During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the athletic opportunities and transportation logistics for students in the district.

One participant highlighted the lack of athletic opportunities for sixth graders, noting that previous configurations of Bensal Middle Schools had provided intramural options that connected younger students with seventh and eighth-grade teams. The speaker emphasized the importance of reinstating such opportunities to ensure that all students, including those in sixth grade, have access to athletics.

Transportation issues were also a focal point of the discussion. A representative from Rush Middle School expressed frustration over the current dismissal schedule, which begins at 3:30 PM, with the last bus departing at 4:10 PM. This arrangement often leaves students waiting for extended periods, sometimes up to 40 minutes, before being transported home. The representative questioned how the district plans to manage transportation effectively, especially with the potential redistricting of students to different schools.

In response, district officials explained that transportation routes are designed based on student numbers at each school. They acknowledged the staffing levels in the transportation department, stating they have 70 bus drivers for 70 routes, along with eight full-time substitutes. However, they admitted that this staffing model limits the ability to accommodate field trips that extend beyond 1 PM, as drivers must return in time to manage school pick-ups.

The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges in balancing student opportunities with logistical constraints, raising questions about the district's ability to provide timely transportation and adequate athletic programs for all students.