Sauk Rapids-Rice offering bus fee for some students
by Jim Maurice, WJON.com

SAUK RAPIDS -- TheSauk Rapids-Rice school district has come-up with a plan to get some of their students back on the bus.

Earlier this year, in an effort to shave $1.5 million from this year's budget, the district cut bus service for elementary students who live one-mile from the school -- and for secondary students within two-miles.

However, according to a letter going out to parents this week, they will now be able to take advantage of a new "Fee for Service" program.

The cost for the service is $200 per student per year, with a family cap of $400. Daycare providers can also take advantage of the program.

Superintendent Greg Vandal says it works out to be about $1.20 a day for a ride to-and-from school.  And while he acknowledges it's not as good as the free service families are used to, it's better than nothing.

Interested families have until July 31st to sign-up for the program.