TRANSPORTATION

2026 - 2027 TOWN ROUTE TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

During the 2025–2026 school year, the district experienced ongoing challenges related to a shortage of bus drivers and overcrowding on the town route. In an effort to improve efficiency, maintain safety, and better utilize existing transportation staff, the Transportation Department is proposing adjustments to bus eligibility areas and bus stop locations for the 2026–2027 school year. These proposed changes are also intended to more closely align with existing district transportation policy, which states that students living within 1.5 miles of a school site are not eligible for bus transportation. This past year, we made 218 stops each day and plan to reduce that number in half for the 26-27 school year.

Students may only board at approved assigned stops. Families will receive notification from the Transportation Department regarding bus stop approval and route assignments by August 1, 2026.

West Campus Transportation Changes

Previously, students living well within the 1.5-mile policy limit have been permitted to ride district buses. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the district will work toward limiting transportation eligibility to students living more than 1.2 miles from the West Campuses.

For Lower Elementary students, transportation eligibility distances will continue to be measured from that campus.

Bus Stop Changes (yellow area on the map)

Front-door pickup service will no longer be available on the town route and several other routes. Students assigned to the town route will utilize designated community bus stops.

Proposed Town Stops for 26-27

• Cedar & 3rd (west side of Leo Park)
• Cedar & Boundary (east side of Leo Park)
• Memorial Drive & Boundary
• 2nd & Fir (southwest corner of Century Park)
• 4th & Holly
• 4th & Jackson
• 2nd & Locust
• 7th & Quail Creek
• 1900 block of North Highway 77
• Pinewood Dr. & Lakewood Dr.
• 7th & Marchbanks
• 15th & Fairway Dr. - Afternoon Only
• 9th & S. Brookwood - Afternoon Only
• 8th & Holly - Afternoon Only
• 12th & Market
• 8th & Market
  

High School Transfer Stop (orange area on map) 

Students will be picked up between 7:30-7:40 a.m. in front of the former junior high building at 9th & Elm.

A designated shuttle bus will transport students from the West Campuses to the former junior high/high school campus in the afternoon.

The former junior high campus/high school campus will serve as the designated transportation hub for students residing within the area bordered by:

• Fir Avenue to the north
• The railroad tracks to the east and south
• 15th Street to the west

South of the Railroad Tracks (green area on map)

The neighborhood south of the railroad tracks, bordered by 7th Street to the east and 15th Street to the west, will be reduced to two centralized bus stops:

• Market & 12th
• Market & 9th

The mission of the transportation department is to provide the safest and most efficient transportation possible for the students we transport. We greatly appreciate your assistance to help us provide safe transportation.  Please read, be aware of, and discuss the following policies and procedures with your child(ren).  Through teamwork and cooperation on everyone’s part, we should achieve our mission of safety.  The policies and procedures in need of review are as follows:

General Transportation Policy:

Please fill out the transportation request form for requests and any changes that need to be made throughout the year. Our drivers are not permitted to make address OR route changes. The transportation office needs a three (3) to five (5) school day notice for a change in pick up or drop off address.  Please keep in mind this may affect the bus run and make a time change for other students on the bus.

Student Stop Procedures:

Loading and unloading will be at a designated location that is within state, local, and school district guidelines to allow minimum traffic hazard exposure to your daughter/son.  If you have questions or concerns about your child's bus stop, please feel free to contact our office.

Pick-Up Procedures:

Students must be out of their home or vehicle and ready to board the bus at their scheduled arrival time. To remain on schedule, our drivers are instructed not to wait past the scheduled time for each stop before continuing on to their next destination. If unusual circumstances occur, please contact the transportation office to make arrangements.

Loading/Unloading:

1. Be at the stop 5 minutes prior to pick up time.
2. Respect people and their property while waiting for the bus.
3. Stand at least 10 feet from the road and wait until the bus comes to a complete halt before approaching the bus.
4. Wait for the driver's signal before crossing in FRONT of the bus. ALWAYS cross in FRONT of the bus and always cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus. NEVER, for any reason, stop in front of the bus. If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up, move away from the bus. Tell an adult.
5. Always sit in your assigned seat.
6. Never leave the bus anywhere other than your designated stop.
7. Hold the handrail while exiting the bus in an orderly manner.

1. Students shall respect and follow the direction of the driver. All school rules apply on the bus.
2. Remain seated until the bus reaches your designated stop. 
3. Respect school property. Vandalism may result in immediate loss of transportation privileges.  Damages will be paid for by those responsible. 
4. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Only items that can be safely held on your lap will be allowed on the bus.
5. Keep all body parts out of the aisle and inside the window.
6. Use good posture as you would in the classroom.
7. Talk only in a quiet voice and be absolutely silent at railroad crossings.
8. Treat the driver and other passengers with respect.
9. Identify yourself upon request of the driver or other authorized personnel.
10. Never throw objects inside the bus or out the window of the bus.
11. There is to be no use of improper language. No excessive noise.

Inclement Weather and School Closing Policy:

If the school district is on a weather related delay of one hour or more, we will follow the delay schedule.

• We will make every effort to transport your student to their regular scheduled drop off as soon as possible within safety limits.
• When a parent transports or arranges transportation for their student(s) into school, from a closed district, it will also be the parent’s responsibility to arrange transportation back home.

We invite you to discuss any questions you may have regarding transportation with your child’s driver, or you may call our transportation office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bus Transportation