I want to take a moment to update you on the transportation issues we experienced to begin the school year. First, let me apologize to our parents, students and staff for the challenging start of school. There’s no excuse for the widespread changes, lack of information or safety concerns that have surfaced.
The source of many issues this year was our transportation software communicating incorrect information to our student management software. The District has worked with our transportation software vendor to correct this and we’re monitoring the system to ensure all information is accurate. This software issue originally led to incorrect mailers and labels for some students, resulting in some students getting on the wrong bus.
As many of you are also aware, the majority of our bus stops and routes were consolidated ineffectively—compounding these issues.
The transportation department also made changes to our communication practices, including the removal of an emergency line for campuses, which has since been corrected. Our campuses have also been informed that District police must be contacted immediately if a student cannot be located on a bus, at home or on campus.
But we understand that’s only a start. When we say student safety is our top priority —we mean it.
The District is currently reviewing transportation department operations and will take appropriate actions to correct deficiencies. We’re also hiring the Texas Transportation Institute — which is affiliated with Texas A&M University — to independently conduct a comprehensive audit of our transportation system, processes, policies and to recommend changes.
Due to a small shortage of bus drivers, there will still be double runs in some areas. We ask for your patience, as we continue to make every effort to remedy this inconvenience.
Again, I’m truly sorry for these unexpected issues and moving forward, I hope to regain your trust in our transportation system.
Respectfully,
Thomas Randle, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools