The Lakewood Board of Education has updated its transportation eligibility guidelines for the 2026-2027 school year, changing the age requirement for students to qualify for Board-funded transportation services.

Under the revised policy, students must be 5 years old by September 30 in order to be eligible for transportation funded by the district. Officials said the change was made to align Lakewood’s guidelines with those used in neighboring townships.

The update specifically affects children born between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 who are entering the 2026-2027 school year.

Parents whose children fall within the affected category have been notified by email with additional information regarding the change and possible next steps. Families are being directed to review available options through the district’s transportation portal at LakewoodSTA.org.