Frequently Asked Questions
2009-2010 Bus Stop Guidelines
What are the new bus stop guidelines concerning distances students walk to the stops?
- Primary & Elementary Schools approximately 2/10 of a mile or less
- Intermediate & Middle Schools approximately 3/10 of a mile or less
Why were new district bus stop guidelines implemented?
- In order to establish more efficient bus routes which will result in less time on the bus for the majority of students.
What was the process behind establishing the guidelines?
- Last school year, a committee of staff and parents met to analyze and set parameters for district bus stops. After the guidelines were established, the district bus stops were realigned to improve efficiencies and provide equity with regard to distances children walk to their stops.
How were parents notified of the committee?
- A letter was sent home with all students notifying parents of the committee and inviting them to serve. A total of 15 parents participated, amounting to 45% of the committee. Seven staff members (23%) and 10 administrators (32%) also served on the committee. All parents who expressed an interest in joining the committee were included.
How can I access a copy of the complete district transportation guidelines?
Why were some bus stops changed?
- Following the development of the guidelines, the Transportation Department assessed all neighborhoods in their entirety to determine what would be best for the children. The intent was to create a shorter ride time and a more direct route to school.
What are the criteria used to determine a hazardous bus stop?
- In the event that there is a concern regarding hazardous bus stop locations, the Transportation Department will use the guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for determining hazardous stops. For a copy of the IDOT guidelines, click here. Please reference pages 6-10.
These include the following:
- age of the student
- posted speed of traffic in the neighborhood
- number of vehicles on the road per hour
- distance from the bus stop to the residence
- determination of whether a sidewalk is present
The district refers to the criteria established by IDOT that has been developed into a formula point system. Click here to view a copy of the form.
What determines a potentially hazardous stop?
- Should the formula calculate to 12 or more points, the bus stop is considered to be potentially hazardous. The Transportation Department will then make an adjustment to the original bus stop.
How long does it take to determine a hazardous stop?
- When a stop is being evaluated, it impacts multiple children. Thus, the impact of the potential bus stop adjustment is evaluated for each of the students involved. The complete process takes approximately four business days.
What are the benefits of the new guidelines and bus stops?
- Average Middle School route decreased by 5 minutes
- 42% more Elementary students to load at 3:25 p.m.
- Approximately 550 Elementary and Primary students to arrive home earlier
- To increase student safety, there are fewer stops with one student waiting to be picked up.
- Approximate cost savings with bus lease and fuel usage: $30,000
If I have a concern about my child’s bus stop, whom do I contact?
- Please contact the Director of Transportation Roberta Magera at (847) 856-3644 or, you may also send her an e-mail at trans@dist50.net.
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