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New busing rules set who rides, how stops change, and how to appeal

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Excerpt from Smithfield School Committee — Approved, Minutes for New busing rules set who rides, how stops change,…
Official source excerpt: Smithfield School Committee — Approved, Minutes; editorial caption by Our School Board · source-evidence

What happened

On May 21, 2026 the committee voted 5-0 to adopt a rewritten transportation policy, EEA. The superintendent said it expands the definitions of who is eligible to ride, sets bus stop and routing guidelines, adds ridership expectations and accountability, creates a structured procedure for changing a bus stop and a new appeals process for families. Members added language about parental permission for younger elementary students to get off the bus alone, and noted that neighborhoods without sidewalks are reviewed by police for safety. The district said it would write to parents about the changes.

Why it matters to families

The rules decide whether a child gets a bus at all, where the stop is, and what a family can do about it if the answer seems wrong.

The evidence

The May 21, 2026 approved minutes record the second read and 5-0 vote adopting policy EEA, the summary of key changes including expanded eligibility, bus stop change procedures and the new appeals process, and the plan to notify parents.

The source

May 21, 2026 approved School Committee minutes

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