State funding cuts spur transportation changes at Bernie Schools

BERNIE, Mo.--Another Stoddard County school has taken steps to reduce transportation costs, again the result of slashed state funding.

Bernie School District superintendent John Boyd announced Monday that effective at the start of the upcoming school year, Bernie school buses will be picking up students just once at each block rather than stopping at individual homes.

With the new schedule in mind, students are asked to be waiting at their bus stops 10 to 15 minutes earlier than last year.

"We have always been committed to providing quality service for our students, and that will remain the same," Boyd said.

"Because of the cuts made at the state level, we are forced to look at running our routes in the most efficient means possible."

Anyone with questions regarding the Bernie routes may call L.C. Mason at 293-5333 for further information or the superintendent's office.

The announcement follows a more significant change at Bloomfield, where school officials recently announced the district will not provide transportation to students residing within one mile of the school. A public meeting is set for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Bloomfield High School library to discuss localized pick-up points or alternatives.