The following email was sent out to parents on the Academy School District 20 email distribution list on Friday, November 11:

Greetings Academy District 20 staff and families:

The Academy District 20 Board of Education voted during its regular meeting Nov. 10, 2011, to implement a fee for transportation services beginning in fall 2012. The board made its decision based on an eight-month task force study and recommendations by task force members in April 2011. The Academy District 20 Board of Education, in accordance with state law, conducted a public hearing Oct. 20, 2011, to hear comments about the proposed fee.

Special education students with individual education plans that require transportation and students who qualify for free and reduced lunch will receive free transportation services. The rate for most students will be 50 cents per ride. About 6,500 students in the district ride buses regularly. More information about the fee and the logistical process for providing radio frequency identification cards to all bus riders for fall 2012 will be communicated during the coming months.