Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has introduced a new fleet of 20 minivans to help students experiencing homelessness get to school. The initiative aims to address transportation barriers for about 5,000 students who faced housing insecurity during the 2024–25 school year.

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, schools are required to allow students without permanent housing to remain in their current school and provide them with transportation. MPS’s new approach uses minivans instead of traditional yellow buses, allowing for more flexible pick-up and drop-off times and locations. Each van can transport up to four students.

“We must do whatever it takes to get all our students to school, and all means all,” said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “Our schools can’t solve homelessness, but MPS is thinking outside the box to ensure dignity, respect, and stability, so displaced students can focus on their learning and their futures. Not having a ride to school is a problem we can help solve.”

Students facing homelessness may live in various situations such as staying with friends or relatives, living in transitional housing or shelters, or living independently after turning 18. The district’s Homeless Education Program (HEP) works to keep these students in their current schools while providing emergency supplies, academic support, and other services.

The minivan service offers a discreet commute between temporary residences and schools. Features include trained drivers, cameras, GPS navigation systems, and first aid kits—standard across all MPS transportation options.

“Drivers get to know students better,” said Business and Financial Services Director David Fifarek. “There’s a different level of connection with families. It’s more coordinated and there’s an opportunity for dialogue between families and drivers.”

Looking ahead, MPS plans further changes in its transportation system. More than 120 electric school buses will be added during the 2025–26 school year through federal funding programs. Families also have access to WheresTheBus—a free app that tracks bus locations on any device.

The Alternative Vehicle Transport program at MPS has used smaller vehicles since 2015 for groups of students needing special accommodations or flexible schedules due to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), apprenticeships, work placements, or HEP services.

“If you have a big bus transporting just four kids, it’s time to explore alternatives,” Fifarek said. “Alternative vehicles are more economical, and we wanted to partake on a bigger scale.”

The pilot program allows the district both to meet student needs more effectively and reduce costs by purchasing hybrid vans below wholesale value and reselling them later at retail prices if needed.