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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 29, 2025 Page 5 Back to School By Mark E. Vogler S augus Public Schools began its 2025-26 academic year with a new policy this week: Middle and High School students won’t be able to ride the bus to and from the school. “Bus service will only be available to students who are required to ride by law,” Saugus Public Schools Supt. Michael Hashem said. “This means that only students in grades K to 6, that live more than 2 miles from the school they attend will be allowed to ride,” he said. The policy change had some parents wondering why they learned about the new policy on the week that Saugus Middle-High School students can’t ride the bus “One of these adjustschool begins. But the superintendent said adequate notice was given before the start of the school year. “The email messaging went out on July 23rd and again in a newsletter on August 14th,” Hashem said. Cancellation of the bus service for Middle-High School students was based on an economic decision, according to Hashem. “In June, as we do each year, the Saugus Public Schools adjusted our FY26 budget to reflect the actual funding we received. To protect essential educational services, the district, building administrators, and the Saugus School Committee made several budget adjustments,” Hashem said. ments was to fund only the mandated transportation requirements. This means that only students who qualify under state guidelines will receive bus transportation. Families of students who do not meet these requirements will need to make alternate transportation arrangements. A transportation message was sent out to the families on July 23, 2025, informing them,” he said. “At this time, all students who qualify for transportation are being provided service. Because it is uncertain whether additional seats will become available at any point, we will not be maintaining a waiting list at this time.” No information was available on the number of MidGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM dle-High School students who used school bus transportation last year.

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