Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my child(ren) are being transported safely?
School bus drivers are trained and licensed for school bus operation. All employees are subject to extensive background screening, drivers are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. The district employs approximately 150 bus drivers. Parents and patrons are encouraged to seek employment with our department.
How are routes established?
Routes are established based on recommendations by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as well as our school district Board of Education policies. The Wentzville School District provides transportation service to resident students residing one mile or more from their school. The average distance from a child's home to their bus stop is about two-tenths of a mile.
Why don't we publish bus stops in the newspaper?
Mailing each student's individual information is more personal and informative than publishing generic routes in the paper. The district uses routing software to assign eligible students to bus stops. We feel this is the most effective and safest way to provide information to parents.
I live in a new subdivision, when will transportation come into my subdivision?
Transportation is provided to new subdivisions when construction has progressed enough to allow the buses to travel safely through the streets without being delayed.
Why doesn't the bus come into my cul-de-sac or dead end street?
Cul-de-sacs and dead end streets can be dangerous for school bus travel because of small children that often play in these areas. If basketball goals or vehicles are parked in the cul-de-sac there may not be enough room for the bus to successfully turn around without having to back. Backing of school buses should be avoided whenever possible. Backing can result in accidents causing damage to buses, other vehicles and personal property. The district may provide transportation into cul-de-sacs having a 52 foot radius with no center island. Routing into these cul-de-sacs will be considered on an individual basis.
When does the district change bus stops?
Bus stops will be changed as necessary to provide efficient bus routes. Major changes are implemented during the summer, however, if a problem or safety concern should arise during the school year, changes may be required.
If my child is on intra-district transfer and a bus goes past my house, why can't my child ride?
If parents choose to place their children in a school outside of their home school attendance area, transportation is the responsibility of the parent. School buses pass hundreds of homes every day. Each time the bus stops, it increases the cost and length of the route. This is an approved expense for students who attend their home school, but the District cannot assume this additional cost for families who choose to send their children to other District schools. Nor is it appropriate to add time to the routes for the other students on the bus because parents choose to utilize a school which is not their assigned building. All of the current bus stops are at approved stop locations and seldom allow for curb to curb stops unless a child has special needs. Most children are required to walk to the approved bus stop location. Designated stop locations would not be feasible for students attending schools outside of the boundaries of their home school.
Why doesn't the Activity Bus come into my neighborhood?
Activity bus service is provided solely at district expense. The cost to provide activity bus service is counted against the reimbursement the district receives from the state for regular bus routes. The district cannot provide the level of transportation service that is provided for home to school bus routes. Portions of the cost for routes that take children to and from school each day are reimbursed by the state.
Why does only one house in my neighborhood get transportation when the rest of us do not?
Transportation is provided for all students who live one (1) mile or more from school. There are several areas in the District where only one or two homes in a neighborhood are one (1) mile or more from the school building. If you question your home distance from school, please contact the Transportation Office at 327-3860.
The bus drives right past my house. Why can't the bus stop to pick up/drop off my child?
Time constraints and cost prohibits the bus stopping at every students home. Additionally, every stop location has been reviewed for safety concerns. There are several factors that are considered when establishing a stop. These factors would be impossible to evaluate for every students home.
My child says he can't eat/drink on the bus. Why?
Eating and drinking on buses can create an unnecessary risk for students. When a driver is focused on the road it is difficult to notice if a child is choking or experiencing an allergic reaction. In these instances the child may not be able to notify the driver which could be potentially fatal. This is an unnecessary risk for students and drivers. Bottled water is allowed during times of extreme temperature. Students should consider getting a drink prior to boarding the bus.
How can I request a different bus stop location?
Requests should be submitted to Director of Transportation David Wilson for consideration. Requests can be e-mailed to davidwilson@wsdr4.org.
Can my child ride the bus to his or her daycare/sitter a couple of days a week and then to my home the other days?
For the safety of the children, the Wentzville School District does not allow students to ride two different buses in the afternoon. This causes too much confusion for the drivers, students, and the teachers that are assisting students to the bus. Students must ride the same bus home every day with the exception of a family emergency. Every situation must be approved through the Transportation Department.
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