Fresno Unified outlines goals, transportation changes ahead of new school year
FUSD Superintendent Misty Her says the new bus routes are meant to benefit students.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Nearly 70,000 Fresno Unified students will return to class next week as district leaders roll out new goals and transportation changes for the upcoming school year.
On Wednesday morning, Superintendent Misty Her said schools are prepared to welcome students back after staff spent the summer planning and setting priorities for the year ahead.
"There is something really special about this time of year. If you walk around our schools, the hallways are ready, the classrooms are prepared and staff is eager to welcome students back," Her said.
District leaders said they have focused their work on four main goals for the school year.
"We narrowed everything down to four goals. Early literacy, literacy intervention, college and career readiness and life skills," Her said.
Among the changes announced is a new transportation model that will affect bus routes throughout the district.
Under the revised system, students will board buses at designated campus hubs and then travel directly to their schools.
"We minimized some of the stops so under the new transportation model, students board at a designated campus, their hub and ride directly to their school," Her said.
According to Her, the new model will result in fewer stops, provide more adult supervision and help reduce delays and traffic at about 42 campuses.
The district also will require bus passes for all riders. Officials said the passes will allow parents to monitor their students' transportation status.
"Now you can see if your child got on the bus, where they are in route and when they are going to get off," Her said.
School leaders also highlighted their partnership with the Fresno Police Department to help maintain safety on campuses and nearby roadways as students return to school.
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto urged parents to follow traffic directions during drop-off and pickup times.
"Parents, we are asking you specifically, observe signage directed at drop-off points. This is important for your school and traffic safety," Casto said.
Officials noted that school zone speed limits in Fresno are now 20 miles per hour, down from 25 miles per hour. They also reminded students using electric bikes and scooters to follow traffic laws and remain vigilant.
Fresno Unified's first day of school is Aug. 17. District leaders are encouraging parents to arrive early for student drop-offs to help avoid first-day traffic and confusion.
For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
