Draper families with incoming sixth-graders at Canyons School District middle schools should check whether their child still qualifies for a school bus seat for the 2026-2027 school year. The first day of school for grades one through 12 is Monday, August 17.
A 2025 state law, House Bill 161, raised the distance threshold for sixth-grade busing from 1½ miles to 2 miles from school, matching the standard for grades seven through 12. The bill passed the Utah House 68-0 and the Senate 26-0, and Gov. Cox signed it March 3, 2025. It applies only when sixth grade is housed in a middle school. Sixth-graders in elementary schools still qualify at 1½ miles.
At the Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Canyons Board of Education meeting, Business Administrator Leon Wilcox told the board the district was reviewing how to comply with HB 161. He noted that families whose children don't qualify for busing would still be able to seek a space-available permit.
The law prompted Canyons District to redraw many bus stops and adjust pickup and drop-off times starting in 2025-2026. In a July 20 announcement, the district said the majority of those changes remain in place for 2026-2027 and urged families to review updated routes on the district website before school begins.
What families need to do
Applications for space-available bus permits open at 8:30 a.m. Monday, August 3, the same day Back-to-School Online Registration begins. Permits are first-come, first-served and must be submitted online through the district website. Families without internet access can use computers in school lobbies.
Key rules for the permit program:
- Students who already qualify for transportation do not need to apply.
- Students attending schools outside their boundary are not eligible, with limited exceptions.
- Seats are assigned by application timestamp, with the earliest submissions receiving priority.
Families approved for permits won't ride the bus right away. The district said transportation for non-qualifying students will not be available during the first few weeks of school while it verifies how many students are guaranteed seats under state law. By Friday, September 11, the Transportation Department will provide schools with a list of approved permit holders. Families will be notified automatically through the online system.
Dates to mark
Updated bus routes for 2026-2027 are posted on the Canyons District website. Parents with questions can call the Transportation Department at 801-826-5264.
The staggered start dates: first through 12th grade begins Monday, August 17. Kindergarten starts Wednesday, August 19. Preschool classes begin Monday, August 24. Space-available permit applications open Monday, August 3 at 8:30 a.m.
