Transportation

Our goal is to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation to students who live in our school district.

Approximately 18,400 students (including nonpublic students) who reside within SoWashCo Schools boundaries will attend school this year. Roughly 14,000 will ride a school bus to and from school everyday. We work to ensure that students arrive at school ready to learn!

School year 2022-2023 Bus Information shows in Parent Portal.

Students may only ride their assigned bus to and from school.

Transportation eligibility can be reviewed below under Transportation Guidelines-Transportation Eligibility.

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Contact

Department of Transportation
651-425-5303
transportation@sowashco.org

Special Education Bus Attendance

Please call 651-425-5303 if your student will be absent from Special Education transportation. Please press 1 on the main menu for Special Education Routing.

Driver Shortage Notice

Transportation Opt-In

SoWashCo Schools is moving to an opt-in transportation system starting in the fall to help ensure the most efficient routing for students eligible to ride a school bus. Every family must complete the opt-in form between March 15-27 to continue to receive transportation services next school year.

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About Transportation Opt-in | How to Opt-in | Questions and Answers

Transportation Opt-in Form

About the Transportation Opt-in System

The opt-in system will help the district address the ongoing bus driver shortage and help to create more efficient and sustainable bus routes. Currently, all qualifying students are assigned a bus route, whether they need and/or use bus transportation. This results in empty seats on buses from students who never use bus transportation.

How to Opt-in

Click the button below to complete the transportation opt-in form.
Families do not need to log into their Campus Parent Portal to access the opt-in form.
Once you have completed the form please make sure to submit it.
If there are any issues with your opt-in form you will be contacted.

Transportation Opt-in Form

Questions About Transportation Opt-in?

info@sowashco.org

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Questions and Answers

If my child(ren) is/are in a non-bussing zone (within walking distance) can I opt-in for transportation services?

If my child(ren) only needs bus transportation occasionally should I opt-in for transportation services?

If our family determines we need transportation services after opting out can we change our response?

What happens if I don't complete the opt-in form?

Can I opt-in but still drop off/pick up my child each day?

Yes; however this will hinder SoWashCo Schools' goal to create more efficient bus routes. Families that do not plan to utilize bus transportation are encouraged to indicate they do not need services. If your family's situation changes at any time, you can opt back in for transportation services by contacting the Department of Transportation at 651-425-5303 or at transportation@sowashco.org.

Does the opt-in form include busing for sports and activities (busing to and from competitions or events)?

When will the opt-in selections take effect?

Should I complete the form for my child that receives special education busing?

Yes, please follow the directions below to complete this form:

Please complete a form for each student in your family
If your student receives special education transportation services, please choose the option: My child requires special busing that has been worked out with the Transportation Department.

Later this spring, special education transportation forms will be completed for your student to continue to receive transportation as part of their IEP services.

If you have questions about your child's special education transportation services please contact info@sowashco.org.

My child attends a private or charter school but receives transportation services from SoWashCo Schools. Do I need to complete the form for my child?

Will I receive a confirmation email after submitting my form?

What if I don't know my child's email address?

You can still submit your opt-in form without entering your child's email address. If you do know it, it is helpful to include as it helps streamline our routing process.

Families can find their student's email address in their Campus Parent Portal account.

Incoming kindergarten families should disregard the email question as their student has not yet been assigned an email address.

Do I need to log into Parent Portal to complete the opt-in form?

Bus Status

Current Delays:

All routes in service are running as scheduled.

Current Cancellations:

Due to Bus Driver shortages the following routes are cancelled until further notice.

