July 5, 2018

Re: Transportation Update

Dear New Breakthrough Families,

Over the last several months, Breakthrough Schools has been in discussions with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) regarding their responsibility to provide Cleveland students with transportation. In accordance with Ohio law, CMSD has the obligation to ensure that all students who live within the Cleveland School District, regardless of whether they attend a district or community school, receive access to the same transportation options.

CMSD has been clear that the responsibility of their obligation is to you and your student, not to us as school operators. However, it is important for us to collaborate with CMSD to clarify and inform you of your options and assist in supporting safe and quality transportation options.

CMSD has committed to offering yellow school bus transportation to eligible Kindergarten to 6th grade students who live within the District but more than 1 mile from their school. CMSD also confirmed that they will continue to provide free RTA badges for 7th and 8th grade students who meet the same eligibility requirements. The contract between CMSD and the transportation company providing the bus service will be signed shortly and we will have more information after that.

In the meantime, if you live in Cleveland, have a student in K- 6th grade, and are interested in learning more about yellow bus service please contact the CMSD Transportation office at 216-838-7953 or 216-838-7955 by July 20th and let them know you are calling to ask about transportation for Breakthrough Schools. Please be aware that expressing interest is not a guarantee that your student will receive bus service. Final eligibility and routes will be determined by CMSD policy and communicated to families before the start of school.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we do our best to roll this new transportation option out to our families in partnership with CMSD. If you are unable to connect directly with CMSD, please feel free to reach out to the Breakthrough Schools Network Operations Manager, Matt Seymour, at 456-2086 x1310.

Sincerely,

Kareemah Williams
Parent of Two Breakthrough Alum (now in college!)
Former Board Member of Citizens Academy
Former Board Member of Breakthrough Schools
Current Managing Director of Enrollment & Engagement
(216) 367-5720 | kwilliams@breakthroughschools.org