District Transportation

According to school district guidelines, in order to be considered an eligible bus rider:

• Elementary students must live more than 1 mile from their designated neighborhood school.
• Secondary (middle and high school) students must live more than 1.5 miles from their designated neighborhood school.

No, parent/guardians must provide transportation for approved transfer students to and from school, regardless of documented disability.

• Transfer students may, however, apply for a Temporary Rider Permit (available on the District Forms page).
  • Permits are granted on a space-available basis and may be withdrawn if bus ridership changes.
  • Permits are valid only in the school year granted.
  • Students must be able to walk to an existing bus stop safely - they will not be allowed to cross 3- or 4-lane roads alone to arrive at the bus stop. No new stops will be created for temporary riders.
  • Students must have the same transportation schedule and bus stop location each day of the week.

Students who are not otherwise eligible to ride the bus may apply for a Temporary Rider Permit (available on the District Forms page) for transport to day care or another location. 

Bus drivers must receive a signed note from a parent or guardian that is also approved and signed by the school principal.

• The student may only get off at a different stop on their assigned route.
• Students may not ride home on a route that is different from the one in which they were assigned.

Yes, as long as they are both on the same bus route, with a note. (See above.)

• Students who are not assigned to the bus may not ride home with another student.

Kinders taking the bus will not be dropped off at their bus stop after school unless they are greeted by an authorized adult or accompanied by an authorized older sibling in 3rd grade or older. 

Springfield's Safe Routes to School program provides helpful information to students who walk or bike to school. Check with your child's school for walking maps with recommended routes, or to see if they have volunteer-led "walking school buses" that allow students to travel safely to school in larger numbers. 

Riding the school bus is a privilege that can be denied if bus regulations are not followed. It is definitely helpful for students to be aware of the "rules of the road" and that they need to follow the instructions of the school bus driver.

• School bus regulations can be found on pages 29-40 of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.  

If your child fails to return home at his/her expected time, contact the school first. Please keep in mind there may be many reasons for a bus to be late on its route. A bus could be late if there is a substitute driver, if there are mechanical problems, traffic tie-ups, inclement weather, or poor road conditions.

The district maintains a discipline and appeals procedure to insure students follow the student conduct and safety rules while using the transportation system. In most cases, at least one warning slip will be issued prior to the suspension of transportation. Suspension may be appealed in writing to the School Principal.

We ask that you first contact the Transportation Department.  The staff at the Transportation Department will relay your message to the driver and they will get back to you as soon as they get an opportunity. If you are unable to resolve your concern, please discuss the situation with the Transportation Supervisor.