We are facing a significant shortage of school bus drivers as we begin the 2022-23 school year. While the City continues to recruit bus drivers, it is time for us to try new strategies such as:

• Supporting walking in expanded walk zones
• Encouraging use of public transportation
• Collaborating with community partners to support biking
• Adding mini school buses (hopefully electric)

Our old transportation model is not going to work for this fall or the future, and we are committed to working together to find solutions. We particularly want to minimize the equity impact of these changes. We have spent the summer in conversation with families, community partners and the City of Charlottesville. We look forward to continuing to build on ideas that make our schools and city safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (August 2, 2022)

Why Are the Walk Zones Expanded?

Read below for our June 2022 update. Briefly, the bus driver shortage will not be fixed by better advertising, pay, benefits, or bonuses (the City has tried). The City needs 40 school bus drivers but expects to have 8. Apply for the position here!

What Are the New Walk Zones?

The revised walk zones are about 0.75 miles for elementary schools (about 20 minutes), and 1.25 miles for Walker, Buford, and CHS (about 30 minutes). These distances are on the lower range of schools across the region and country, and these expanded walking (or “family responsibility”) zones are an important part of addressing the bus driver shortage. In some cases we have rounded up to get to the end of a cul-de-sac or natural neighborhood boundary. In a few cases with CHS students, we have extended the walk zone as high as 1.6 miles if the path is very walkable. We have stayed within or close to our projected time estimates for the walk.

If you have questions about why you are in a walk zone or don’t believe your child’s route is safe and can’t find a safe alternative, please contact walkzones@charlottesvilleschools.org or call 434-245-2400.

Are There Any Limits or Exclusions to the Walk Zones for Safety?

To ensure safety, we’ll provide bus eligibility in situations where walking infrastructure isn’t adequate (such as railroad tracks). The City is working now to address some of these issues – click here for a list of confirmed projects (updated weekly).

In a few cases, even if the route is not pedestrian-friendly,  we have not given the student bus eligibility because we are asking the family to take responsibility for finding a safe way to transport their child for a short distance. In these rare situations, the home is very close to the school or the less-safe area of the route is very close to the child’s home.

There will also be exemptions for specific students for special needs such as documented medical conditions.

If you have questions about why you are in a walk zone or don’t believe your child’s route is safe and can’t find a safe alternative, please contact walkzones@charlottesvilleschools.org or call 434-245-2400.

I Didn’t Get a Notification about Whether My Child is in the Walk Zone or Bus Zone. What do I do?

Please call your school.

Are There Recommended Walking Paths? Where Will Crossing Guards Be?

We have created maps with commonly used walking routes to our elementary schools and middle school (based on distance, sidewalks, and crossing guards), but there may be other routes that your family prefers.

Click on the links below for printable PDFs of our maps (you can also browse images of maps in the slideshow below):

• Burnley-Moran School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22
• Clark School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22
• Greenbrier School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22
• Jackson-Via School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22
• Johnson School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22
• Venable School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22
• Walker School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22
• Buford School Route Map (PDF) Revised 8/1/22

Please consider the following:

• On our maps, different colored lines show commonly used routes to school. Most routes have sidewalks, but areas with low neighborhood traffic (but no sidewalk) or areas where there is a brief stretch without a sidewalk may still be considered a good route.
• On our maps, orange stars are locations where we are planning to have a crossing guard. These include locations where we have had a guard in previous years as well as new locations identified by families, staff and community partners. We are CURRENTLY HIRING for these positions. We are hoping to add crossing guards to even more locations.
• Some routes may include walking across parking areas, and most routes cross driveways and entrances to homes and businesses. Point these out to your student as you are practicing the route to and from school.
• We recommend that students walk in groups and/or with at least one responsible adult, and consider visibility when choosing your route.
• For routes traveled by many elementary students (such as between Friendship Court and Clark), we are working out details for either staffed walking groups (“walking school buses”) or additional crossing guards along the path.

Have suggestions to improve these maps? Email walkzones@charlottesvilleschools.org 

Want tips for walking safely to school? Watch Dr. Gurley’s video, guest-starring some friends from Clark Elementary:

Want to Find Walking Buddies or a Rainy Day Carpool?

If you are interested in connecting with other families who share much of the same recommended route, please talk to your neighbors or contact your school PTO to see if they have an app to recommend or another process for coordinating walking buddies, biking groups, or rainy day carpools for your neighborhood.

Would a Bike Make This Easier?

Contact Community Bikes at 434-260-0893 or info@cbikes.org.

When Will Bus Assignments Be Announced?

Later in August, the City will give us routing information. If you requested bus service, at that point, we will reach out to you again, letting you know this student’s bus information (if assigned to a bus) or announcing they are on the waitlist. See next section for tips on how to estimate if your child will be on the bus.