Canceled Elementary School Bus Routes (April 3-6):

Nuevas Fronteras
- Afternoon Route - Sun #74
- Morning Route - Starfish #91

Canceled Middle School Bus Routes (April 3-6):

Oltman Middle School
- Afternoon Route - Sun #74

Canceled High school & Non Public School Bus Routes (April 3-6):

New Life Academy
- Afternoon Route - Sun #74

Transportation Guidelines

Transportation Eligibility

Students that Qualify for Transportation Services

Grade	Guidelines
Grades K-5	School bus transportation will generally be provided for elementary students who live more than one mile from their boundary school.
Grades 6-8	School bus transportation will generally be provided for middle school students who live more than one-and-a-half miles from their boundary school
Grades 9-12	School bus transportation will generally be provided for high school students who live more than two miles from their boundary school.
Magnet Programs and Gateway Program	School bus transportation will generally be provided for students attending Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion Elementary School and live more than one mile from the school. School bus transportation will generally be provided for students attending the multiage program at Valley Crossing Elementary School and live more than one mile from the school. School bus transportation will generally be provided for students attending the Gateway program at Valley Crossing Elementary School and live more than one mile from the school.

*Please note: Transportation boundaries are subject to change. Open enrolled and intra-district transfer students (students attending a school other than their boundary school) whose parent/guardian has signed a waiver of transportation are not eligible for transportation services regardless of the distance.

Bus Ridership

Busing information will be communicated before the start of school each year and remains in Parent Portal throughout the school year.

Students may only ride their assigned bus to and from school.

Students should be standing at their assigned bus stop five minutes prior to their scheduled pickup time. Bus route numbers and descriptive pictures will be placed on the side of the bus.

At the discretion of the bus driver, students may be assigned seats at any time. Students are expected to abide by all school bus safety rules, which are posted in every bus. Students in grades K-10 must attend school bus safety training within the first six weeks of school each year. This training is scheduled during the school day.

Bus stops may be removed from a route if there have been no riders using the stop for ten consecutive days.

Bus Drivers do not have the authority to change bus stop locations.

Bus Routes

Bus routes are arranged according to geographic area and stops are assigned one to three blocks from a student's home whenever possible.

Students that attend a school whose boundaries cover a large geographic area (i.e. Neuves Fronteras, Math and Science Academy, nonpublic) will be assigned to a station stop. Station stops are assigned based upon the number of students in an area or neighborhood. They are generally within two to four blocks of a student's home and are often centrally located to keep student riding time at a minimum.

State guidelines recommend that no student ride the bus more than one hour each way every day. Bus routes, bus stops and/or times may change during the year based upon student location, road construction projects and various other factors.

Bus Stops

Whenever possible, bus stops will be located at corners or intersections. Because of motorist expectations, bus stops at corners or intersections have been deemed the safest. When a bus stops mid-block it can confuse motorists, whereas traffic anticipates the bus will stop or yield at intersections. It also provides the bus driver or substitute driver a landmark (intersection) to identify prior to making the stop so the eight-light warning system can be properly activated to warn the motoring public. This also allows the bus driver to scan the area for students when approaching the intersection.

The designated area that students wait for the bus must be within a bus length to the corner (about 40 feet). The bus driver will designate this area and then communicate this to students as needed. State law and School Board Policy states students can walk up to one mile to a bus stop.

Bus Stop Criteria and Information

SoWashCo Schools' buses will use the eight-light system and stop arm at all stops unless an exception is made in policy or the stop is documented with an explanation. In order to properly operate the eight-light system, a bus stop will not be made within 300 feet of another.
Buses serving students with disabilities may stop while using their 4-way hazard lights only at house stops where it takes an extended period of time to load/unload the student. At these stops, the bus will pull over to the curb at the driveway, the student will not be allowed to cross the roadway. Buses will not go into the student's driveway, unless prior approval has been given. The bus horn will not be used to announce arrival.
Buses will not generally travel down cul-de-sacs unless the vehicle is picking up a student with special needs. Backing up a school bus is a dangerous maneuver. A full-sized bus needs 115 feet to safely turn and most cul-de-sacs are only 90 feet wide.
Unless prior approval has been granted by the transportation department, school buses will not travel on private roads.
Bus stops should be located with clear visibility for 150 feet in both directions. Stops in a residential area where the speed limit is 35 mph or less may not be located within 100 feet of each other.
Stops in or out of residential areas where the speed limit is 35 mph or greater may not be located within 300 feet of each other.
School Buses may load/unload in right-turn lanes if pre-approval has been given. Students may not cross the road the bus is stopped on when the bus stop is located in a right turn lane.
There is not a fixed number of students that warrant adding or moving a bus stop. All bus stop change requests are evaluated on an individual basis.
Visibility from the home to the bus stop is not a criteria for establishing bus stops. We view bus safety as a shared responsibility with families and we rely on families to ensure a student's personal safety to and from the bus stop.
Stranger-Danger criteria is a considerable factor only when documented and verified by the transportation department with a law enforcement agency.
A student's assigned bus driving by their home does not warrant adding or changing a bus stop. The higher frequency of stops can make the motoring public 'impatient', causing motorists to drive around the bus, which is a greater safety concern than the distance a student has to walk to the bus stop. A high number of bus stops also contributes to longer riding time for students.

