PACIFIC PALISADES—On September 13, a total of 617 Palisades Charter High School sophomores, juniors and seniors were transported by 31 buses to school. In February, the Los Angeles Unified School District approved a proposition to remove busing, saving $2 million annually, but in April of this year, former PaliHi Executive Director Amy Dresser-Held and LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines signed a communiqué, approving the Los Angeles Unified School District to continue their service in providing transportation to seniors.

At $1,000 per student, PaliHi will be transporting sophomores and juniors to and from school. However, the district will not be providing transportation for freshmen. Combining PaliHi and Paul Revere buses and shrinking PaliHi’s afternoon departure comes to a savings of $700,000.

Before the adjustment, busing for students was at 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. while the evening buses were for students participating in afterschool-based activities.  According to PaliHi’s Operations Manager Maisha-Cole Perri, the 2:15 p.m. departure time will be removed and the buses departing at 5:45 p.m. will be reduced from five to three buses.

The new schedules are as follows: PaliHi’s school hours will be from 7:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., while Paul Revere’s hours will be from 7:55 a.m. to 3:02 p.m. Information about bus routes was sent home to parents.

A variety of different collaborators such as Northern Trust Open and The PGA golf tournament, who play at the Riviera Country Club, have gathered to raise money to help the  families of 330 freshmen who are not capable of covering the cost of $80 a month for the bus service. Together with Global Transportation Services, PaliHi is looking to raise the required amount needed for the school year.

Anyone interested in making a donation for transportation can send checks to Palisades Charter High School Transportation Fund, Attn: Maisha-Cole Perri, 15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades, Calif. 90272. All donations are tax deductible and all contributing donors will be credited on the school’s website, outdoor electronic marquee and newsletter.

For information about bus routes call 800-LA-BUSES and for general information call 310-230-6631.