The Hancock County School District (HCSD) Board convened on June 16, 2025, to discuss several key topics related to transportation and insurance, as well as updates on new software implementations aimed at improving efficiency.

The meeting began with a discussion on the district's bus routes. The transportation director reported that the district is currently evaluating the potential for adding three to four additional bus routes. This comes after a recent decision to reduce seven existing routes, which is projected to save the district approximately $145,000 in operational costs over the long term. The director emphasized that this reduction is part of a broader strategy to optimize bus usage, which has seen a significant decrease compared to five or six years ago.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction of a new software system called Route Finder Plus. This tool allows the district to visualize and optimize bus routes based on real-time data. The director demonstrated the software's capabilities, highlighting its ability to display student distribution across the county, including specific areas like Diamond Head and Bayside. For instance, the software indicated that there are 886 students in Diamond Head, requiring 17 trips and 315 stops. This data-driven approach is expected to enhance route planning and ensure that the district can effectively accommodate student transportation needs.

In addition to Route Finder Plus, the board discussed the implementation of an accompanying app called Stop Finder. This application will provide parents with real-time tracking of their children’s bus rides, including notifications about delays. The director noted that this feature is set to launch in July and aims to improve communication between the school district and families.

The meeting concluded with a brief update on insurance matters. The board decided to postpone any action regarding insurance until further marketing summaries and quotes from various providers are received. This decision reflects the board's commitment to thoroughly evaluate options before making a final choice.

Overall, the HCSD Board meeting highlighted the district's proactive measures to enhance transportation efficiency and communication with families, setting the stage for improved service in the upcoming school year.