Col. Mark
Weatherington |
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RESPONSE
Thanks for the question--and I hope you were able to come to the Aug. 2 Town Hall to get an answer.
We researched all possible means of continuing school bus service. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find any authority that allows the Air Force to spend money to transport dependent children to school within the 1.5-mile walking distance specified by DoD. Since we did not receive a budget appropriation to bus children to school this year, I cannot legally provide funding or Air Force resources to fill this gap. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for base housing starting around January 2013. Due to funding constraints, they do not plan to offer school bus service for residents either. We are working on contracted bus service for students in before and after school care at the Youth Center -- parents will be able to opt in for a fee.
I understand everyone's concern and we are working with our local partners to ensure a safe and efficient alternative to the bus service.
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