Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My 6-year old has to walk 3-blocks to a bus stop when the bus goes right by my house. Can't the bus stop and pick her up?
A. The guidelines are set and the routes are developed to allow students to be transported in a safe and efficient manner. We can't stop and pick up your child without doing the same for other district students. If bus drivers were permitted to stop at every house or corner to pick up students, the length of the route would be extended to the point that the entire group would be late for school every day.

Q. How far will my child have to walk to catch the bus?
A. Normally, students will not have to walk more than 6 blocks to a bus stop location. Students who move or change schools may have a temporary stop that is over the walk guidelines. A closer stop will be created for these students.

Q. How far from the school must you live to be eligible for transportation?
A. Students who live 1.5 miles or more from the school they attend are eligible for transportation. Students who live less than 1.5 miles from the school they attend are not eligible for transportation.

Q. How do I report a change of address?
A. Contact the school your student attends as soon as possible and give them the new address and phone number. You may receive information on the stop closest to you. If that stop location is over the walking guidelines, a closer stop will be created.

Q. Do students have bus passes?
A. Only preschool and some Exceptional Education students are required to wear I.D. tags.

Q. How does the student get the I.D. tag?
A. Only preschool and some Exceptional Education students are required to wear I.D. tags. The I.D. tags are issued by the school. It is the responsibility of the parent and the school to make sure the student is wearing an I.D. tag when he/she is ready to board the bus. No student will be permitted on the bus without the I.D. tag.

Q. My child has medical or health related problems and requires special transportation arrangements, what should I do?
A. Special transportation arrangements are based on information contained on the child's Health Impaired Form or physician's statement. The Health Impaired Form is available at the child's school or School Based School Linked Services. The Form or physician's statement will be the sole basis for granting a closer stop. Please have your child's doctor complete the Form or statement and return it to School Based School Linked Services (Phone: 418-8649, Fax: 418-8646). There is no provision for door stops due to a parent's physical handicap or health status.

Q. What happens if my child is ill at school?
A. Parents will be contacted to pick up the student or arrange for someone else to pick up the student. If the student is bleeding, running a high fever, has a suspected concussion, broken bone, etc., medical professionals should be notified.

Q How will transportation be arranged for athletic and other after-school activities?
A. All transportation arrangements for athletic and after school activities (middle and high schools) will be made by the school, except that any activity that is completed after 5:30 P.M. will require the parent to pick up the student from the school and transport the student home. No bus transportation home is available after 5:30 P.M.

Q. What should I do if my student's bus runs late or doesn't show up at all?
A. Call the bus company that usually transports your student, or call the Transportation Department (418-8825).

Q. Are video cameras on the school buses?
A. Video cameras are rotated on buses throughout the School District; however, not all buses have cameras at all times.

Q. Can my child ride another school bus or get off at a different stop to visit a friend?
A. No. Students are only allowed to use their assigned route and transportation stop.