LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A new parent-led nonprofit aims to provide reliable transportation for school kids, especially those who are not eligible or do not want to ride the school bus.
Nia Bishop, a certified Clark County School District (CCSD) occupational therapy practitioner, says she’s always in a rush. Like many parents, she said she understands the struggle of driving students to school. Bishop said those who live outside the CCSD transportation zone have an increased difficulty level. School district data indicate slightly more than 120,000 of the district’s 300,000 students are eligible for school bus service. Bishop said they are aiming to be the bridge for the remaining students.
Bishop and her husband, Donald, run Aundrea Beverly Community Advocacy Foundation, a non-profit organization offering a service dubbed GoVamo Pathways, which pairs with organizations like The Ability Center of Southern Nevada to provide easier transportation for families.
“Transportation is the biggest barrier to any disability service,” said Chris Salas, executive director for The Ability Center of Southern Nevada. “It was a must that we had to partner together.”
Donald Bishop emphasized the seriousness of the trust families have in his service, entrusting them with their children. The organization is the only one of its kind offering transportation services to all children, including those with intellectual disabilities, the Bishops said, adding that they currently provide funding for the services.
Megan Griffard, an assistant professor with UNLV’s Educational Policy and Leadership program, said it falls on the parents to ensure they are comfortable with their child’s environment, adding that vetted private transportation services can be a good option. Griffard said they are quicker than school bus rides, minimize behavior issues, and combat CCSD’s chronic absenteeism. However, she did note that school buses are generally considered the safest mode of transportation.
The Bishops and their drivers provide more than 60 rides a week, they say, and can only sponsor one child who can use their transportation service for free. Their goal, they say, is to help more kids.
Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones recently joined them on a ride-along, saying that the organization has stepped up to provide more options to parents.
“Transportation options are critical for students across the valley, especially those who live outside of CCSD’s transportation zones and who have special needs,” Jones said in a statement.
Up next, the Bishops will provide transportation for some Clark County high school students in summer programs.
CCSD was contacted to participate in this piece, but did not respond to requests.
