Superintendent Message on Student Transportation, Aug. 9, 2024

August 9th, 2024

The following message was shared with HCPSS families by HCPSS Superintendent William J. Barnes on August 9, 2024.

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In just a few short weeks, we will welcome students back to begin the 2024-2025 school year. I have great expectations for this year as we ensure every student is achieving and excelling. I remain concerned about our elevated rates of chronic absenteeism, which I will focus on as Superintendent, but realize that attendance is also dependent upon students arriving at school on time.

I want to assure you that significant work has been done to prevent the level of transportation challenges experienced last year from reemerging. I acknowledge a large magnifying glass is directed at us as we begin the school year and there are several changes and improvements that I am pleased to share, specific to student transportation.

• We committed to rebuilding relationships with all local transportation contractors, addressing continuing issues, and began working on short- and long-term improvements to all aspects of our transportation system;
• A project management plan was implemented to ensure all transportation contractors have adequate time to review routes, provide feedback, conduct dry-runs and be fully prepared to support successful operations from the first day of school;
• Start time adjustments at several schools enabled us to increase efficiencies, alleviate traffic congestion at respective campuses or neighborhoods, and address several community concerns;
• Systems have been updated so route numbers that families receive correspond to the bus number on the side of the bus. (The HCPSS online bus stop locator is scheduled to be available no later than Wednesday, Aug. 21);
• Alternative vehicles, such as minivans and 10-passenger vans, are available to supplement our regular and specialized bus service; and
• Extra attention has been placed on having the full contingent of drivers and buses necessary to start the year.

That said, the logistics of transporting more than 40,000 students using over 500 contracted vehicles is complex. The first few days of any new year typically bring challenges that are quickly addressed. I am confident that with the improvements that are being implemented, and our dedicated Office of Student Transportation staff working diligently to result in reliable and on-time transportation will show a marked difference in service levels compared to last school year. Once the school year begins, if you experience disruption with transportation, I urge you to contact an administrator at your child’s school or complete the HCPSS Office of Student Transportation Contact Form so staff can respond in a timely manner.

Please join me in recognizing our wonderful bus drivers this school year by offering a friendly wave of hello or word of encouragement, which will go a long way in showing appreciation for their efforts. Thank you for your support and partnership. Let’s work together to make the start of this school year great.