Beginning Feb. 1, Fayetteville-Manlius School District families may notice that their child’s bus pickup and dropoff times may be different than what they’ve been used to so far this school year.
As a new marking period begins, some students will be switching from one learning model to another (hybrid or fully remote) which could increase or decrease the number of children on a bus, passenger loading times and bus routes.
F-M’s Transportation Director John Cunningham said he doesn’t expect the timing changes to be significant, but is encouraging families to plan for extra time at the bus stop in the morning and afternoon as the drivers make their way through their necessary stops.
Because of the elementary schools staggered dismissal times, parents and guardians should be home by 3:20 p.m. at the latest.
For a bus driver to drop off an elementary student in the afternoon, they must see a parent or guardian home. If they don’t, the child will have to stay on the bus while the district tries to contact the parent. If unable to contact the parent, the child will be returned to the elementary school.
If a parent or guardian wants to deviate from this policy, they can send an email or a note to the transportation department via their child’s school main office stating that their child is capable of getting into their home without a parent or guardian present, and it is OK for them to be dropped off without someone home, or if an older sibling is present.
In this case, the bus driver will not leave the stop until they are sure the student has entered their home.
Questions or concerns may be directed to transportation@fmschools.org or 315-692-1218.