At the end of July 2020, DESE provided  transportation guidance outlining considerations for districts in the development of a transportation plan that meets safety requirements for all students traveling by bus or van. Specifically, the guidance directed districts to ensure all students and drivers will wear masks and adhere to physical distancing guidelines. The guidance also outlined distancing requirements at one student per seat (about 30% capacity) except for members of the same family; and suggested districts pursue alternative options such as parent transportation, Safe Routes to School programs, and biking. Andover has applied for the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program, which will allow us to expand our safe walking routes, purchase additional signage, and install bike racks at a number of schools.

During the 2020-2021 school year, Andover will transport students in grades K through 6, students with transportation on their IEPs, and students with special circumstances. Andover will also maintain a 1.5 mile radius as most of these routes are safety-driven.

With the reduction in ridership from limiting transportation to the lower grades and opening with a hybrid learning model, there will be minimal disruption to arrival times and time on learning for Andover students.