The La Joya Independent School District is changing its school bus routes starting next school year, and some middle and high school students will no longer be eligible for bus pickup.

Students in those grades who live within one mile of their school will need to walk or find their own ride. La Joya ISD is calling that zone a "walk-to-school zone" for students in 6th grade and older.

The district is also adding neighborhood bus stops for students in grades 3 through 12. Instead of door-to-door pickup, those students will walk to a bus stop within half a mile of their home.

La Joya ISD Transportation Director Joel Alaniz said rising costs are driving the changes.

"Any students who live within two miles, we are not fully state funded, so those transportation expenses are absorbed for the school district," Alaniz said. "With those expenses that we are trying to save for operation costs."

Pre-K through 2nd grade students will still get door-to-door service.

The district is also changing how it handles drop-offs after extracurricular activities. Students will need to find their own ride home once after-school activities end at their campuses, including athletics practice, band, drama and cheerleading.

Buses will still take students to and from events like football games and competitions.

Alaniz said the change is also about saving money.

"As far as also saving on transportation and operation expenses, it takes for us to absorb that cost," Alaniz said. "We mean fuel, potential overtime for employees and maintenance costs."

La Joya ISD is also launching a new app and website so parents can track buses. The tools will show bus stop locations, route information, pickup and drop-off times, route updates and delay notifications.