Bus passes for Carroll ISD students currently cost $250 a year for an individual student and $500 a year for families, according to district documents.
Prior to the start of the pandemic in 2020, bus prices were stable from 2017-2020 at $275 for an individual and $550 for families, according to a presentation given to the board of trustees at a May 18 meeting.
During the 2020-21 school year, the district saw half of its typical ridership, at 2,029 riders for the year. Prices were lowered to $225 annually for an individual and $450 for families, Matt Miller, assistant superintendent of operations, said during the presentation.
The district projects there will be a fuel budget deficit of $105,000 by the end of August 2022 due to increases in the price of fuel. To counteract the deficit, staff recommended increasing the price of bus passes.
The school board voted unanimously to approve an initial increase to $275 annually for individuals and $550 for families as an early bird price for those who purchase a pass before July. The cost will increase to $300 per individual and $575 for families after July. The early bird price will match the pre-pandemic pricing.
