James A. Garfield Local Schools will be making adjustments to bus routes when we return from Spring Break on April 7. These changes are the result of careful planning and responsible stewardship of your tax dollars as we respond to financial challenges and staffing changes.
In December, the State reduced our projected funding by $1.7 million over the next four years, requiring us to evaluate operational efficiencies across the district. In January, we experienced a planned retirement within our transportation department and had intended to reduce one route beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. However, in March, an additional driver accepted another position, which accelerated the need to make adjustments now.
While we do have two substitute drivers, we want to ensure we maintain substitute coverage during one of the busiest transportation seasons of the year, including spring athletics and end-of-year field trips. We have always taken great pride in offing JAG students these experiences and we did not want to stop doing what is best for our kids.
After reviewing ridership data, we determined we could responsibly consolidate one route at this time.
Bus 15 (Village of Garrettsville) has been identified as the route that will be consolidated. Students who previously rode Bus 15 will now be reassigned to several buses (4, 14, 15, 20 or or 21) and pickup times will change.
District staff will test the new routes on Monday, March 30 to confirm accurate pickup times. Updated schedules will be posted online and shared with families next week. On the website, families will be able to see estimated pickup times for all students by visiting jagschools.org and clicking Menu > Transportation.
To further support a smooth transition:
Bus rosters will be posted on the front doors of the elementary school on March 30 and will remain available through April 6.
District administrators will be present April 7–10 to assist students in locating their buses during the first week of implementation.
Our New Routes & Drivers:
Bus | Location | Driver |
15 | Freedom | Brian Dahlen |
4 | Village | Dreama Adkins |
12 | Northern Nelson | Rocco Nicolo |
14 | Northwest Nelson | Helene Christopher |
16 | South Freedom | Tammy Britton |
19 | Northeast Nelson | Kim Polifrone |
20 | Northwest Freedom | Joe Johannsmeier |
21 | South Nelson | Shelly Pemberton |
We understand that changes to transportation routines impact families, and we are committed to communicating early and often throughout this process. Our district has always taken pride in maximizing every tax dollar entrusted to us by our community. While it is disappointing that State funding reductions have required this adjustment, we will continue to demonstrate our core values of teamwork and perseverance as we work together to support our students.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly:
Office: 330-527-4336
Email: tlysiak@jagschools.org
Cell: 216-534-7413
Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools.
Go G-Men!