All unpaved roads will remain closed to Bulloch County school buses for the time being as the county continues to recover from Tropical Storm Debby and the significant damage it caused to county roads.
The school district will continue the alternate bus stop plan it communicated to families when schools reopened on Aug. 12 after a five-day closure due to the storm. The decision to extend the plan came after continued discussions and collaboration with the Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency and the Bulloch County Public Works Department. Until the school district receives the green light from those departments, the alternate transportation plan will remain in effect.
Bulloch County Public Safety reported on August 16 that 708 areas for road repairs have been identified and that some unpaved roads are still being assessed, with 78% of assessments completed. They said that while some roads have been rated passable, they are not yet back to normal condition and that roads have only been improved enough to be passable by emergency vehicles if needed. The update cautioned citizens to avoid unpaved roads when possible, drive slowly and use caution if they must use them.
The school district understands this is challenging and an inconvenience, but it is what is best for the safety of children and bus drivers. Families are asked to follow these busing tips while the alternate transportation plan is in effect:
- Some unpaved roads may be open to automobile traffic but not to school buses.
- Bus drivers are not allowed to change stops.
- For everyone’s safety and efficiency, please stick to designated bus stops.
- Please use the Transportation Help Desk at www.bullochschools.org/bus if you have questions or concerns about your child’s bus route.
- Download the new Edulog Parent Portal mobile application to access your child’s bus information. Visit www.bullochschools.org/bus for a helpful flyer if you didn’t receive one at Open House.
- For families with an alternate bus stop, parents are asked to walk their child to the stop and ensure that children do not run in the street. Please stay with your child until the bus arrives and be on time when the bus returns them to the alternate stop in the afternoon. Children not picked up at their alternate stop will be returned to school and the school will contact a parent.
- Expect bus delays. You can use the Edulog Parent Portal mobile application to track your child’s bus information. For more information, visit www.bullochschools.org/bus
- The school catering service provides breakfast to all students who arrive late due to a bus delay.
- We know using alternative bus stops is inconvenient and difficult, but this is a temporary need while the community recovers.
- The school district appreciates the patience and kindness you show its bus drivers during this time.
