More elementary students will get a school bus

What happened

Voters approved Proposition 2 on May 19, 2026. Starting in 2026-27, students in grades K-5 who live one mile or more from school can ride the bus. The old limit was 1.5 miles. This adds about 450 to 500 students, including students at charter, private and church schools in Albany. The district is adding 11 buses.

Why it matters to families

Many young students now get a bus seat instead of walking or being driven. Families needed to send a new bus application, with an Aug. 3 deadline. Middle and high school limits stay at 1.5 miles.

The evidence

The district budget page says Proposition 2 passed 2,561 to 537 and lowers the K-5 limit to one mile for about 450-500 more students. It costs about $1.51 million for 11 buses; the state is expected to repay about 80% (about $1.2 million) the next year. The March 12 and April 16 board recordings show the board discussed and put it on the ballot.

The source