School officials urge parents to double-check bus routes & schedules

JACKSON, Tenn. — District staff say Jackson-Madison County students may see a few changes to bus routes following the closure of five schools.

The week before school is the time to make sure you’ve got the right details for students to catch the bus without a hitch, according to employees with the JMCSS department of transportation.

“Contact your school, verify your bus number, and if you’ve ridden before it should be at or near the same time as in the past,” said Keith Woods, JMCSS director of transportation.

With both door-to-door and corner stops, students are asked to be at the appropriate stops within 10 minutes of the estimated pick-up time.

Woods said the closure of five Jackson-Madison County schools could have an impact on some bus schedules.

Michael Bowman has children who ride the bus. “My advice is get them up 30 to 45 minutes early to make sure they get their teeth brushed, hair fixed and take care of their personal hygiene handled before they get on the bus.”

Since not every student takes the bus, each JMCSS high school has its own policy for student drivers.

For example, at North Side High School, students have a two-week grace period before they’re required to purchase a $10 parking decal and use an assigned parking spot.

For parents choosing to drop off students, Woods said drivers need to pay close attention to traffic signs. “The buses will have priority to the front of the buildings, so be sure to follow all signage where it says buses or cars, and that’ll make it safer for your child,” he said.

Bus routes should be consistent after the first week of school, according to Woods. He said this is typically the time when students are added or removed from routes.