LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Jefferson County Public Schools prepares for the start of classes, some families will soon be able to sign up for a transportation stipend the district is offering. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools is offering stipends to families of students who had their bus routes eliminated 

  • The district will offer families $5 for each day a student attends classes

  • Those who qualify for free or reduced lunch will receive $10 

  • JCPS begins classes Thursday, Aug. 8 

Earlier this year, the JCPS school board decided to eliminate a substantial amount of bus routes as it deals with a driver shortage.

In hopes of relieving some stress for some affected families, who are now on the hook for getting their kids to school, the district will offer them $5 per school day. The pay increases to $10 if the student qualifies for free or reduced lunch. 

“You’re eligible if you are no longer being provided JCPS transportation because of the decision to cut transportation to most of our magnets,” said Carolyn Callahan, JCPS chief of communications.

Callahan added the district won’t pay for days students are absent. 

“The decision has not been finalized yet on if you are going to multiple schools, if that means you will get multiple stipends,” she said.

The district is still working out how and when this money will get to families. 

“This is taxable income, so there is information that they are going to have to provide to sign up and that information will go out in early August to the families who are eligible,” Callahan said.

Callahan said she's not yet sure about the number of families who will use this stipend or what it will cost the district. 

The family of a student who has lost transportation and misses no days of school could receive up to $850 ($1,700 for free or reduced lunch eligibility).

JCPS is beginning classes Thursday, Aug. 8. 

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