Tulsa Public Schools back in session

Tuesday was the first day of classes in Tulsa Public Schools. The district made several significant changes that affect parents and students. <br><br>The school year started two weeks later than usual

Tuesday, September 3rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tuesday was the first day of classes in Tulsa Public Schools. The district made several significant changes that affect parents and students.

The school year started two weeks later than usual - and the district rearranged the bus system to save money. News on Six reporter Emory Bryan visited one of the schools, Lee Elementary at 1920 S Cincinnati.

The changes in the bus system eliminated many of the stops - meaning most of the children who ride the bus probably had to walk further than last year, when many of them had essentially curbside service. The district says the change means that children could have to walk up to a mile and a half - but no further.

Many parents drove their young children, others walked with their children to make sure they got to school safely - and on time. Monica Nelson, parent: "It's not going to hurt them to walk, if it saves the school money, sure, it's not going to hurt them.â€ The changes - all of them prompted by budget cuts - include a later start of the school day.

At the district's elementary schools - the doors open at 8:15. For parents who work early and drive their children - it means that they'll be dropping their children off at schools that aren't open.