DeKalb Community School District 428

FAQs

I was expecting my child at the bus stop but they didn’t get off the bus. Who should I contact?

If you are expecting your child to get off the bus and they did not arrive, please contact your child’s school or the Transportation immediately. Children don’t always pay close attention to their surroundings while on the bus so they sometimes miss their assigned stops, or sometimes they may fall asleep while on the bus. The district will make every effort to locate your child immediately.

How many seats are on a school bus?

The typical school bus will accommodate 48-50 adult passengers (2 per seat) or 72 children (2nd grade or younger sitting 3 per seat). If a large bus just too big for the operating area, we have small buses too, which typically seat 10 adults or 20 children (2nd grade or younger).

Would buses be safer if kids wore seat belts?

Illinois is one of 42 states that doesn't require seat belts on large school buses. Seats on school buses are cushioned and situated together to prevent passengers from suffering a severe bodily injury during an accident.

Buses are 40 times safer than average family cars, according to the National Safety Council, but seat belts do reduce the risk of serious injury to passengers in other vehicles.

Who is eligible for transportation services?

The district provides bus transportation to and from school for all students living 1.5 miles or more from the school.

How do I find the most recent information on bus routes?

Be sure to download the FirstView mobile app to help you keep track of your students bus each day. Look for the FirstView app from First Student, Inc., on either the Apple Store or Google Play.

What do I do if my address has changed? 

Email the District Registrar at [email protected] or visit the Education Center, 901 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb, to provide your new information.

What do I do if I have a change in my contact or emergency contact information?

If you have any changes to your contact information such as a new personal phone, new work number, or your emergency contacts have changed, notify your child's school as soon as possible so they can update your information. Having current information is vitally important in the event of an emergency.

Need to Know

While students are on the bus, they are under the supervision of the bus driver. In most cases, minor bus discipline problems can be handled by the bus driver. In the case of a written disciplinary referral, student bus problems will be investigated and handled by the building principal. Students are expected to follow all school rules while on the bus. Students are subject to being suspended from riding the school bus for violating school rules or for engaging in other gross disobedience or misconduct.

In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are also expected to observe the following:

1. Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.

2. Arrive at assigned bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick up time, and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus.

3. Stay away from the bus until it completely stops and the driver signals you to board. Enter in single file without pushing. Always use the handrail.

4. Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.

5. Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Tablets, iPods®, iPads®, smart phones, and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones. No videotaping of other students is allowed.

6. Help keep the bus neat and clean. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits.

7. Eating and drinking is not allowed on the bus. Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students. Sit with your hands to yourself and avoid making noises that would distract the driver or bother other passengers. Remain seated, keeping your hands, arms, and head inside the bus at all times.

8. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus.

9. Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you. Take five giant steps away from the bus and out of the danger zone, until you can see the driver and the driver sees you.

10. If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus. Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic.

11. Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something. Video and audio cameras are active on busses to record and may be used for the purposes of investigation into any misconduct or accidents on the bus.