Transportation Process Complicated by Flooding
Providing bussing for students is always a somewhat fluid process, requiring regular attention and some revision throughout a regular school year. This school year is quite different, however, as the District deals with numerous adjustments created by the June flooding disaster. For the Transportation Department this means that additions, deletions, and changes are being made to bus routes almost daily as students affected by flood relocate with their families.
“In some cases we have had families live in as many as three or four locations already this school year because of their homeless status and temporary housing arrangements,” explained Margaret Hamed, Transportation Manager. “We are currently providing additional bussing service from sites in Marion, the Hawkeye Downs Campgrounds, and various hotels and motels.”
It is not so much the number of students as the locations that has dramatically affected the route configurations this year. The number of students currently traveling to and from school by bus is actually lower than last year, though the number continues to vary day by day. Some 6,778 students are currently traveling to school by bus; 7,063 students were regularly transported during the 2007-08 school year. However, the mileage for the District bus fleet is up this year to 7,401 average daily miles compared to 6,835 average daily miles during the 2007-08 school year.
Some bus routes that had served one school are now serving two or three in order to transport children affected by the flood to the appropriate schools. To date, the department has added five routes, and extended at least 10 routes.
“This constant change process has required dedication, flexibility, and teamwork from the entire Transportation team,” noted Hamed.
“Margaret and her staff have performed nothing short of miracles this year to transport our students to school safely and on time since day one this year,” added Dr. Dave Markward, Superintendent. “We are so fortunate to have this kind of commitment to the children of the District and their families.”