Open Enrolled and Intra-District Transfer

Nonpublic School Students

Special Education Bus Attendance

Transportation To / From Daycare

The following daycare information will apply:

Students in grades PreK-5 are eligible to be considered for an alternate bus stop for daycare purposes.
The licensed daycare provider must be located in the same boundary school attendance area where the child is enrolled.
The pickup and drop off location must be the same location each morning and each afternoon throughout the week. Licensed daycare transportation options are:
- AM Pickup at home → PM drop off at daycare
- AM Pickup at daycare → PM drop off at daycare
- AM Pickup at daycare → PM drop off at home

We cannot accommodate day variant scheduling.

To request an alternate bus stop near a licensed daycare location, please fill out the Alternate Bus Stop Request Form, found in the Transportation Forms section.

We are committed to providing safe transportation to all students by following our bus stop process and procedures.

transportation forms

If you do not see a form appropriate for your request please contact our Transportation representative directly at 651-425-5302.

Alternate Bus Stop Request 2022-2023

Complete the Alternate Bus Stop Request form only if your student requires busing from an address other than their home address for the following reasons:

Daycare stops are only available for students in K-5th grade.
Secondary/split household/split custody (these addresses must be on file with Student Information)

Alternate location addresses must be within the boundary of the student's assigned school. See: Bus Stop Process and Procedures for additional information.

This form is NOT for residential addresses changes, please contact Student information Office.

Form

Alternate Bus Stop Request form

Non-Resident Busing Request Form 2022-2023

Safety Review of Current Bus Stop

Type III Transportation Training (for staff only)

Statute regulates how students are transported in a traditional passenger vehicle for curricular and extra-curricular activities. When used for student transport, these vehicles are referred to as Type III School Buses. South Washington County Schools developed our Type III training program to align with these state requirements.

The Type III program specifies that

ALL vehicles used MUST be inspected annually by the MN state patrol, outfitted with the proper safety equipment, and have a 10 passenger rating or less. For these reasons, South Washington County Schools must provide the vehicle for Type III use. A personal vehicle or rented vehicle is not allowed.
ALL Type III drivers MUST be trained (online) and evaluated (in-person) annually.
The driver of the Type III vehicle must not have been hired to have the primary job responsibility to drive the vehicle.

To be a Type III driver for SWCS you must

Complete an online training course found within the link below.
Complete an annual driving evaluation ride-along with a transportation trainer after completing the online training. -These evaluations will take place at Transportation M-F between 10am and 1pm. A trainer will email you to schedule after successfully completing the online training. The driving evaluation takes approximately 45 minutes.
Be a district staff member/coach and have completed a district background check prior to training.
Drivers must submit their Driver's License number when registering for online training for a review of their driving record. If you hold a license outside of MN or WI, you will be required to obtain a driving record from your state prior to training.
Attend additional training if you choose to tow a trailer with a Type III vehicle.
Immediately report all moving violations (includes your personal vehicle outside of work). Complete the form: Type III violation and submit to asmith2@sowashco.org within 10 days of conviction.

