Every child deserves to feel included—on the playground, in the classroom, and on the school bus.

In the Hollis Brookline Cooperative School District (SAU 41), students who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices currently rely on a single, small accessible bus. This bus requires an additional driver and often has mechanical failures, making it difficult for these students to participate in field trips, extracurricular activities, and even regular school bus routes with their peers.

This isn’t just about one student. Multiple children in our district are affected by this lack of accessible transportation. And as our community grows, so does the need.

We’re asking SAU 41 to take a meaningful step toward inclusion by acquiring a full-sized, wheelchair-accessible school bus with a lift and securement system. This would ensure:

✅ Equal access to field trips, events, and school functions
✅ The ability for students with limited mobility to ride with their classmates
✅ Long-term transportation options for students now and in the future

This is more than a vehicle. It's a message that every student belongs.

Accessible transportation is not a luxury—it’s a legal and moral responsibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantee equitable access to education, and that includes how students get there. Additionally, SAU41 is contracted with Student Transportation of America, a company with access to a fleet of over 22,000 vehicles.

A full-sized accessible bus is a smart investment for our district:

• Serves multiple students across multiple schools
• Reduces the need for separate or duplicated trips
• Funding assistance may be available through state and federal programs
• Can be used for field trips, regular routes, and special events

Please join us in urging the Hollis Brookline SAU 41 School Board and administration to act now. Let’s create a more inclusive, accessible future for all of our students.

🖊️ Sign and share to support accessible transportation in our schools!