Proposed Bell Schedule Changes - 2024-2025 School Year

Dear Cumberland County Schools Families & Staff,

We're reaching out to inform you about potential changes to the bell schedules at several elementary schools in our district, effective in the 2024-2025 school year. Your input is invaluable, so please review the proposed schedule changes below, including the rationale for the changes, and share your thoughts with us through the survey provided at the bottom of this page by Monday, March 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. Please note that we haven't made a final decision yet. Your feedback will help us decide the best way to move forward. 

The schools affected are:

• Raleigh Road Elementary School
• Long Hill Elementary School
• J.W. Seabrook Elementary School
• Sunnyside Elementary School
• Armstrong Elementary School
• District 7 Elementary School
• Eastover-Central Elementary School
• Ferguson-Easley Elementary School
• Lake Rim Elementary School
• E.E. Miller Elementary School

Pine Forest District

Seventy-First District

Cape Fear District

E.E. Smith District

Here's why we're considering these changes:

• Decrease in Student Ridership: Since we've returned to in-person learning after COVID-19, there has been a decline in the number of students riding the bus. Before COVID-19, we had 26,000 students riding on 427 buses every day. Now, it's 22,579 students on 420 buses.
• Making Bus Routes Smarter: We're trying to be smarter about how we plan the bus routes for schools that are close together. This would mean that we would need fewer buses and save money.
• Enhanced Bus Service and Reduced CDL Requirements: With fewer buses needed for routes, we aim to improve bus coverage across our district while also reducing the number of certified commercial driver's license (CDL) holders required. These changes will help ensure better transportation services for our students and families.
  
  

Here are some benefits:

• More Reliable Bus Service: With smarter routes, we hope to make sure your child's bus ride is more reliable, with fewer delays.
• Saving Money: By using fewer buses, we can save money on things like fuel and maintenance.
• Making the Roads Less Busy: With fewer buses on the road, it might help make the roads a little less crowded during the school day.
  
  

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Drivers Might Have Longer Routes: Some bus drivers might have to drive longer routes to cover two schools.
  
  

Please let us know your thoughts by completing the survey below.