MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) – The Indiana Department of Education has denied the Muncie Community Schools' request to end student bus service amid a budget crunch.
 
The Star Press and WRTV-TV report the department on Friday denied a waiver that would have allowed the district to stop bus service after the current school year. Indiana law requires a district to provide three-year notice before ending bus service. The district applied for a waiver in June.
 
Voters in November rejected a property tax increase that would have provided $3.3 million for bus service. 
 
Several people testified at a public hearing last month that ending bus service would be dangerous for some students forced to walk in areas without sidewalks.