Milford School District reminds everyone that now is the time to prepare for transportation to and from school. All changes to transportation must be made by August 15 or the district cannot guarantee transportation for a child on the first day of school.
“We transport 7,000 students each day to and from school in 62 buses that cover 200 plus routes each day and traveling over 5,000 miles,” Transportation Supervisor Jon LoBiondo said. “Our mission is to provide safe transportation to students and help support educational opportunities for everyone in the district. Our drivers go through hours of training every year to keep children safe.”
LoBiondo reminds everyone that riding a bus is a privilege and that bus drivers have the right to assign seats. Students should adhere to the same conduct on the bus as they do in the classroom. State law requires some students to walk up to half a mile to a bus stop, regardless of the child’s age or the presence of sidewalks. This is a requirement that is not controlled by the district, but by the state.
Students should be at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the estimated arrival time of the bus. Keep in mind that bus drivers do not have to “honk” to let students know they are there and that a child should be at the stop regardless of weather. If a child misses the bus, parents are responsible for getting them to school.
“It is very important for parents to understand that bus pick up and drop off times can fluctuate every day as drivers deal with traffic lights, construction, stop signs or inclement weather,” LoBiondo said. “Please allow extra time should the bus be late. If it is more than a half hour late, contact our office. We also ask that parents limit conversations with the bus driver at the stop as this disrupts the schedule.”
Only students may board the bus and any unauthorized person who boards or attempts to board may result in the authorities being called. LoBiondo pointed out cannot have multiple stop locations throughout the week or from one week to another. A child may be picked up at daycare and dropped off at home, but it must remain the same every day per state regulations. A parent or guardian must be present at the stop for Pre-K and Kindergarten students.
All buses have video cameras to monitor and promote appropriate behavior. Video footage may be used to support disciplinary actions. The School Bus Code of Conduct can be found on the district website.
“If your child’s pick up or drop off location has changed, you should make the change to their transportation as soon as possible,” LoBiondo said. “If you have moved, you will be required to provide proof of residency before we can make the changes. If your child’s transportation changes during the school year, it can take up to three full business days to complete, so please allow adequate time for the change to take place.”
Transportation changes can be made in person at the Transportation Office at 906 Lakeview Avenue or email the form with a copy of a photo ID to the office. If you have any questions, contact the Transportation Office at 302-424-6476 or email [email protected]. Please be sure to include your child’s full name in your email or voice message.
