By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Some kids who have been riding the bus to the school will no longer be eligible when students move into the new Hays Middle School building on 13th Street.
The former high school building is being remodeled to house the middle school. Students and staff are set to move to the new location in January.
To be eligible for transportation, students must live at least 2.5 miles from their school. If students live closer, the school district can't receive state funding for those transportation costs.
Russ Henningsen, transportation director, said 23 students will no longer qualify for bus transportation when the school moves.
However, some students who did not qualify for transportation when the school was at 201 W. 29th will qualify for transportation when the school relocates to 13th Street.
Henningsen said about 300 middle school students will qualify to ride the bus when the school moves.
However, Henningsen said not all students who qualify ride the bus. He said about 200 students now qualify to ride the bus, but only about half of them take advantage of the service.
Henningsen was asked if the district had enough buses to accommodate that many students. He said the district does not have enough buses to add any routes at this time. The district also lacks sufficient bus drivers to add new routes.
He said the district adjusts routes every year.
Superintendent Ron Wilson said anyone interested in applying to be a bus driver can contact the district. Drivers must have a commercial driver's license and undergo additional safety training.
Henningsen said all middle school families have been notified of the transportation changes.