Vehicles Available

SoWashCo has two 10 passenger Type III vans at each high school and several other 8 passenger vans are available as needed through the Transportation department.

For van availability please contact the specific High School Activities Department. If the High School vans are not available or for non-highs school activities, a district van may be requested from the Transportation Dispatcher at 651-425-5303 for availability and then by submitting a field trip request as a "van lease" with the applicable budget code.

Vehicles from outside of the district such as personal or rental vehicles are prohibited as all vehicles MUST be inspected annually by the MN State Patrol under the district's DOT #.

Questions?

Type III program administrator: Andy Smith 651-425-5309 asmith2@sowashco.org

Complete this Form to register & to access online training

IMPORTANT: The form above will guide you based off of your answers. Be sure to read each page carefully and follow any necessary links to the next training segment; which may be a link on the submission confirmation page or presentation. The time required to complete the form entries are:

Online Registration and Classroom: 60 mins
Please make sure you allow time for completion.

Field Trip Transportation Request (for staff only)

Safe routes to school

What is Safe Routes to School

Why Does SoWashCo Schools Participate in Safe Routes to School

Keeping all children safe on the school commute is a priority and a shared community responsibility. South Washington County Schools joined the Safe Routes to School initiative to engage public safety, families, and other community members and organizations to seek collaborative solutions on safer and healthier school commutes.

School parking lots and nearby roads were not created for the number of family cars waiting in line every day at drop off and pick up times. Traffic congestion problems are compounded by unsafe driving behaviors and valuable district and Public Safety resources are called upon to mitigate safety concerns.

Rethink Your School Commute

Rethink your school commute patterns and the choices open to your family. Review the preferred travel choices below that will lead to less automobile traffic at your school and improved safety conditions and air quality for everyone.

Participate in Bike and Walk to School days to experience conditions around the school and learn about best practices like a walking school bus.

There are many ways that you can contribute to greater health, wellness, and safety through the Safe Routes to School program.

If you live in walking boundaries consider a walking school bus, which is an adult-supervised walk with two or more families from your neighborhood.
If you are assigned a school bus please utilize this free service
If you must drive help reduce the number of cars in the drop off or pick up sites by:
- Utilizing an alternate drop off or pick up site, if provided by the school
- Turn off your engine while waiting in line, don't idle
- Drive carefully and observe school procedures and laws
- Only use single family drop-off for occasional personal needs

Get Involved with Safe Routes to School

Talk with your building principal or a district Safe Routes To School coordinator to help coordinate school activities
Participate in or volunteer at a school on Walk or Bike to School days
Start a walking school bus with friends or neighbors, if possible
Work with your school to promote the Safe Routes to School mission and activities
Become more aware of commutes and safety and make recommendations for low-cost improvements
If you are a business, donate incentives and/or volunteer at Bike and Walk to School Days

What are Walk and Bike to School Days

Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day began in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need for walkable communities. Over time, this event has been part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school.

Today, thousands of schools across America and in more than 40 countries worldwide celebrate walking to school every October.

Biking to School day was added in 2012. While the focus of each day may be different, all forms of non-motorized transportation are encouraged.

Benefits of Safe Routes to School Choices

Walking / biking to school is healthy and fun, where possible.
When adults are out and about with kids, neighborhoods are more connected, safer and more fun.
More children on the bus, walking/biking and carpooling means less road congestion and safer conditions.
Children breathe cleaner air with decreased automobile emissions and learn green, sustainable value

school bus conduct

Please remind students to follow bus safety and behavior rules. Any misbehavior or inappropriate actions will be addressed by the bus driver and/or reported to the Department of Transportation for follow up. Consequences for misbehavior will be implemented and may include assigned seating, parent contact, principal contact, bus suspension, school detention and/or removal of all transportation privileges.

School Bus Safety Rules
Student Transportation Safety Policy

School Bus Safety Rules

Please take the time to review the bus rules with your student to ensure all students have a safe and comfortable ride to and from school. Also, yearly training to all students is provided which includes bus rules, safe riding expectations and emergency evacuations process. Together we are committed to partnering with parents and school staff to guarantee the safe transport of the students we serve.

