Farrell area school directors are looking into offering bus transportation for Wheatland and Farrell students in grades four through six.

The district has been busing kindergartners through third-graders for years.

Superintendent Richard Rubano said Tuesday the board is considering costs for the additional bus runs along with mileage reimbursement calculations from the state. The decision will depend solely on available funds, he added.

"We're in the process of brainstorming to see if this is a possibility," Rubano stressed.

Additional bus monitors would be hired, costing about $5,400, Rubano said. He calculated annual costs at about $9,400 to provide monitors and about three extra buses.

The board is looking at bus stops in three central locations that are considered to be hazardous routes, meaning students are in some type of danger if they walk in those areas.

The additional runs would pick up students from Wheatland and Farrell who are interested in riding the bus. Busing would also be offered to the district's parochial students in accordance with state law.

Farrell is a walking school district and doesn't provide transportation beyond third grade. Rubano said the district just can't afford to transport every student.

One of the issues that Wheatland's Educational Alternative Task Force took up in its secession petition was the lack of transportation of Wheatland students. Those residents complained that Wheatland students have to walk to school without paved sidewalks and along state highways. They are appealing February's decision that threw out the petition.

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