I hope everyone is enjoying a restful and fun-filled summer! While students are making the most of their break, our teams here at MAPS have been hard at work preparing for a smooth and successful start to the 2025–2026 school year.
As the first day of school quickly approaches, I want to highlight two important changes that families should be aware of. Sharing these updates now will help ensure everyone is informed and ready as we begin a new academic year together.
1. Kobussen Bussing Replaces Wendorf Bussing
After more than 60 years of dedicated service to our community, the Wendorf family has officially retired from the bussing business. We are deeply grateful for their decades of commitment to safely transporting generations of Merrill students.
With their retirement, MAPS initiated a search for a new transportation partner—a process that included presentations, interviews, and reference checks. We’re pleased to announce that Kobussen Bussing was selected to take over our district’s transportation services.
Our primary goal during this transition is to make it as seamless as possible for students and families. Aside from the name on the side of the bus and a few new drivers, very little will change this year. Routes, transfers, and general operations will remain consistent with past years. Throughout the year, Kobussen will evaluate our bussing system and may propose updates or improvements for the 2026–2027 school year, but for now, consistency is key.
A reminder: All eligible students must be signed up for bussing. Kobussen has emailed families a link for registration—one email per child. These links are unique to each student, so if you have multiple children, you’ll need to complete each form separately. If you haven’t received an email yet, please check your spam folder. Questions about eligibility or registration can be directed to our bus dispatch office at 715-536-4581 ext. 10102. Once Kobussen's direct contact information is available, we’ll share it promptly.
2. Universal Free Breakfast Program Has Ended
Like many districts across the country, MAPS has proudly offered free breakfast to all students in recent years thanks to post-COVID surplus funding. Unfortunately, that funding has now ended, and we are no longer able to provide universal free breakfast.
However, breakfast will still be available daily to all students at a low cost:
Grades K–4: $1.20
Grades 5–12: $1.35
Reduced price for all grades: $0.30
Breakfast remains an essential part of the school day, playing a key role in students' focus and readiness to learn. We encourage families to prioritize breakfast, whether at home or through the school.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch will also qualify for free or reduced breakfast. The application for this program is part of your student’s online registration in Skyward. If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, please reach out to Taylor Pophal at 715-536-4594, ext. 18009.
We are excited to welcome everyone back to school in just a few short weeks. Until then, please enjoy the rest of your summer break, stay safe, and get ready for a great school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Shannon Murray
Superintendent of Schools
Merrill Area Public Schools