Round Rock ISD pauses proposed bus route cuts, keeping current routes

District will form transportation committee to address parent concerns about student safety

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:57pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of soft, blurred lights and colors, representing the concept of school transportation and student safety.The district's decision to pause bus route cuts and form a new transportation committee aims to address community concerns about student safety on hazardous walking routes.Round Rock Today

Round Rock Independent School District has decided to pause planned bus service cuts for the 2026-27 school year after parents raised safety concerns about the walking routes their children would face. The district had notified families in February that some neighborhoods would lose bus service, but after parents described dangerous routes with no sidewalks, lighting, or safe passage, the district is keeping all currently eligible bus routes in place for the next school year.

Why it matters

The proposed bus route cuts had sparked significant backlash from parents who felt the new walking routes would put their children's safety at risk. By pausing the changes and forming a new transportation committee, the district is aiming to address these community concerns and find a solution that prioritizes student wellbeing.

The details

Round Rock ISD had originally planned to eliminate bus service for some neighborhoods, determining those routes no longer met the criteria to be classified as "hazardous." However, parents strongly objected, describing routes with no sidewalks, poor lighting, narrow roads, blind turns, and steep inclines that would force young students to walk long distances. In response, the district is keeping all currently eligible bus routes in place for the 2026-27 school year and will create a new transportation engagement committee with both district staff and parent volunteers to gather feedback and find a better solution.

  • In February 2026, Round Rock ISD notified families of planned bus service cuts for the 2026-27 school year.
  • In March 2026, parents addressed the school board, voicing safety concerns about the proposed walking routes.
  • On April 16, 2026, Round Rock ISD announced it would pause the bus route changes and keep current service in place for the next school year.
  • In June 2026, the district will seek volunteer parents to join the new transportation engagement committee.
  • The first transportation committee meeting is planned for August 2026.

The players

Round Rock ISD

The Round Rock Independent School District, which serves students in the Round Rock, Texas area.

Round Rock ISD parents

Parents of students in the Round Rock ISD school district who raised concerns about the proposed bus route cuts and student safety.

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What’s next

The Round Rock ISD transportation engagement committee will hold its first meeting in August 2026 to gather feedback from parents and work towards a solution that addresses student safety concerns.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of school districts closely collaborating with their local communities when considering changes that could impact student wellbeing. By pausing the bus route cuts and creating a new parent-involved committee, Round Rock ISD is demonstrating a commitment to finding an equitable solution that prioritizes the safety and needs of its students.