Close This Window
Print This Window

School District Revamping Bus Routes
Published: Thursday, May 28, 2009, C-T

Chillicothe, Mo. - For the first time in over 30 years the in-town bus routes driven by the Chillicothe R-2 District’s bus drivers have been redrawn. The school board approved the changes last week during the regular May meeting held at district headquarters.

Prior to that action, Assistant Superintendent Wade Schroeder gave a brief presentation on the changes which will begin on the first day of the 2009-10 school year in August. He noted that, as the city has grown more bus routes have been added to accommodate the growth. “The continual adding of routes has, over time, created some issues where we have several busses driving down the same roads in town,” Schroeder said.

He added that the current system also includes a transfer of students at the middle school, which has led to safety and supervision issues at the end of each school day. “It’s tough for the administrators at CMS to supervise (this transfer) while their school day is going on,” Schroeder explained. The new bus routes, Schroeder said, will call for the following changes:

  • Buses will stop every fourth block at the street corner;
  • Town students will have to walk no more than two clocks to a bus stop;
  • The exchange of passengers at the middle school at the end of the day will no longer be required;
  • Students will ride the same bus in the afternoon as they do in the morning.

The assistant superintendent did point out that the same "to-the-door" drop off service will be offered for kindergarten and early childhood students. And, he said, the proposed changes will effect the in-town routes only. The country routes will stay the same as they are now.

With the new routes, the times school will start at the district's student population centers will change. Specifically, the high school will have classes starting at 7:55 a.m.; the middle school at 8:05 a.m. and the elementary schools at 8:15 a.m. Classes at the high school will end at 2:45 p.m., while middle school students will be released at 2:55 p.m. Elementary school students will hear the final bell at 3:05 p.m.

The changes will net the school district some extra savings, but not in mileage, Schroeder said. He noted that the new bus routes yield a savings of only 52 miles a year. However, because of the reduction of one bus route, and bus driver, the district will see savings in that area.

Return to Top

Close This Window
Print This Window