Frequently Asked Questions

Q         Does state law mandate transportation for all students?

A         No. Ohio law requires boards of education to provide transportation for pupils in grades kindergarten through eight who live more than two miles from school.  Transportation may be provided for pupils attending high school but is not required.  Nonpublic school students are entitled to transportation on the same basis as public school students.

Q         How do you determine who lives more than two miles from the school.

A         The distance is calculated from where the student resides (where the driveway meets the street) using the shortest drivable distance to the school entrance door

Q         Why does Jackson Local School District transport non-public school students?

A         Boards of education are required to provide transportation for resident nonpublic school pupils who live more than two miles from the nonpublic school, provided (1) the State Board of education provides minimum standards  for any such non-public school, and (2) the travel time from the collection point to the nonpublic school is not more than 30 minutes.

Q      I cannot see my child’s bus stop from the house.  Are there state laws that set the standards for bus stop location?

A      No law requires a parent to see the bus stop from home.  Students in Ohio may be assigned to a bus stop up to one-half mile from their home and we encourage parents to accompany their child to the bus stop whenever possible.  This teaches the child safe habits of walking to and from the bus stop and may give the parent peace of mind.  Bus stop locations are determined by each district’s Transportation Supervisor and approved by the Board of Education.

Q         Are sidewalks required for my child to get to his/her bus stop?

A         Many students walk alongside of roadways to reach their bus stop and in some instances no sidewalks exist.  While we understand this may be of concern in some situations, the Department of Education does not oversee bus stop placement.  Issues relating to where a child’s bus stop is located and safety concerns along the way to the bus stop must be addressed with the district in which you reside.

Q         I make my child wait inside of my house until the bus is at the stop.  I have heard this is not allowed - is this true?

A         Ohio law requires children to be waiting at the bus stop prior to its arrival.  Bus drivers 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 and cannot be certain the students are all safely on board.  Waiting at the bus stop before the bus arrives further ensures that no one chases after the bus - this is a very dangerous thing to do.  Many districts also instruct their buses to not stop at locations where no students are waiting.

Q         What time do I send my child out to the bus stop?

A         Your child should be OUTSIDE at the bus stop TEN (10) minutes prior to the estimated arrival time.  Be prepared and dressed appropriately for weather conditions to allow for bus delays (i.e. traffic, mechanical breakdowns, etc.)

Q         Will my child’s pick- up and drop-off be at our house?

A         Students are assigned to the closest group stop (most allotment areas are group stops) in the morning and in the afternoon.  

Q         What happens if you drop off my child at the assigned time and place and I am not home?

A         Our responsibility for the safety of your child ends when we drop the child off at the designated stop.  You and your child should have an alternate plan in case this situation arises.

Q         Are there items my child is not permitted to bring on the bus?

A         Children are not permitted to eat, drink or chew gum on the bus (possible choking issue).  Also, no skateboards are to be brought on the bus.  Any school projects or large items must be able to be held on the child’s lap.  The aisles of the bus must remain clear.  We ask that if your child has something large or bulky that you transport them to school.   

Q         Can my child use a cell phone while riding the bus?

A         Cell phones use is not allowed on the school bus.  We have found the use of these devices to be distracting and can be used inappropriately as a camera. 

 Q        My child will be going to a local sitter or daycare.  Will transportation be available?

A         It is very difficult to provide this level of service.  You should request any bus changes by filling out a Bus Change form at your student’s school building.  Request will be granted as bus capacity and availability permits. 

Q         Are kindergarten students permitted to cross the street to board the bus?

A         Students are permitted to cross the street to board the bus.  Students will not be permitted to cross four lane streets and certain streets that the transportation department deems unsafe.

Q         How will I know what bus my child will ride?

A         Bus schedules for Jackson Local Schools students are available through the Stopfinder app. and are emailed prior to the start of school.  Bus schedules for all other students (non-public, community and pre-school) will be emailed.  

Q         Are there seatbelts on the bus?

A         For maximum safety the bus is compartmentalized.  This means that the seats have high backs and are spaced appropriately that each seat sections forms a compartment.

Q         Are there any rules I should teach my child before school starts?

A         See Student Safety Rules page of website.

Q         What is the transportation policy concerning special needs students?

A         State and federal law mandates that we transport special needs students. In all city, local, and exempted village school districts the board shall provide transportation for all children who are so disabled that they are unable to walk to and from the school for which the state board of education prescribes minimum standards pursuant to division (D) of section 3301.07 for the Revised Code and which they attend.  In case of dispute whether the child is able to walk to and from the school, the health commissioner shall be the judge of such ability.  In all city, exempted village, and local school districts the board shall provide transportation to and from school or special education classes for educable mentally retarded children in accordance with standards adopted by the state board of education.

Q         Is SARTA able to transport Jackson Local students?

A         Please contact SARTA directly at (330)454-6132 or view information concerning SARTA at their website:  www.sartaonline.com.

Q         How do cluster stops save money?

A         Cluster stops save money by reducing the number of stops a bus must make during each route.  Mechanical savings include but are not limited to; reduced tire wear, better fuel economy, because of fewer stops and start-ups, less wear and tear on braking systems, so brake drums and brake shoes last longer.  Personnel savings include but are not limited to; reduced route time reduces our hourly wages for each route.  Putting more students on the bus should allow us to fill the bus sooner and reduce the number of buses needed to transport the students.  Each bus that is taken off the road saves us approximately $40,000.00.