DECA says it's buying RTA passes for its students this year

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 21:36 GMT by Dayton Daily News
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One local charter school has started buying bus passes for its own students after Dayton Public Schools said they would not buy bus passes this school year.

DECA Announces Purchase of RTA Bus Passes for Its Students This School Year

In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility and supporting student success, the Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) has revealed plans to independently purchase Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus passes for its own students during the current academic year. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about transportation equity in the Dayton Public Schools (DPS) district, where DECA operates as a charter school. School officials emphasize that this initiative underscores their commitment to ensuring that transportation barriers do not hinder educational opportunities for their diverse student body.

DECA, which serves students from grades 7 through 12 and focuses on preparing them for college-level work, has long relied on public transportation to help students commute to and from its campus. Historically, the broader DPS system has provided RTA passes to eligible students across various schools, including charters like DECA. However, recent changes in district policies and funding allocations prompted DECA to take matters into its own hands. According to school administrators, the decision to buy the passes directly was driven by a desire to maintain seamless access for students, many of whom come from low-income families or neighborhoods without reliable personal transportation options.

The announcement was made public through a statement from DECA's leadership, highlighting the school's proactive approach. "We are dedicated to removing any obstacles that could prevent our students from fully engaging in their education," said a DECA spokesperson. "By securing these RTA passes ourselves, we're ensuring that every student can get to school safely and on time, regardless of external district decisions." This step is particularly significant given the geographic spread of DECA's student population, which draws from across the Dayton area, including urban and suburban zones where public transit is a lifeline.

To understand the context, it's worth noting that transportation has been a hot-button issue in the Dayton education landscape. The RTA, which operates bus services throughout Montgomery County and surrounding areas, partners with local schools to provide discounted or subsidized passes. In past years, DPS has coordinated these efforts, covering costs for students who qualify based on distance from school or economic need. However, budget constraints, enrollment fluctuations, and policy shifts have led to inconsistencies. For instance, some charter schools within the district have reported delays or reductions in pass allocations, forcing them to seek alternative solutions.

DECA's move to self-fund the passes is estimated to benefit hundreds of students. The school enrolls approximately 500 to 600 students annually, with a significant portion depending on RTA services. By purchasing the passes outright, DECA avoids potential disruptions that could arise from district-level bureaucracy. This independence also allows the school to tailor the program to its specific needs, such as extending pass validity for after-school activities, tutoring sessions, or college preparatory events that DECA is known for organizing.

The financial aspect of this decision is noteworthy. While exact costs were not disclosed in the announcement, RTA student passes typically range from $30 to $50 per month, depending on the type and duration. For a full school year, this could represent a substantial investment for DECA, which operates on a mix of state funding, grants, and private donations as a charter institution. School leaders have indicated that they are reallocating resources from other areas of their budget to cover these expenses, prioritizing student mobility over less critical expenditures. This reallocation reflects DECA's overarching philosophy of student-centered decision-making, where investments in accessibility are seen as direct contributors to academic achievement and retention rates.

Beyond the immediate benefits, this initiative has broader implications for educational equity in the region. Dayton has grappled with issues of socioeconomic disparity, and reliable transportation is often a key factor in school attendance and performance. Studies from organizations like the National Education Association have shown that students without consistent access to transportation are more likely to experience chronic absenteeism, lower grades, and higher dropout rates. By addressing this gap head-on, DECA is setting an example for other schools in the district and potentially influencing future policy discussions at the DPS board level.

Community reactions to the announcement have been largely positive. Parents and guardians of DECA students have expressed relief, noting that the assurance of bus passes eases the burden of coordinating rides or dealing with unreliable alternatives like carpooling. One parent, speaking anonymously, shared, "It's a game-changer for families like ours. My child can focus on learning instead of worrying about how to get to school." Local advocates for public education have also praised the move, viewing it as a demonstration of resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

Looking ahead, DECA officials hope this self-funded approach will be temporary, with aspirations for renewed collaboration with DPS and RTA to streamline transportation support district-wide. In the meantime, the school is exploring additional partnerships, such as with local businesses or nonprofits, to offset costs and expand the program's reach. For instance, they are considering integrating transportation education into the curriculum, teaching students about public transit navigation, budgeting for fares, and even advocacy for improved services.

This development also shines a light on the unique position of charter schools like DECA within public education systems. As a high-performing institution with a track record of sending graduates to top colleges, DECA often operates with a degree of autonomy that allows for such innovative solutions. Yet, it remains tied to the district's overarching framework, highlighting the tensions and opportunities in blended educational models.

In summary, DECA's decision to purchase RTA passes for its students this year represents a bold step toward safeguarding educational access amid uncertainty. It not only addresses immediate logistical needs but also contributes to ongoing conversations about equity, funding, and student support in Dayton's schools. As the academic year progresses, the impact of this initiative will likely be measured in improved attendance, student morale, and overall academic outcomes, reinforcing the idea that when schools invest in the basics, students thrive. This story underscores the adaptability of educational institutions in responding to real-world challenges, ensuring that no student is left behind due to something as fundamental as getting to class.

Read the Full Dayton Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/deca-says-its-buying-rta-passes-for-its-own-students-this-year/X4ISY5DEQRD5VK47SKRBF44E2Q/ ]

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DECA says it's buying RTA passes for its students this year

DECA Announces Purchase of RTA Bus Passes for Its Students This School Year