Kamloops-Thompson School District trustees and staff continue to struggle with how to bus kids to school despite enormous funding shortfalls so they're asking for suggestions.

But in an attempt to draw comments from impacted groups and avoid the mayhem of public meetings as seen during school reconfiguration talks three years ago, only select groups will be asked for input by the deadline of Oct. 31.

"We're trying to eliminate anonymous comments from places in other provinces and even around the world," said Supt. Terry Sullivan.

The groups asked to comment are the Kamloops Thompson Principals and Vice Principals Association, Kamloops Thompson Teachers Association, CUPE Local 3500, First Nations Education Council, District Parent Advisory Council and all Parent Advisory Councils.

The plan raised concerns among some school members.

Trustee Joan Cowden wondered if rural parents, who could arguably take the worst economic brunt of transportation changes, will even know that they're opinions are wanted.

"It's important to target those parents who may not get (the request) through their PACs," she said.

School board chair Denise Harper was worried that the First Nations Education Council may not get the word out on time since they meet in late October. She asked that Band councils be alerted.

Sullivan acknowledged both potential gaps, saying he'd rethink the notification process to somehow include all parents and include First Nations Band councils in the fan out.

Sullivan expected a summary report of comments would be provided to the board prior to the end of the year.

The district is facing its tenth year of a $300,000 to $500,000 shortfall in transportation funding.

The board has often expressed frustration with the province over funding formula changes that precipitated the annual shortfall and which the district calls faulty.