MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton families with school children attending schools in Fallbrook Union Elementary or Oceanside Unified School Districts will see a change in the bus transportation around base during the 2009-2010 school year, according to BASEGRAM 27-07.

Due to the current financial budget crisis in California, local school districts have eliminated or changed to fee-based bus services, said Lt. Col. Samuel P. Pelham, deputy director, Camp Pendleton Liaison Office.

FUESD has widened the “mandatory walker” program from one mile to one and a half mile radius. Families within one and a half miles of a FUESD school will be responsible for the transportation of their children to and from school. This change eliminates all bus services to and from San Onofre School, except special education bussing, said Pelham.  

Busses will still be available, at no cost, to children living outside the mandatory walker radius in San Luis Rey, Serra Mesa and O’Neill Heights Housing.

Similar transportation rules have been in effect off base throughout FUESD over the past three years.

Pendleton families have been recipients of services not offered to local communities during previous school years, said Pelham.

Due to budgeting, Camp Pendleton OUSD students will be offered fee-based bus service this year.

The fee is $360 per student up to four students, with price breaks for families with four or more students. Families who qualify for free and reduced lunches will also qualify for discounts associated with fee-based transportation. Families are not automatically enrolled in one program if they enroll in the other and must submit applications to both programs.

Families who plan on using bus transportation this school year must apply through the district transportation departments. 

Contact the Camp Pendleton School Liaison Program at (760) 763-7385 or (760) 763-7386, for further information.