Guidelines/FAQ

The Transportation Department welcomes you to the Edwardsburg Public Schools. We look forward to working with you to provide safe, effective, and efficient transportation services to the Edwardsburg school community.

The following transportation guidelines address some of the most frequently asked questions from parents. If you have any transportation questions please feel free to contact the transportation department. Our current office hours during the school year are 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone numbers are 663-2900 or 663-1041.

1. Bus routes and estimated run times will be published in the Edwardsburg Argus on or around the first week of August.
   
   
2. Student pickup and drop off points are established from the student registration form, this is your residence. All requests for pickup or drop off at other locations need to be submitted to the transportation department. We request that all routing changes be done in person at the transportation department, using the change in routing request or sitter slip form.
   
   
   1. The transportation department requires that any requested changes in bus pickup or drop off points are provided to us a minimum of three weeks prior to the start of school.
   2. Changes to routings throughout the school year require a minimum 72-hour notice, not including the date the request is given.
   3. All routing changes must be for a minimum of five (5) consecutive school days.
   4. Pickup and/or drop off points must be consistent each day.
      
      
3. The transportation department may not be able to accommodate all requested changes in routing. The greater lead-time provided concerning any changes would allow you more time to make alternative arrangements if transportation cannot fulfill your request.
   
   
4. The district requires that a parent or another authorized adult** is visible to the bus driver at the bus stop for all Kindergarten and Young-four students only. If the driver is not able to identify a responsible adult when stopped for unloading, the bus will bring the student back to the building or transportation garage.
   
   
   1. The bus will stop at the established unloading point, and wait for approximately 5-15 seconds before closing the door and proceeding on route. Once the driver has closed the door, the bus must continue on route.
   2. Parents should not "follow or chase down" the bus in an attempt to have their student released at an undesignated stop. They should call transportation to confirm the situation and to make arrangements to pick up the student.
   3. **Exception to adult visibility: "Communitv Bus Stops. " A visible parent/adult is not required at Community Stops in order to release a kindergarten or young-four student from the bus. Community Stops are at locations where a large number of students are released. Examples of these stops include mobile home parks, apartment complexes, sub-division pickup points, and any other location the district designates.
      
      
5. Students must load and unload only at their assigned bus stop location.
   
   
6. In normal operating conditions, subject to weather etc., it is suggested that students be at their bus stop 10 minutes ahead of the expected bus arrival. To assure pickup, the student must be at the assigned bus stop prior to the arrival of the bus.
   
   
7. If your child does not come to school on any given day, it is not necessary to call the transportation office. The bus routes are run each day as routed to keep consistent schedules.
   
   
8. Bus behavior and disciplinary referrals -- We need your help in maintaining a safe and effective transportation system. This is especially important as it involves the student behavior on the bus. It is important that parents emphasize to their child the importance of good behavior on the bus.
   
   
9. Any items left on the bus by students will be brought into the transportation department after each route. These items may be reclaimed at the transportation office between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Bus drivers are not allowed to keep items on the bus.