Unit 5's new school bus system will be put to the test when classes start next week. Earlier this year, the school board adjusted school start times to reduce the number of buses needed.
Superintendent Mark Daniel said he is ready for the first day, but also aware there will be some trouble spots."That's for us to troubleshoot and remedy very quickly. We're all hands on deck for that. We'll have some floating buses to pick up students if others are overcrowded in order to get them to their respective schools," said Daniel.
Daniel said he is encouraging parents to use the MyStop mobile app to track where their student's buses are. He said the school district will send out information about the system to parents by Monday.
The district will be dealing with many road and rail construction projects in town. Daniel said Unit 5 is still deciding alternative routes around road closures. Daniel said he is thankful the Town of Normal has offered to assist with police traffic control close to buildings.
"That will be happening at both Raab and Airport. So we want to facilitate the flow of that traffic. Right now it is very, very important for those buses, as soon as they start rolling, that they're aloud to roll as quickly as possible," said Daniel.
Daniel also said the district might have to look into extra vehicles for some students outside the sixty minute ride window. He said that alternative service would pick up students directly from home.
