JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Following concerns that transportation services for students attending more than 50 magnet schools might be discontinued, Duval County Public Schools is reassuring the community that such services will continue. These magnet schools offer specialized programs centered on various themes or career pathways.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the district issued a statement confirming the continuation of the bus service.

“Duval County Public Schools is dedicated to listening to our families and students about transportation needs related to our magnet programs. We recognize the critical role reliable transportation plays in providing access to these unique educational experiences.

“Although we must continuously assess our budget to maintain long-term financial health, we want to assure our community that there will be no changes to the transportation services for magnet programs. We appreciate the trust and support of our families and remain committed to prioritizing student success and accessibility.”

There are more than 22,000 students attending magnet schools in the district, according to the spokesperson. She said magnet transportation was among several options the district evaluated for possible funding cuts, explaining that DCPS transportation expenses “continue to exceed the funding provided by the state.”

Transportation faced a major change before the 2024-2025 school year, making middle and high school students who live under two miles from their assigned school ineligible to ride the bus. Previously, it had been one-and-a-half miles. The decision, according to the district, impacted around 1,100 students. DCPS also extended the distance a student may live from their bus stop by a half mile.

After the decision came down in 2024, District 3 School Board Member Cindy Pearson said such changes were necessary due to the district’s continuing budget shortfalls. 

“There are gonna be hard decisions,” Pearson said. “We were just talking about school closures, that’s part of the conversation. Transportation is part of the conversation as well. Looking at strategic abandonment of programs, that’s part of the conversation.”

Over the last two years, hundreds of teaching positions have been cut and several elementary schools closed and consolidated into others. More of those consolidations are expected over the coming years as the district tries to make up for funding lost due dropping enrollment and the rise of charter schools.