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Transportation » Transportation FAQs

Transportation FAQs

FAIRFIELD CITY SCHOOLS
TRANSPORTATION
 
Transportation Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most commonly asked general questions that are received in relation to transportation of students.
 
How can I find out the location and time(s) of my child’s bus stop?
As soon as the bus routes and schedules are set, student information will be posted at each school. The routes should be available in mid-August. Parents of Fairfield City School District and Sacred Heart students will have the added option of accessing the District website to obtain bus stop information. Follow the Transportation link to option “Enter your address, Get bus stop information”. You will then enter your child’s address to get the closest available bus stop locations and times. If there are questions about the
route or bus stop, please contact the Transportation Department at 513-829-6603
 
What are some helpful safety tips for riding the school bus?
  • Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early. Wait in your “designated place of  safety” (20 paces/steps away from the bus). This is a state-mandated location, determined by the bus driver, as a safe location for students to wait for the bus.
  • While waiting, respect other individuals, their possessions, and surrounding property.  Stand still
    and be cautious as the bus arrives.The  district’s responsibility begins when students board the bus and  ends, in the  afternoon, when the bus departs from the stop.
  • It is recommended that elementary students be accompanied by parents/guardians to the bus stop.
  • If you must cross the street to be picked up or dropped off, obey the driver’s hand signal and cross 10 feet in front of the bus.
  • Enter the bus calmly, sit in assigned seat and remain seated at all times.
 
What is ‘state minimum’ transportation?
State law requires transportation only for students in grades K-8 who reside more than 2.0 miles from school. With state minimums, grades 9-12 transportation does not have to be provided; however, a shuttle from the high school to a member vocational school is required. In addition, all school districts have an obligation to transport students with special needs as identified in those students’ Individual Education Plans. At this time, Fairfield City School District provides transportation to all students that live in Fairfield and Fairfield Township in grades K-9. We are well above the state minimum and will continue to look at ways to decrease costs by extending some bus stops and walking areas.
 
What is the maximum time a student may ride his/her school bus in Ohio?
There is no identified length of time that districts are obligated to meet. It is up to the school district to manage the length of time students ride their bus. Ride times vary by traffic, locality, and numerous other criteria; therefore, ride times may vary for each school.  The Fairfield City School District is committed to making them as short as possible.
 
Are there state laws that set the standards for bus stop location?
Bus stop locations are determined by the Assistant Superintendent for Business and the Transportation Director.The stops are approved by the Board of Education. We encourage parents to accompany their child to the bus stop whenever possible.
 
Are sidewalks required for my child to get to his/her bus stop?
While we understand this may be of concern in some situations, many students routinely walk safely in grassy areas along roadways to reach the bus stop. This is another important reason to accompany your child to the bus stop.
 
I want my child to wait inside my house/car until the bus arrives at the stop. Is this allowed?
Ohio law requires children to be waiting at the bus stop prior to its arrival. The Fairfield City School District recommends students arrive at the bus stop five (5) minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. Bus drivers must count the students at the bus stop before they load and as they get on the bus to ensure all children are safely on board. If students are not waiting at the bus stop, the bus driver cannot count them. Therefore, the driver cannot be certain all the students are safely on board. Waiting at the bus stop before the bus arrives further ensures that no one chases after a bus, which is very dangerous.
 
My child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) but special transportation is not being provided. Why is this?
A child who has an IEP only receives special transportation when the IEP team designates such as a “related service.” If special transportation is not included on the IEP, your child will be transported similarly to regular education students. If you have questions regarding special transportation please contact the Special Services Department (513-829-4311).
 
Who do I call if I have other questions?
Please feel free to call our Transportation Department (513-829-6603). It is open year-round, including all summer.