We’re in the Bus Zone. Is My Child Likely to Get a Spot on the Bus?

• Remember to re-register your child to request bus service and tell us your level of need.
• Remember, the bus zones are 0.75 miles for elementary and 1.25 miles for Walker, Buford, and CHS.
• The closer you are to the school, the less likely it is that you’ll get assigned to the bus. For a rough estimate, you can use Google Maps (click directions, then the walking icon) to calculate the walking distance between your home and the school.
  • Generally speaking, the students who live furthest from the school who have expressed a need for the bus will be assigned on a priority basis.
  • Those who live closest to the school and who have not expressed a high level of need are likely to be wait-listed.

What If My Child is Not Assigned to the Bus?

Remember, even if you live in the “bus zone,” there is a possibility that your child will not be assigned to the bus when school starts on August 24:

• Please make a plan for this student, and practice it if you intend for your child to walk, bike, use a scooter, or take a CAT (City) bus.
• Make a back-up plan for inclement weather.
• Talk with other families in your neighborhood and consider organizing groups to walk, bike, and/or carpool to school together – your PTO may be able to assist in this effort or recommend an app.
• The public CAT buses might be a good option for some students.

More about CAT Routes for Older Students

• All schools zones are served by existing CAT routes except Greenbrier:
  • CHS and Walker are on Route 9 (pink)
    • See parent Matthew Gillikin’s Guide to Riding Route 9 to Walker  
  • Buford has stops on Route 4 and 6 (red & yellow)
• CAT is free for people under 18 and has operated fare-free since the pandemic
• Need to find your route? Use a tool like Google Maps (click directions, then the bus icon) or find out more here.
• This is an opportunity to support the expansion and enhancement of the public  transit system while developing students as life-long public transit users

I Heard the City is Making Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements. What Are They?

We have been in conversation with parents, community members, and the City about intersections and sidewalks that need enhancement. The City has been supportive and has made a list of scheduled improvements (see below).  We meet with the City regularly to propose additional solutions and get status updates, and we will update this list about once a week. Thanks to the City and to community members for doing this research and advocacy!

Notice a Street or Sidewalk Issue that Needs to be Addressed?

• Check out the list of upcoming improvements, above.
• The MyCville app is a great way to report infrastructure concerns to City Public Works (or call 434-970-3333, option #2). Upload photos or describe areas of concern.
• To report a “close call” of a walking or biking accident, use this form to help the City improve safety.

Will Walk Zones Shrink or Expand in the Future?

If there are issues with these walk zones, let’s work together to find solutions. We will continue to work with families and the City to make improvements. As we learn more and as the City addresses known issues, we may expand these walk zones further. Please remember, our expanded walk zones are still on the “short” side of regional and national averages.

What Other Strategies or Ideas Are Being Considered?

See below for other ideas, including mini-buses, partnership with JAUNT, and more. Have a new idea? Let us know at walkzones@charlottesvilleschools.org.

Want to Help?

• Consider applying as a regular or substitute crossing guard (including the role of walking group leader — these “walking crossing guards” are included in the same job application).
• Sign up to learn more or work to be part of the solution!
• Want to work towards a more walkable, bikable Charlottesville? Consider joining the Piedmont Mobility Alliance.

Any Other Updates about Transportation?

• Our staff has been out walking routes to school this summer with good results reported so far.
• We have held four “talk and walk” events at key locations impacted by the expanded walk zones (Friendship Court, Hearthwood Apartments, South First Street, and Westhaven).  We’ve found good discussion and receptivity at all locations so far. Upcoming event:
  • Online Q&A, Wednesday, August 10, 5-6pm. Register here.
• We are finalizing locations for crossing guards and reviewing applications.
• The City – which hires drivers and oversees school bus operations – continues to recruit and train bus drivers, but the number of available drivers has not significantly increased. Apply here!
• The City is also in conversation with JAUNT about the possibility of sharing drivers (as is already the case with CAT drivers).

Still Have Questions?

Read below for the original information we shared with families back in June. And join us at our final meeting to discuss these changes:

• Online Community Q&A, Wednesday, August 10, 5-6pm. Register here.

Update from June 2022

As we look to fall 2022, our school bus challenges appear to be worse, not better. While the City will continue to recruit bus drivers, it is time for us to try new strategies such as

• supporting walking in expanded walk zones
• encouraging use of public transportation
• collaborating with community partners to support biking
• adding mini-school buses (hopefully electric)

Our old transportation model is not going to work for this fall or the future, so come help us find ways that make our schools and city safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. We particularly want to minimize the equity impact of these changes. Look below for the dates and details for community “Talk and Walk” sessions, or sign up to learn more or work to be part of the solution!

