Transportation

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

Student bus routes will continue to be available in Campus Parent Portal throughout the school year.

How to Find Bus Routes in Campus Parent Portal

How to Find Bus Routes in Campus Parent Portal


From the menu select "More"	Click "Bus Routes"	Bus Route information will appear for the selected student. If you have more than one student, click the arrow next to the student photo in the top right to change students.

We want to remind our families that the “Forgot Password” and "Forget Username" links on the Infinite Campus login page do not work. You can reset your password or retrieve your username at any time using this link: https://changepassword.sowashco.org/pwm/private/login.

(All guardians are automatically issued a Parent Portal account when they provide us with an email address. You do not need to request an account and you likely already have credentials assigned.)

Forgotten Username: Click on Forgotten Username. You will be asked to provide your email. If our system has a username associated with that email (if you have more than one email, try all of them), it will provide you with your username. Usernames are typically a guardian’s first name and last name with a period in the middle.

Forgotten Password: Click on Forgotten Password. You will be asked to provide your username and a security code will be sent to your email. Once you receive that, follow the instructions to reset your password. Be sure to check your junk email if you do not see the code in your inbox.

When you have confirmation that your password has been reset, please log in HERE.

If you need help accessing your Campus Parent portal account please note that there will not be staff available Saturday, Aug. 31 – Sunday, Sept. 2 to answer Campus questions.

Parent Portal Tutorials

SOWASHCO SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION REGISTER/CHANGE FORM

2024-25 Transportation Register/Change Form

Skip to Section

Bus Status, Bus Ridership ID Program, Safety, Forms, Guidelines and Safe Routes to Schools, Join Our Team, Opt In

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.

Bus StatuS

Current DELAYS:

No Current Delays

Current Cancellations:

No Current Cancellations

BUS RIDERSHIP ID PROGRAM

About the Bus Ridership ID Program

Starting this school year all K-12 general education bus riders will be given a “Bus Rider ID” identification card. Students will use their Bus Rider IDs to scan when they get on and off the bus each day.

Using a Bus Rider ID is required to ride the bus. However, students will NOT be denied access to ride the bus if they forget or have misplaced their Bus Rider ID. Families may request a replacement ID for a lost card. We ask every bus rider to remember their Bus Rider ID and to scan on and off the bus each day.

Eligible bus riders will receive their Bus Rider IDs from their school at either the open-house event or during their first day of school so that students have the ID for their afternoon ride home.

The Why Behind the Bus Ridership ID Program

Initiating a student ridership tracking program will help the transportation department create a safer and more efficient system. The scan data from the buses will be used to view capacity trends. This will allow the transportation department to better balance student ridership and more efficiently allocate resources.

In addition to increasing efficiency, the scan data also helps maintain a safe and accurate account of all students that ride the bus to and from school. In the event of an emergency, scan data can be used to create a roster of students who are currently on a bus and those who have already disembarked.

How to use your Bus Rider ID

Questions about the Bus Ridership ID pRogram?

Contact:
651-425-5303
transportation@sowashco.org

Need a Replacement Bus Rider ID?

Lost, stolen or damaged Bus Rider IDs can be replaced by completing the request form below.

The replacement ID will be sent to the student’s school and school staff will distribute the ID to the student within 3-5 days.

Request a replacement Bus Rider ID Card

Questions and Answers

Who will be given a Bus Rider ID?

When will bus riders be issued their Bus Rider ID?

Is the Bus Rider ID required to ride the bus?

What do I do if my student forgets their Bus Rider ID?

What do I do if my Bus Rider ID needs to be replaced?

Will Bus Rider IDs be used for athletic/field trips?

How does the Bus Ridership ID program work?

RFID proximity readers have been installed on our district school buses. Bus riders will be provided with an RFID card that the student scans as they enter and exit the bus. If needed, the bus driver also has a mobile tablet onboard which enables the driver to select the names of the students as they board and exit the bus.

The scan data from the buses will be used to view capacity trends. This will allow the transportation department to better balance student ridership and more efficiently allocate resources. In addition, in the event of an emergency, scan data can be used to create a roster of students who are currently on a bus and those who have already departed from that bus.

Is my student’s data safe?

