School Bus Driver Shortage

Like most other school districts around the country, we continue to struggle with a shortage of school bus drivers. This summer we consolidated even more bus routes so we can do our best to provide transportation for everyone who needs it. We anticipate that this year will bring more delays or cancellations due to the staff shortage. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through solutions to this crisis.  

 

Passenger Count

Please remember that the first few weeks of school is when the buses are the most crowded. Once High School parking passes are assigned to juniors and seniors and after school sports begin, the number of students utilizing transportation will decrease.

 

5 Minute Rule

We do our best to predict school bus pickup times as accurately as possible. Students should be at their bus stop 5 minutes prior to scheduled pick up time, in order to account for anomalies. If students are not at their assigned bus stop when the bus arrives, the bus cannot wait for you.

 

Drop-Off Time Variations

Afternoon drop off times provided in your bus letters are an estimate. Drop off times will vary and are likely to be inconsistent due to a number of unpredictable circumstances, such as traffic, weather conditions, number of students utilizing the bus that day, and when the bus actually gets released from school.

 

Drop-Off for Kindergarten & Pre-First Students

Parents/guardians are required to receive their kindergarten or Pre-First age students when dropped off at the bus stop. If a designated parent or guardian is not at the bus stop when the bus arrives, the transportation office will call the student's home to inquire. In the event that a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child will be returned back to school.

 

Other Drop-Off Preferences

If you require your child who is in any grade above Kindergarten to be received by a parent or guardian at the bus stop, please work with your child to make sure they know not to get off the bus unless they see their parent/guardian. To help this, please also notify the transportation department in writing so it can be communicated with the bus driver.

 

Alternate Bus Stops

Alternate bus stops for split custody or day care do not carry over from year to year. If your student requires such an arrangement, please notify the transportation department using the following Google form link: 

Alternate Bus Stop Request

 

Telephone Calls

Peak operating hours at the transportation department are from 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM, and from 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM. During these time frames our phone lines tend to be busiest. If you have a non-urgent question or concern, please place your inquiries to the transportation department by email instead at transoffice@ucfsd.net or between the quieter hours of 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM. This will afford us more time to adequately address your questions.

 

Surveillance Cameras

Our buses are equipped with audio and video recording equipment.