Deptford’s transportation plan missing crucial bus information for students

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, N.J. (CBS) — More students are heading back to school this week, and Deptford is facing new criticism about the district’s transportation plan. Parents said they’re still waiting on bus information from the New Jersey school district. 
Candice Elsesser’s three children are set to attend Deptford Township schools this Thursday, but the family faces challenges with the district’s transportation plan.
With a high school senior, a 4th grader, and a 3-year-old starting Pre-K, Elsesser said they typically like to finalize their morning routine at least the week before school starts. However, she still hasn’t received crucial information from school officials.
“Right there it’s missing the bus number,” she said. “It tells them what bus to get on. There are other townships driving past. That number is so important for the kids.”
In addition to missing bus numbers, Elsesser said her daughter’s assigned stop is a considerable walking distance away, a major concern because she is nonverbal.
“A 30-minute walk for a 3-year-old is ridiculous,” Elsesser said.
Several other parents have contacted CBS News Philadelphia saying their students were also missing bus numbers, times and locations.
This follows Deptford Township School District’s recent decision to reverse a plan to cut courtesy busing for the 2024-2025 school year, a move that would have saved over $1.6 million annually.
Superintendent Kevin Kanauss sent a statement to CBS News Philadelphia saying:
If that happens, it would bring significant relief to parents.
“It’s very frustrating because most of us parents work. How can we work if… We can’t plan accordingly for our kids,” Elsesser said.