SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Many concerns are still prevalent among military parents regarding the recent cutbacks on school bus routes.
At the most recent Hawaii State Board of Education meeting, this month, a list of terminated bus stops was disseminated among those present.
The decision to cut back on these bus transportation routes was expected due to the weakened economy. However, the impact of the cutbacks was felt by military communities, especially those on Wheeler Army Airfield, Tripler Army Medical Center and Aliamanu Military Reservation.
The encouraging word is that Schofield Barracks, Helemano and Fort Shafter bus services are unaffected for this school year.
Although all of these cutbacks are not set in stone, the potential burden on Army families, especially with elementary students, is immediate, as U.S. Army regulations stipulate that "no child under the age of 10 is allowed to walk to and from school without supervision."
The beginning of school for most students begins July 30, and there is not much time to plan and prepare for the transportation needs of students.
Some alternative ways to get students safely to and from school include creating a carpooling network with neighbors and friends, and having parent-volunteers walk with children.
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