All dirt roads remain off limits for Bulloch County Schools' buses for now as the county continues to recover from Tropical Storm Debby and the extensive damage it caused to its rural roadways.
The school district will continue with the alternate bus stop plan it communicated with families when schools reopened on Aug. 12, after a five-day closure due to the storm. The decision to extend the plan comes after continued conversations and collaboration with both the Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency and Bulloch County Public Works. Until the school district receives an all-clear from these departments, the alternate transportation plan will remain in effect.
Bulloch County Public Safety reported on Aug. 16 that they have identified 708 areas for road repairs, and that they are still assessing some dirt roads, with 78% of evaluations complete. They advised that while some roads have been identified as passable, they are not back to their normal conditions, and that the roads have only received improvement to a level that would make them accessible for emergency vehicles to travel if needed. In its update citizens were cautioned to avoid driving on dirt roads if possible, use slow speeds and to be cautious if you had to use them.
The school district realizes that this is a challenge and an inconvenience, but it is what is best for the safety of children and bus drivers. Families are asked to remember these bus tips while the alternate transportation plan is in place:
- Some dirt roads might be open for car traffic, but not for school buses.
- Bus drivers are not authorized to change bus stops.
- Adhere to designated bus stops for everyone's safety and efficiency.
- Use the Transportation Help Desk at www.bullochschools.org/bus for any questions or concerns about your child’s bus route.
- Download the new Edulog Parent Portal mobile application to connect you with your child's bus information. Visit www.bullochschools.org/bus for a helpful flyer if you did not receive one at Open House.
- For families with an alternate bus stop, parents are asked to bring their child to the stop and ensure that children are not walking along roadways. Please remain with your child until the bus arrives and be punctual when the bus brings them back to the alternate stop in the afternoon. Children not picked up at their alternate stop will be returned to the school, and the school will contact a parent.
- Expect bus delays. You may use the Edulog Parent Portal mobile application to track information about your child's bus. Learn more at www.bullochschools.org/bus
- School Nutrition will provide breakfast to any students who arrive late due to a delayed bus.
- We know using alternate bus stops is inconvenient and challenging, but this is a temporary need while the community recovers.
- The school district appreciates the patience and kindness you show to its bus drivers during this time.
