Bus stop cuts leave Three Points families worried as school starts

Families in Three Points and the Altar Valley are concerned about changes to school bus service for students attending Marana High School. For the 2026-27 school year, Marana Unified School District removed more than 20 pickup locations and now has two stops serving the area.

The stops are at San Joaquin and Ursa, and at Sandario and Snyder Hill. Dozens of students have gathered at the Sandario and Snyder Hill location, near a road with a 50 mph speed limit. Some families say the stop is difficult to reach without a ride.

One student said the transportation uncertainty could force her to consider transferring schools or homeschooling. A parent whose children attend Marana through Open Enrollment also said she is worried that students from outside the district could lose bus access if buses fill up.

The district said about 40 students are affected. Officials said they surveyed families and determined that two buses were needed based on feedback. Resident students will receive priority if buses reach capacity, while Open Enrollment students may need to arrange their own transportation if another bus cannot be added. The district also said it has no formal transportation agreement with Altar Valley School District.