Bridgeport School Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery says the district's new Walking School Bus Program will help ease parent concerns about safety.

"We are working with some of our community partners, including nonprofits, to provide specially-vetted volunteers who will meet kids at their homes and accompany them all the way to school. It's part of a comprehensive effort we're organizing to ensure that every single student gets to school safely," Avery said.

Avery said when students go back to school Aug. 28, fewer school buses and school bus routes will mean longer walks for kids.

"As an educator, it breaks my heart to know this situation is impacting some of our families - but that said, we are deeply committed to coming up with creative solutions," Avery said.

He added that the district will establish a hotline to answer questions and direct parents to resources.

The walking distance requirement will increase from 2 to 1/2 miles for high schoolers and from 1 to 1 1/2 miles for elementary school kids, officials said.