Parents report repeated delays and routing errors with Durham bus service, ask MISD to review scheduling
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Summary
A parent complained that Durham-contracted bus routes were posted late, students were missed or picked up late (up to 45 minutes), drivers appeared unfamiliar with routes and scheduling changes were not communicated in time; the parent asked the district to review scheduling and coordination with Durham.
A Lowry Crossing parent told trustees Monday that morning and afternoon bus service provided by Durham has been unreliable since the start of school, with routing errors, late notifications and multiple days when buses arrived 30–45 minutes past the scheduled pickup.
Cathy Darnell said her family registered for bus service in May but the routes were changed the Friday before school and she did not see her son scheduled for bus service for several days. She said parents received some route information only one business day before school and that late postings left families with little time to arrange alternatives.
Darnell described examples she said occurred Sept. 10 when the bus arrived at 7:33 a.m. instead of the scheduled 6:45 a.m., and Sept. 11 when an afternoon bus arrived nearly an hour after dismissal. She also said drivers on her son’s route appeared unfamiliar with local streets and the route had several different drivers, which she attributed to inconsistent staffing and training.
She asked the district to review the scheduling process with Durham, improve advance notice to families and ensure drivers assigned to routes know the routes. The district did not take action Monday; board members acknowledged the concern and directed staff to follow up with Durham and campus leaders.