TRANSPORTATION FAQS

  • How does a parent or guardian register his or her student(s) for bus service?

    Posted by:

    Registration forms are available on the Blue Valley Schools website. Registration can also be completed online. Please contact Durham School Services regarding any questions about bus registration at (913) 681-2492. 

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Who is eligible for free bus service?

    Posted by:

    All students who reside in their home attendance area and travel 2.5 miles or more from home to school are eligible for free bus transportation. Also, families who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program may be able to receive free transportation if they qualify for transportation. 

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Who is required to pay for bus transportation?

    Posted by:

    All Elementary students whose homes are less than 2.5 miles from school are required to pay a fee for bus transportation. If you have questions about mileage and attendance areas, check your home address through the school locator available on the district website. You may also contact the Blue Valley School District at (913) 239-4102 or email Lisa Hugg.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Why should I have to pay if I live within 2.5 miles from my assigned school?

    Posted by:

    The State of Kansas only provides transportation funding for students who live beyond 2.5 miles from home to school and special education students.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • How is the 2.5 mile distance from home to school calculated?

    Posted by:

    Per state guidelines, the distance from your home to your student’s school is determined by using the most direct route available. To check mileage, please click here.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Is there a deadline to register for bus service?

    Posted by:

    For those elementary families who live less than 2.5 miles from school that are required to pay the transportation fee the discounted fare is available prior to July 1. July 1, and after the full fare will be required. All registrations for bus transportation (both free and payride) must be received by Durham no later than July 21 to best assure transportation at the start of the school year.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Is there a discount for multiple siblings?

    Posted by:

    The first student is full fare, the second student receives a discount of 10 percent off the full fare, and the third and all subsequent students receive a 20 percent discount off the full fare.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • What financial assistance is available?

    Posted by:

    Students who qualify for the free lunch program may also be eligible to receive free busing if eligible for bus. Applications can be obtained by calling Food and Nutrition Services at (913) 239-4062. Parents need to contact Durham School Services to register for bus service after eligibility is determined.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • What is the refund policy?

    Posted by:

    If a student moves outside the attendance area or ceases to attend the school a refund will be issued. In either event the bus company must be notified in writing by the parent (guardian) in order for the parent (guardian) to be reimbursed. The amount refunded will be based on a quarterly pro-rated basis less a 10 percent handling fee. Refunds may also be issued if the refund is requested before routing is completed in early August.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • What if my child requires special needs transportation?

    Posted by:

    Students who have IEP's that specifically indicate that district transportation is provided will qualify. The request for special education transportation must come from a building principal, psychologist, or special education teacher. The request is sent to the transportation coordinator at District Office who in turn will send it to Durham School Services for routing.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Is a student transfer to a school outside of their home attendance area eligible for transportation?

    Posted by:

    No. District Policy 3130 states that as a condition for approval of any transfer request, the requesting party shall be required to sign a form provided by the district to waive that student's right to free transportation that otherwise may have been granted by reason of Board policy or State statute.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • How do I find out about stop locations, pick-up/drop-off times or other general questions?

    Posted by:

    Please contact Durham School Services at (913) 681-2492.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Do I need to communicate with somebody if my child is not going to be on the bus?

    Posted by:

    If you need to cancel transportation on a given day for your student, please contact Durham School Services at (913) 681-2492. They can relay that information to your student's driver.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • How will I be communicated with if there is a change of schedule or event pertaining to my student?

    Posted by:

    Durham School Services will communicate any changes in route information, pick-up time or bus stop location by contacting parents via a note sent home to parents or by a phone call.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • How will busing misconduct situations be handled?

    Posted by:

    If a student misbehaves while on the school bus the driver will issue a misconduct notice. This notice will be sent home to the parent to review and sign. The student will need to return the signed misconduct notice to the driver. The driver will give the signed copy to an administrator at the student’s school. The administrator will determine what discipline needs to take place.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Does the busing company have a lost and found?

    Posted by:

    Drivers routinely check their buses for items left on the bus. Durham School Services can be contacted at (913) 681-2492 regarding lost and found items. Parent will need to provide student's name, school and bus number.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • What do I do if I have an issue with the bus driver or monitor/attendant?

    Posted by:

    Please report your concern to Durham School Services by contacting Dusty Jones, Operations Manager at (913) 681-2492.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Who determines whether or not a crossing guard is needed at a school?

    Posted by:

    The local city makes the decision based on traffic studies and available resources.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Are there rules related to eating and drinking on the bus?

    Posted by:

    The rules related to eating and drinking on the bus are determined by each individual driver.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • What is the procedure if a student missed the bus to go home?

    Posted by:

    If the bus has just left school, then Durham School Services can be contacted and will ask the driver to return to school. If the bus has traveled too far away to return to school, then the school will call a parent (guardian) to pick up the student.

     

    Comments (-1)
  • What is the procedure if a student wants a friend to ride home with him/her on the bus?

    Posted by:

    We have suspended guest or ride-along students for this school year. 

    Comments (-1)