Why can’t my child ride the bus?

Children in the Freeport School District are eligible for transportation if their home or babysitter’s residence is 1.5 miles or greater from their assigned school, or either residence is in a designated hazard area.

Why can't I just tell the driver where my student needs to go?

Students are assigned and routed on buses to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. Students must get off the bus at their designated bus stop. Drivers and monitors are charged with making sure their students are on the correct bus and getting off at the correct stop multiple changes increase the risk for mistakes. Parents may call the school office and request a bus pass to a different bus, but those are approved on a case by case basis. 

What’s a Hazard Area?

Hazard Areas are neighborhoods in Freeport that have qualities that make them hazardous for students of certain ages to walk through or across.  Examples are railroad tracks, highways with no sidewalks, uncontrolled intersections, or bridges and underpasses.

If you feel your neighborhood should be investigated to see if a hazardous condition exits, please contact the transportation department in writing detailing where you live and where the hazard is located.  Please include the school or schools your students attend.

Why can’t I change my student’s bus drop off for just one day?

One day changes are not allowed for any student (including kindergarten or preschool students) due to the increased chance that a mistake could be made, and because most kindergarten and preschool students are on buses that make only house stops.  Changing your child’s pick up or drop off for one day could alter the other children’s pick up or drop off times dramatically.

Why can’t the monitor walk my child to the door?

Freeport School District monitors are only allowed to walk a child to the curb.  As the parent or guardian of the child your responsibility starts there.

Due to the developmental level of preschool students we, as a district, feel that adult or responsible child supervision is necessary, and to ensure that we require that adult or responsible child (a “responsible child” is discretionary and must be listed on the child’s transmittal) to be visible to the driver.

Does someone have to meet my child at the bus stop?

No, students from kindergarten to 12th grade who live less than 1.5 miles from school walk to school, hence the district places no age restrictions on bus stop pick up or drop offs. If a student, regardless of age, informs staff that they do not know where to go or do not want to get off the bus, the driver will radio the office for instructions and keep the student on the bus. 

Are there crossing guards for my student who walks to school?

The Freeport School District has crossing guards at the following intersections to assist students.

• Stephenson St & Park Blvd
• Blackhawk Ave & Empire St
• Empire St at Empire School St
• Park Blvd & Eby St
• Laurel Ave at Lincoln Douglas School

Why can’t the bus honk?

Buses cannot honk due to the disturbance it causes in neighborhoods and to passing motorists.  Ultimately the horn is intended specifically for safety maneuvers.

The Transportation Department provides transportation for over 2,500 students.  We are not able to position bus stops so that all parents are able to see the stop from their homes.

The bus drives right past my house. Why can’t it stop at my house?

Student ride time is longer with more stops.  A higher frequency of stops causes the bus to use more fuel and lengthen the ride time for all students.  Bus stops are centrally located for all students on the route.  Bus stops are not changed to accommodate one or more students because it may displace other students further from their stop.  In order to remain consistent, no stops will be established based on personal circumstances.