Student safety and accountability is at the heart of what we do. The system only collects data when the Bus Rider ID is scanned by a bus scanner. There is no mechanism within the Bus Rider ID that would allow it to be tracked via Global Positioning System(GPS). Additionally, the ridership information is encrypted and secure to keep your child’s scanning data safe.

SCHOOL Bus Safety and Active Transportation

Bus Safety Video Grades K-12

Bus Rules

New Bus Safety Rules

Be on time and stay clear of the danger zone.
Keep your body inside the bus at all times.
Be nice to each other. Bullying is not acceptable.
Please help keep the bus clean. Throw away all garbage.
Absolutely no weapons are allowed.
Stay seated and facing forward at all times. Wear your seat belt if available.
Students are not allowed to take photos or videos.
Eat and drink before getting on the bus.
Do not throw objects inside or out of the bus.
Follow the bus driver's instructions. If needed, the bus driver may assign seats and/or use "zone seating" (older students in rear/younger students in front).
- NOTICE: Audio and video equipment installed on all buses.

School Bus Safety Training

Students are required to receive School Bus Safety Training and Active Transportation Safety Training.

Competencies of School Bus Safety Training include:

a. transportation by school bus is a privilege, not a right;

b. school district policies for student conduct and school bus safety;

c. appropriate conduct while on the bus;

d. the danger zones surrounding a school bus;

e. procedures for safely boarding and leaving a school bus;

f. procedures for safe street or road crossing; and

g. school bus evacuation.

Active Transportation Training Videos

Students are required to receive School Bus Safety Training and Active Transportation Safety Training.

Competencies of Active Transportation Safety Training include:

Students in grades K-3 must receive pedestrian safety education including crossing roads.

Students in grades 4-8 must receive pedestrian safety education including crossing roads using the searching left-right-left for vehicles in traffic technique; as well as bicycle safety, including relevant traffic laws, use and proper fit of protective headgear, bicycle parts and safety features, and safe biking techniques

Pedestrian Safety Grades K-3

Pedestrian Safety Grades 4-8

Bike Safety Grades K-3

Bike Safety Grades 4-8

Bus Safety and Active Transportation Videos Available in Spanish

Caminar Con Cuidado Grades K-3

Un Viaje Más Seguro En Bicicleta Grades K-3

Caminar Con Cuidado Grades 4-8

Un Viaje Más Seguro En Bicicleta Grades 4-8

Bus Stop Safety

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.

Items Not Allowed on the Bus

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

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.

Stop Arm Safety

Transportation Forms,transportation GUIDELINES, Safe routes to school and school bus conduct

Transportation Forms

Alternate Bus Stop Request 2024-2025

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

Alternate Bus Stop request form must be submitted yearly.

Form

Alternate Bus Stop Request form

Non-Resident Busing Request Form 2024-2025

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 ERHS, PHS, & WHS; one at AHS. Several other 8 passenger vans may be available through the High Schools or 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, 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 #.

SoWashCo trailers are available for lease with a Type III van. Please contact Andy Smith (see below) for requirements.

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)

Transportation Register/Change Form

Bus Stop Review Form

This form is intended to accept your feedback on bus stops that you feel may need to be adjusted for various reasons.

Bus stops are established to be in designated pedestrian areas that allow for an efficient bus route. Bus stop locations may not necessarily be convenient for all students. However, efficiency of the bus route is needed to help ensure that all eligible students receive a bus ride to school. Please review our bus stop and routing criteria at https://www.sowashco.org/services/transportation#Process prior to completing this form.

If you believe there is a strong safety concern with your student's bus stop location, such as crossing a high-speed roadway, complete the Safety Request form located above.

A submission of this form does not guarantee a change. During peak times, review of these requests may be delayed. If a change is possible, you will be contacted.

Bus Stop Review form

If you do not see a form appropriate for your request please contact our Transportation representative directly at 651-425-5303.

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

Active Transportation

Active transportation allows people to be physically active in everyday life by enabling them to walk or bike to their destinations. Many students walk and/or bike to school. Families should ride/walk with their child several times to familiarize them with the route and to point out/discuss any hazards/issues of concern. The following are safety tips to keep in mind when walking or biking to school:

Biking:

Follow the law by obeying all traffic signs and signals. Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Ride a predictable route. Maintain a straight course and avoid weaving between parked cars.
Communicate your intent by looking, yielding to traffic and signaling before turning or changing lanes.
Use extreme caution near commercial vehicles. Only pass on the left and recognize drivers’ blind spots.
See and be seen by wearing bright colors, reflective gear and use head and taillights.
Protect yourself by wearing a helmet.
Always yield to pedestrians.
Avoid distracted bicycling by putting away mobile devices and headphones.

