last several weeks.

As News Center 7 back reported in April, the district is leaving behind its four-quadrant transportation system in favor of new north and south transportation zones.

Dr. Lawrence told Hershovitz that it gives families more school choices. He also credits it with an increase in enrollment.

“We’ve had an increase in enrollment of about 450 kids or so because parents are choosing between two zones now, not four quadrants,” he said. “It’s really a lot cleaner and simpler. So, we’re excited about that.”

He also said while there has been a focus on making this happen, there will be hiccups with anything new.

“I want parents to know that we’re trying to anticipate all those hiccups. We kind of have a strategy here that goes like this,” said Dr. Lawrence. “Don’t wait until you get the call. Think about what people are going to say and how they’re going to say it, and what glitches you might have.”

He told Hershovitz that he is making open communications with parents a major focus.

We will update this story.

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