At Summit School District, we share the community’s commitment to supporting every student — no matter where they live — and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify how our transportation services are provided.

While it may appear that bus service varies by neighborhood, Summit School District follows a clear and consistent policy that prioritizes student safety, accessibility and compliance with state regulations. Transportation is provided first and foremost to students with the greatest need, including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans, students protected under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and Foster Care provisions, and students who qualify for fee waivers.

We also consider grade level and distance from school when assigning bus stops to ensure that our youngest learners and families without alternative transportation options have reliable access to school. Summit County’s unique geography and weather conditions present challenges unlike many other districts in Colorado. We must comply with Colorado Department of Education safety regulations for bus stop placement and CDOT maintenance restrictions, particularly during snow months, to ensure we do not place students, families, or the public at risk.

Currently, Summit School District operates: two bus stops north of Silverthorne, serving all grades and 14 students who have applied for transportation services (one stop is available only in non-snow months due to CDOT maintenance; and three bus stops in Keystone, serving all grades and 60 students, including 21 from Summit Cove Elementary.

Our transportation team works tirelessly to maximize available resources and safely accommodate as many students as possible across our broad and mountainous county. We recognize that transportation is an essential service for families, and we continually evaluate routes, ridership, and community feedback to ensure fair and consistent access within the constraints of safety, staffing, and state funding.