Sumter County Schools Donate Buses to Youth Center Amid Rapid Growth

Sumter County students have recently commenced their academic year, marking the district as the last in central Florida to return to classrooms.

 

In a significant move to support after-school programs, the Sumter County School District has donated two buses to the Sumter County Youth Center.

 

This initiative aims to alleviate transportation challenges and accommodate the district's expanding student population.

 

The Sumter County Youth Center, which annually serves over 200 students, previously relied on the district to transport some students while arranging pickups from seven different schools.

 

Executive Director Della Boushley highlighted the pressing need for reliable transportation, especially for students in areas like Lake Panasoffkee and Webster, who often miss out on after-school services due to transportation limitations.

 

"I really don’t want to see any students go home alone," Boushley emphasized.

 

"This world is not what it used to be, and you don’t want to worry about your child being home alone."

 

The donation comes in response to the district's rapid growth.

 

Superintendent Logan Brown noted that Sumter County is the fastest-growing district in the state, with expectations to transport over 63% of the student body this year, amounting to approximately 4,000 students.

 

Transportation Coordinator Jason Mendoza stated, "With our numbers increasing, we were able to work with the youth center and donate buses, helping students, the community, and transportation services across the board."

 

This collaboration not only benefits the youth center but also frees up district resources to better serve students not enrolled in after-school programs.

 

Mendoza added, "It's become more difficult to support daycare as we have done in the past, so thinking outside the box, what better way to support the daycare than to donate buses to them."

 

He expressed hope that, as the community continues to grow, the district can provide additional buses to the center and other daycare facilities.

 

In related developments, the district has been addressing challenges associated with its rapid expansion.

 

Recent reports indicate a decrease in student enrollment during the 2023-24 school year, with a total of 9,196 students, a 2.1% decline from the previous year.

 

Additionally, the district has faced scrutiny over past practices, including allegations of falsifying student data to boost school grades.

 

Superintendent Brown has committed to rebuilding trust and ensuring transparency within the district.

 

These efforts underscore the district's dedication to providing quality education and support services to its growing student population.