• Family Responsibility Zones

     

    Effective January 21, 2025, Durham Public Schools will activate Family Responsibility Zones for 21 elementary schools. Per Policy 6322, the DPS Board of Education may establish walk zones that extend for up to a one and one half mile radius around a school. In accordance with state law, school bus transportation is not offered within these zones and families are responsible for choosing their mode of travel to and from school. 

    In evaluating the neighborhoods and areas designated as Family Responsibility Zones, transportation staff avoided areas that would require students:

    • To walk along high-volume streets without a sidewalk (regardless of speed limit) 

    • Cross streets with posted speed limit of 35 mph or higher without the presence of a traffic signal pedestrian-activated beacon, and/or crossing guard

    It is generally considered acceptable for students to walk along and across 25 mph residential streets regardless of whether a sidewalk is present. 

    We encourage families to walk, bike, and carpool to school. Please visit the Safe Routes to School page for more information about planning your trip to school. 

    Please note that students who receive transportation as a related service in their IEP will continue to receive school bus service. McKinney-Vento students will be supported by transportation in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and procedures.

    Please see below for a list of schools with approved Family Responsibility Zones. Click on the hyperlink to view the extent of the zone.

    Burton Elementary

    Club Boulevard Elementary

    Creekside Elementary

    Eastway Elementary

    Fayetteville Street Elementary

    Forest View Elementary

    RN Harris Elementary

    Hillandale Elementary

    Holt Elementary

    Hope Valley Elementary

    Lakewood Elementary

    Morehead Montessori

    Murray-Massenburg Elementary

    Parkwood Elementary

    Pearsontown Elementary

    EK Powe Elementary

    Southwest Elementary

    Sandy Ridge Elementary

    YE Smith Elementary

    CC Spaulding Elementary

    George Watts Elementary.

     

    Family Responsibility Zones Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is a Family Responsibility Zone?

    A: A Family Responsibility Zone falls within a radius of up to one mile around a school within which school bus transportation is not currently offered. Families may choose their mode of travel to and from school - which can include passenger vehicles, walking and bicycling to school. Students who receive transportation as a related service in their IEP will continue to receive school bus service. McKinney-Vento students will be supported by transportation in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and procedures.

    Q: How do I know if our residence is included in the Family Responsibility Zone?

    A: Families residing within a Family Responsibility Zone who have requested school bus transportation were notified by the Office of Public Affairs and by their school administrators. Families can also visit the DPS Transportation webpage to review a map showing the bounds of the Family Responsibility Zone for their school.   

    Q: If we live in the Family Responsibility Zone, can we still receive afternoon bus service to our afterschool program?

    A: Alternate address requests can still be approved if they are within the school’s attendance boundary. 

    Q: How are crossing guards assigned to crosswalks? 

    A: In accordance with N.C.G.S § 20-114.1, school crossing guards in the City of Durham are non-sworn traffic control officers managed by the Durham Police Department’s (DPD) Community Services Unit. Crossing guard locations are codified in DPD’s General Orders Manual. They currently serve 13 DPS schools at 15 crosswalks within one block of the school. 

    Q: We live in a Family Responsibility Zone. Why does it look like our trip to school is longer than one mile?

    A: DPS School Board Policy 6322 defines the zones as a radius around the school (i.e., “as the crow flies”). One or more of the routes a family may travel within these zones between their home and the school could be longer than one mile. 

    Q: What is the appeal process for families who live in a Family Responsibility Zone?

    A: Families are first encouraged to let their school staff know if they are experiencing hardship. School staff can work with individual families to determine if there are locally available solutions that will meet the families’ needs. If the family would still like to request school transportation service, the Principal shall submit the request to DPS Transportation Services to review. If the request is not approved, the family shall follow the DPS Board of Education Policy 1740/4010 Student and Parent Grievance Procedure. 

    Q: How can I volunteer my time to help families experiencing hardship getting their elementary student(s) to and/or from school? 

    A: Please check first with the administrator at the school you have a connection with. The level and type of need may vary between schools and some schools may already have established or in-progress programs for assistance, like coat drives, pedestrian safety education, organized walking groups, or helping families make connections for carpool buddies.

    Q: How often will Family Responsibility Zones be revised?

    A: DPS Transportation Services anticipates reviewing, and if deemed necessary, revising Family Responsibility Zones based on changes to available infrastructure.