Walking:

Never assume that crosswalks provide protection from all accidents.
Yield to drivers when crossing a road where there is no intersection or crosswalk.
Do not step into the path of a closely approaching vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield for a pedestrian.
Stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again for traffic. Stopping at the curb signals drivers that you intend to cross.
Always obey traffic signals.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Never assume drivers can see you or that they are paying attention.
Always cross the street in a marked crosswalk.
Don't walk and text or look at your phone while crossing.
See and be seen-wear bright colors.

The following organizations offer more information about biking and walking safety:

Minnesota Safe Routes to School
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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. Elementary and Middle school busses have zone seating(younger students near front, older students in back).

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.

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.

Alternate Bus Stop request form must be submitted yearly.

Open Enrolled Students

Transportation For Open Enrolled General Education Students

After a student is accepted for open enrollment, families have the option of requesting bus transportation from within the attendance area for the school that the student attends. Transportation would be provided from an existing bus stop located within that attendance area. If the open enrolled student is eligible (grades K-5) to receive transportation to/from a licensed daycare provider, the licensed daycare provider must be located within the regular attendance area for the school that the student attends.

Transportation For Open Enrolled Special Education Students

Special education students qualify for transportation services to/from a licensed daycare provider so long as the daycare provider is located within our school district. Special education students will be transported to/from the licensed daycare provider to the in-district school delivering the student’s services.

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 stay clear of the danger zone.
Keep your body inside the bus at all times.
Be nice to each other. Bullying is not acceptable.
Please help keep the bus clean. Throw away all garbage.
Absolutely no weapons are allowed.
Stay seated and facing forward at all times. Wear your seat belt if available.
Students are not allowed to take photos or videos.
Eat and drink before getting on the bus.
Do not throw objects inside or out of the bus.
Follow the bus driver's instructions. If needed, the bus driver may assign seats and/or use "zone seating" (older students in rear/younger students in front).
NOTICE: Audio and video equipment installed on all buses.

Student Transportation Safety Policy

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.

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

Transportation Opt-In

About the Transportation Opt-in System

The opt-in system will help the district address the ongoing bus driver shortage and help continue to create more efficient and sustainable bus routes. Bussing will be provided based on opt in responses and bussing eligibility. Submissions will be processed in the order received.

Opt-in occurs annually in the spring. We ask that all families who utilize SoWashCo Schools bus transportation complete the form each year so we can get an accurate count of students that need transportation services.

Your transportation status information (bus route, non-eligible, etc) will be posted in Campus Parent Portal in mid-August.

If you need to change the transportation selection(s) you made for the 2024-25 school year, please complete the Transportation Change Form.

2024-25 Transportation Change Form

Interpretation Services Available

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Tiếng Việt: Nếu bạn không hiểu các thông tin, xin vui lòng gọi cho chúng tôi 651-425-6328.

Soomaaliga: Haddii aad u baahan tahay turjumaan, fadlan wac 651-425-6328.

Questions About Transportation Opt-in?

info@sowashco.org

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?

Families that do not complete the opt-in form for each child will be opted out of transportation services.

Families can request to opt-in for transportation services at any time by completing the Opt In form.

The Transportation Office will process the request as soon as possible. There may be delays when the student may start to ride due to the need to adjust routes and volume of requests due to time of year.

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

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?

Any changes made during the Opt-in registration period will not take effect until the following school year.

If you need to change your status throughout the school year, please complete the Transportation Request, Change or Update form and the Transportation Office will process the request as soon as possible. There may be delays when the student may start to ride due to the need to adjust routes and/OR volume of requests due to time of year.

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.

Special education transportation forms are completed with your student's IEP team for your student 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?

What if I don't know my child's student ID number?

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

Families can find their student's identification number in their Campus Parent Portal account.

*Families of student attending charter, private school or students who are new to SoWashCo Schools can ignore the student ID field as an ID may not be associated with your child.