Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently Asked Questions


1. What time should I have my child at the bus stop?

We ask that students arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. There will be fluctuations in the schedule, especially during the first few weeks of school.

2. How will I be notified of the time and location for pickup and drop off of my child?

A bus schedule indicating the bus number, stop location, and times for pickup and dropoff will be mailed to your home approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the first day of school. During the year, when changes to times or stops are required, you will be notified by a phone call from the transportation department.

3. My address has changed. What do I need to do to get the bus stop changed?

There are two ways you can update the district with your new address. The first option is to go to Student Services under the Services tab at the District Website. There you will see instructions and a link to complete the process. If you do not have internet access you can call the District Office and start the address change process with them.

4. I leave for work early and can’t watch my child get on the bus. Can the stop be at my home?

In order to be consistent and fair in placement of bus stops, West Perry is not able to establish stops based upon personal circumstances.

5. I can’t see my child from my house. What should I do?

For many parents, not being able to see their child from the home has been the norm. For younger children, we highly recommend that parents ensure their child’s safety by going to the bus stop with the student or by sharing the responsibilities with other parents at the bus stop location. Student transportation safety is a shared responsibility between families and the school district.

6. There is a split custody agreement for my child. Can he/she be assigned to two different buses?

Yes. As long as both parents live in the West Perry School District, two different stops can be established. The district transportation and registrar office will need to verify proof of residency for both parents prior to establishing two stops. Depending on the age of the student, it's recommended that the parents discuss the housing/transportation plan with transportation to ensure the student is transported on the correct bus. We will also need a copy of the custody agreement.

7. Why does my child have to cross the road to board the bus?

We are not able to route all buses so that all children board the bus on the door side. We suggest that children wait on the side of the street where they reside. The bus will stop traffic in all directions to accommodate students who need to cross the road. Once the safety lights are flashing and the stop sign arm is extended, it is safe for the children to cross the road.
Please review the proper crossing procedures with your child and remind them to watch the traffic while they are crossing.

8. Can my student take a pet/animal on their bus/van?

No (with an exception). Due to health and safety concerns, animals of any kind are not allowed on buses/vans. The exception is if the animal is a service related animal that is documented and serves primarily as a service animal. If there is a requirement to bring an animal to school, other transportation requirements will need to be made by parents/guardians. A driver will not allow a student to enter a bus/van if there's an animal present (other than service related).

9. Can my child ride home on another bus?

Our policy does not allow for students to ride a different bus. Additional students riding buses other than their assigned buses can cause disturbances in seat assignments and may create crowding issues.

10. My child carries a large musical instrument. Can it be carried on the bus?

Many buses carry full loads of students and do not have room to accommodate large instruments or athletic gear. We ask that you provide transportation for your child on days that he/she needs to bring large items that do not fit on his/her lap to school.

11. I have a concern about the safety of a bus stop location. What should I do?

If you have a safety concern regarding the bus stop that your student is assigned to, please call or email the transportation department with details for immediate review.


12. Whom should I contact if my child left an item on the bus?

Please contact the transportation department. If you leave a message please provide your child’s name, bus number, a description of what was left behind, and your phone number so we can call you back.

13. What are activity runs?

Activity runs are a courtesy service the school district offers to middle and high school students staying after school for approved activities. Please see the activity runs link for specific information.

14. If I leave for a few days and have to make temporary arrangements for school transportation for my child, who should I contact?

Communicate directly with the transportation department at least one week prior to your departure to discuss available options.

15. We live on a cul-de-sac. Will the bus come down our street?

Typically, buses are not routed into a cul-de-sac as these stops are considered unsafe for the following reasons:
1. Cul-de-sac stops create blind spots that may cause students to enter or exit within the danger zone around the bus.
2. Different styles and sizes of buses make maneuvering in cul-de-sacs difficult.
3. The rear of the bus could potentially swing around too close to the sidewalk/road curb.
4. Parked cars and other obstacles create road hazards that may not be seen until the bus enters the cul-de-sac at a point of no return.