More Information

Update on Bus Driver Shortage

This national problem is not getting better. The City has tried increasing pay, offering bonuses, and increasing marketing without long-term success.

Details about the Bus Driver Shortage

• The City (which manages our school buses) is down to fewer than 10 school bus drivers. Last year, there were about 20, but to fully staff the program, 40 are needed!
• Higher pay is not enough to turn around this national trend that began before COVID
  • The City has increased pay, bonuses, and marketing without long-term success
  • The City also has vacancies in CAT drivers, who have jointly served as school bus drivers in the past
  • This is part of an ongoing, national trend that was in place a long time ago but made worse by COVID
  • There is no end in sight for this trend. We need to try new solutions for this fall and for the future. But the new solutions can make for a better, healthier, more environmentally friendly Charlottesville.

What Strategies Can We Try?

We have looked at other college towns to see what is in place in similar communities. We need your help to work out the details, but here’s what we’re planning:

• Bus service for special-education students will remain in place
• Expanding walk zones (up to a 20 minute walk at elementary, up to a 30 minute walk at Buford, CHS, and Walker)

• Expanding crossing guard staffing, including “walking school bus” guides
  • Come work for us! Interested in working as a crossing guard either as an individual or with an intersection or route ‘buddy’? Apply here (use the same application for all crossing guards and walking group leaders, daily or substitute).
  • For densely populated areas, we’ll plan walking routes with crossing guards leading the way
• Making free bicycles/helmets available through community partners (repair services are also available)
  • Partners such as Community Bikes and the City’s Safe Routes to School program can assist with bikes and bike repairs
  • Our PE classes teach road biking skills
• Expanding use of CAT routes for older students

More about CAT Routes for Older Students

• All schools zones are served by existing CAT routes except Greenbrier:
  • CHS and Walker are on Route 9 (pink)
  • Buford has nearby stops on Route 4 and 6 (red & yellow)
• CAT is free for people under 18 and has operated fare-free since the pandemic
• Need to find your route? Use a tool like Google Maps (click directions, then the bus icon) or find out more here.
• This is an opportunity to support the expansion and enhancement of the public  transit system while developing students as life-long public transit users

• Exploring smaller Type A school buses run by Cville Schools

What About the Equity Impact of These Changes?

These transportation challenges are real – and the expanded walk zones impact many of our black and brown students. Let’s work together to find solutions.

• We are holding “Talk and Walk” sessions in impacted neighborhoods to hear feedback and find solutions
• We plan to hire staff to guide the “walking school buses” (up to a 20 minute walk for elementary, up to a 30 minute walk for other students)
• We’ll staff more crossing guards. Apply here!
• We’re talking with community partners about ways to support students and families.
• Have a question or an idea? Join us at a “Talk and Walk” session or call 434-245-2400.

Is My Student Going to Get on The Bus?

• Do you live within the new walk zones? The distance is ~.75 mile for elementary, and ~ 1.25 miles for Walker, Buford, and CHS. For a rough estimate, you can use Google Maps (click directions, then the walking icon) to calculate the walking distance between your home and the school. We may “round up” the zone to get to the end of a cul-de-sac, neighborhood area, or natural boundary line.

Even with these changes, bus space will still be limited. Re-register your children now to help the City plan the routes. The “Type A” buses will not be available at the start of the year, so thanks for your continued patience.

What about Carpooling?

We appreciate a carpool, and yes, there’s an app for that! In fact, there are a lot of free apps. We hesitate to endorse a single solution, but we know that the apps will work best if people agree on one or two to use. PTOs may wish to investigate and make a school or division-wide recommendation.

We’re Still Exploring Ideas

Other possibilities include

• Potential trial of per-child stipends for families impacted by these changes (based on attendance). Could include different levels of stipend based on need (and ways for people to donate or decline stipends if they wish)
• Voucher program for items like new walking shoes
• Share your ideas with us! Join us at a “Talk and Walk” session or call 434-245-2400.

That’s a Lot — How Can I Help?

• We are still working on details – join us at “Talk and Walk” work sessions followed by a community walk to a school
• Sign up here to…
  • receive e-mail updates about the changes
  • and/or express interest in working to be part of the solution, including becoming a stationary or walking crossing guard (same job application — apply here)
• Get connected with the Piedmont Mobility Alliance

A Vision for the Future

If we do this right, rethinking how students get to and from school will have long-term benefits for our community:

• A more walkable and bikable city
  • Better physical and mental health
• Better public transportation
• Less environmental impact

Want to be part of the solution? Join us at one of our summer “Talk and Walk” sessions, sign up to get updates, or join the Piedmont Mobility Alliance.

