Dear School Board Members and District Administrators,

Reliable transportation is the bridge that connects middle school students to life-changing after-school opportunities. While morning and afternoon buses ensure students can attend classes, safe and consistent transportation between schools after the final bell is what truly enables equitable participation in extracurricular activities. Without it, many students are left on the sidelines.

Middle school is a critical developmental period. After-school programs keep adolescents safe, engaged, and supervised during the peak hours of vulnerability after the school day ends. Participation in athletics and extracurricular activities teaches teamwork, builds resilience, strengthens social connections, and improves academic performance. However, when district-provided transportation ends at dismissal, participation becomes a privilege available only to families with flexible work schedules, reliable personal transportation, or additional financial means.

Since 2020, no after-school transportation has been provided for middle school extracurricular activities. What began as a temporary disruption has now become a multi-year barrier for students across the district. The impact is evident in the decline of participation rates in after-school sports and activities throughout our middle schools.

Many neighboring school districts—including Downers Grove, Naperville, Aurora, and Yorkville—continue to provide transportation for middle school athletics extracurricular activities. Their continued commitment demonstrates that equitable access to after-school participation remains both achievable and sustainable when prioritized as part of student support services.

Providing equitable after-school transportation would level the playing field for all students. A student’s zip code or a parent’s work schedule should not determine whether they can participate in athletics or school-sponsored programs. Furthermore, funding for transportation services is already allocated within the district budget, and families continue to pay full athletic and activity fees. Despite these existing funding streams, there has been no corresponding fee reduction to account for the continued absence of district-provided transportation. As a result, families are effectively paying twice—once through their taxes and again through activity fees—while also carrying the financial and logistical burden of arranging transportation themselves for the past several years.

Investing in consistent and equitable after-school transportation is an investment in student safety, access, equity, and success. Ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular programs strengthens not only individual students, but the entire district community.

Thank you for your continued dedication to supporting our students both inside and outside the classroom.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dana M. Delach
Indian Trail Middle School Parent