The owner-operator of a privately-run shuttle service will be able to use the bus lane at Heather Park Elementary School after all.
Janet Bleich, who operates From Here to There Shuttle Service, which transports out-of-catchment children to their respective schools, said Saturday she'll now be able to use the lane whenever she needs to drop off younger students in the morning.
Bleich had taken her case to school board trustees last Tuesday and on Thursday she met with the school's principal who granted her the privilege whenever she's transporting children attending kindergarten and the earlier grades.
Otherwise, she must continue to use the Elksentre as the drop off point and from there the students cross Heather Road with the help of a crossing guard to reach the school. Parents dropping their children off are also limited to the Elksentre and restricted from using the bus lane.
School board superintendent Brian Pepper confirmed Saturday an agreement had been reached with Bleich regarding the morning drop off - she has no afternoon pickups at the school - adding a review of the plan will take place at an appropriate time in the future.
As part of efforts to tackle a budget shortfall, Heather Park was converted into an elementary school from a middle school starting this school year. As a result, the school's population rose to 693 in September 2010 from 626 the year before and it also meant younger children are now attending the school.