EdZone program begins impacting Charlottesville youth through distribution of essential needs items

Charlottesville, VA — On Wednesday, November 30th, the Chris Long Foundation and Charlottesville City Schools will officially launch the latest component of the Foundation’s new EdZone program: the distribution of essential needs items at all six CCS elementary schools during the 2022-2023 school year.

Each elementary school (Burnley-Moran, Clark, Greenbrier, Jackson-Via, Johnson, Venable) will identify a dedicated space (an “EdZone closet”) where students can access basic supplies that many other students take for granted. Essential needs items include things like soap, shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, menstrual hygiene products, deodorant, clean socks and underwear, and seasonal items like umbrellas, hats, and gloves.

In close consultation with participating schools to assess and determine student needs, CCS’ Coordinator of Family and Student Engagement will procure and distribute these essential needs items to the elementary schools through a central storeroom at the CCS Division Administrative Annex at Charlottesville High School. Elementary school students in need will be identified by professional staff who are already supporting them on a daily basis (e.g., school administrators, teachers, counselors, nurses, social workers) and can help them access items from the EdZone closet in a way that respects their dignity and privacy. The Foundation has future plans to support periodic drive-through “Response to Essential Needs” events at Charlottesville High School, where all CCS families can pick up bags of essential needs items and grocery cards.

“There’s evidence that students who are not getting these basic needs met can suffer from stress and low self-esteem. It can cause them to feel disconnected from their classmates and even miss school, all of which affects how they feel about being at school and ultimately, their performance,” said Chris Long, founder of the Chris Long Foundation. “The goal of our EdZone partnership with CCS is to support student success by ensuring kids arrive at school comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.”

“We are so appreciative of the support from the Chris Long Foundation, with their vision for meeting students’ needs in ways that are respectful. The EdZone closets will make a big impact,” commented Chantel Beverly, principal at Venable Elementary School, which is hosting the program launch.

Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley agreed: “When I arrived at Charlottesville City Schools last year, the wide diversity of our students’ experiences was immediately apparent. One step toward eradicating academic disparities is to truly make our students feel welcome, supported, and equipped to succeed. We thank Chris Long and the Foundation for being such good partners in this work.”

A generous group of local individual donors, foundations, and businesses stepped up to fully fund the launch of EdZone. Funders include Better Living Building Supply, Woodard Properties, Diane and Howie Long, Pam and Frank Edmonds, the Genan Foundation, Ellen and Michael Geismar, and Frank Saul Construction.

EdZone is the newest program created by the Chris Long Foundation to advance educational equity issues in communities around the United States. Over the next year the program will expand to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and St. Louis, Missouri, two cities where Long played in the NFL. EdZone also distributes high-quality, culturally-relevant books in schools to advance student literacy and develop a lifelong love of reading. In May 2022, in partnership with FirstBook and Charlottesville City Schools, the Foundation distributed over 2,500 books at Burnley-Moran Elementary School. Chris Long served as a guest reader for the event and engaged with students about his own school experience, his family and interests, and his time in the NFL. The Foundation also supported two CCS “Response to Essential Needs” drive-through events in December 2020 and December 2021.

About the Chris Long Foundation
The Chris Long Foundation is a nonprofit, founded by two-time Super Bowl Champion and 2018 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, Chris Long. By bringing together a community of elite athletes and passionate fans, the Chris Long Foundation relentlessly serves our overlooked neighbors, both domestic and international, by creating solutions for clean water and education access. Visit www.chrislongfoundation.org to find out more.

About Charlottesville City Schools
Charlottesville City Schools serves approximately 4500 students in nine schools, from three-year-olds in preschool to students who qualify for services after high school. By meeting each student’s personal and academic needs, the schools are committed to ending the predictability of life outcomes based on factors such as race and poverty. Learn more at charlottesvilleschools.org.

Charlottesville Schools: Social media posts celebrating teachers

Submission: Social media posts that celebrate the contributions of our teachers on our three main division-level accounts (@CvilleSchools on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) . These posts include milestone moments (such as retirement after a long career or the winning of an award) and the day-to-day work and care of teachers, e.g., being a substitute teacher; capturing a moment of joy with students. These posts also display a range of media, from photography to graphic design to video to appearances in local news.

Example 1: Celebrating a teacher award winner (Twitter graphic design)

Example 2: Celebrating a substitute (Instagram photo)

Example 3: Celebrating a retiring teacher who spent 40 years in our division (Facebook video)

Example 4: Celebrating a teacher retirement (Facebook: Local news story)

Example 5: Celebrating a teacher award winner (Twitter photo)

Example 6: Celebrating how teachers bring joy to students every day (Facebook photo)