Be on time and be clear of the "Danger Zone"
Follow the driver's instructions while riding
Remain seated and facing forward at all times
Fasten your seatbelt, if equipped
Your head and arms must remain inside the bus
Cell phones are allowed, but taking photos or recording with any device is not
Be courteous of one another. Bullying will not be tolerated
Please eat and drink before getting on the bus
Help keep the bus in good shape by clearing your personal items (including trash) and treating the bus as your own
Please do not throw objects inside or out of the bus
Like in school, dangerous objects or weapons are not allowed
If needed, the bus driver will assign seats.

Student Transportation Safety Policy

school bus safety

Tips for Students and Caregivers

Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. To keep buses and routes running on time please do not wait in a car or house. Students are most easily seen at the bus stop.
When at the bus stop, please stand at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb. The bus stop is not a place to run or play.
When the school bus arrives, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before approaching the bus door. Use the handrails to avoid falling.
When getting off a bus, look for any cars passing on the shoulder. Wait for the bus driver to signal that it’s safe to cross. Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing.
Never walk behind a school bus. Walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street. Cross the street in front of the bus with at least five giant steps (10 feet) between the front of the bus and you. If you drop something near the school bus, like a ball or book, tell the bus driver immediately. Do not try to pick up the item because the driver might not be able to see you.

Tips for Motorists

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges all motorists to drive safely and to remember these rules about school bus safety:

Be alert and slow down when driving in neighborhoods with school zones.
Watch for children walking, playing or assembling near bus stops. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
Obey the school bus laws in your State, as well as the "flashing signal light system" used for school buses.
Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
- Yellow lights are flashing PREPARE to stop.
- Red lights are flashing = STOP 20+ feet from the bus or more.
- Red lights are off =PROCEED with caution.

STudent Bus Safety Training

Student Safety Training
Items Not Allowed on School Buses

Student Safety Training

By law, students in kindergarten through third grade are required to receive classroom training on school bus safety and understand the competencies by the third week of school. Students in grades four through ten must have school bus safety training and understand the competencies by the sixth week of school.

The competencies of school bus safety training are:

Transportation by school bus is a privilege and not a right
District policies for student conduct and school bus safety
Appropriate conduct while on the school bus
Danger zones around a school bus
Procedures for safely boarding and leaving a school bus
Procedures for safe street or road crossing
School bus evacuation and other emergency procedures
Appropriate training on the use of lap belts or lap and shoulder belts, if the district uses buses equipped with belts.

Items Not Allowed on School Buses

Safely transporting our students is our top priority. Therefore, the Transportation Department has developed guidelines for items that can and cannot be transported on a school bus.

Any item brought onto the bus must fit on student's lap or between their legs. The student is responsible for holding onto that item for the duration of the ride. The aisle and all emergency exits must remain unobstructed at all times.

Items not allowed on district buses:

Any form of weapon, knives, guns or bullets (including toy weapons and weapon look-a-likes)
Flammable or hazardous materials and liquids (including typical household cleaners and hairspray)
Any animal
Any item that obstructs the aisle or emergency exits of the bus
Any item that cannot be properly stowed by the student
Any large item not used for curricular or extracurricular use
Skis, snowboards, sleds, lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, golf clubs and other similar sporting equipment
Band or orchestra instruments that cannot be easily stowed between the student's legs.
- NOTE: Smaller musical instruments will be allowed if enclosed in a case and properly stowed between the student's legs or on their lap.
Items such as loose baseball bats, skateboards and skates.

join our team

Are you looking for a rewarding job with competitive pay and benefits? If so, Transportation would love to have you on the SoWashCo Schools team! We are currently hiring bus drivers, we will fully train you to become a great bus driver. SoWashCo Schools is a great place to work with a strong sense of community, but the best part of the job is the students! Just ask those who work here.

Apply