CFISD has faced several changes for the 2024-25 school year as a result of statewide budget cuts. While these adjustments have impacted students in various ways, the reduction in bus routes and the elimination of late buses have been felt most acutely by the student body.
As of August 2024, the district discontinued bus services for students living within two miles of most of its schools and also eliminated late buses.
“Transportation came up as something that we spend a lot more on than other districts of similar size and even actually larger than us, and that’s why that ended up on the list,” CFISD Superintendent Dr. Douglas Killian. “Normally, districts provide transportation outside the two-mile limit. So if you live further than two miles, and you get transportation, and then you get a little bit of funding from the state to provide an inside a two-mile limit, but only for hazardous rise. You only get 10 percent of the money that you get overall, so it’s nowhere near what we need to transport everybody. And that’s why that ended up on the cut list.”
Many students, both those who currently rely on buses and those now without transportation, have voiced their frustration with the recent bus cuts. The changes have left many scrambling for alternative ways to get to and from school, adding stress to their daily routines.
“If you live two miles from school, you can walk here, and buses [are given] to other people who actually need them because they live far away,” sophomore Jamilette Ntugu-Chicas said. “And that’s reasonable thinking, but you have to consider that you can’t really walk anywhere in Cypress. Everywhere you go, there are no sidewalks, just roads, so you need a car to drive to school.”
The once-vibrant after-school activities have dwindled due to the complete cut of late buses. With limited transportation options, participation in clubs, tutoring sessions and sports has significantly decreased. As a result, many students are finding it harder to fully engage in extracurriculars and access the resources they need to reach their academic potential.
“I understand the overall [bus] situation, but it does affect everyone,” sophomore Siddhi Thorat said. “Now I can’t really join a fun club even if I wanted to because I don’t have a ride home.”
The 2024-25 statewide budget cuts have significantly impacted CFISD, with the reduction of bus routes and the elimination of late buses hitting students the hardest. Many now face transportation challenges that limit their ability to attend after-school activities, tutoring, and sports, ultimately affecting their academic success and overall school experience. As the district adjusts to these changes, addressing students’ transportation needs remains a crucial concern.
