Improving the reliability of our District 196 transportation system is the top priority for district leaders. We are working to make sure students and families can count on a reliable ride to school if they are eligible for transportation services.
On Monday, April 13, 2026, district leaders will present to the School Board recommendations for system changes for the 2026-27 school year. The changes will affect every family that relies on school district transportation. This is a public meeting, and we are committed to full transparency as these changes are discussed. The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. The Transportation Report is estimated to begin at 6:45 p.m.
How to Join:
- In Person: Dakota Ridge School, 4629 144th Street West, Apple Valley, MN 55124
- Online: Watch on District 196’s YouTube page
District 196 transports more than 22,000 students every day and provides more personalized service than required by law. With a national driver shortage and complicated routes, the district had to cancel routes throughout the winter months. The current system is overcommitted and understaffed. Our goal is to create a system that is predictable, reliable, and sustainable for the future — with zero cancellations next year.
Key changes being discussed include;
- Plan My Ride: All families will be asked to affirmatively request transportation by completing a Plan My Ride form before the last day of school each year. This will be a change from past practice and will improve routing efficiency..
- Two-Address Limit: To keep schedules simple, families will be limited to one alternate bus stop address that must be within the attendance area (example: home and daycare or second-guardian household)
- Reductions to Magnet School Transportation: Eliminating transportation to some magnet schools and creating a north and south zone for other magnet schools to help shorten the amount of time students are on a bus and simplify bus routes.
- School Start and End Times: The district is proposing changes to start times at a few schools to balance the number of bus routes across the three tiers (early start schools, middle schools, and elementary routes).
- Special Education Center-based Program: Prioritizing placing students in center-based special education programs closer to their neighborhood school to shorten ride times and to simplify bus routes.
The district has already increased wages, hired more bus drivers, and reduced cancellations, but more changes are needed to ensure a reliable and sustainable system for the future. We are eager to work in partnership with families and our community to improve transportation services.
Following the Board’s discussion and decisions, more personalized communication will be sent to families regarding changes that will impact them.
Watch the School Board Meeting
Submit Questions or Feedback after Monday’s Meeting