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Sparta school board votes to end family bus-tracking app effective July 1
Summary
After debate about reliability, communication and budget priorities, the Sparta Area School District board voted to discontinue the district’s bus-tracking software, citing an estimated annual savings of roughly $30,000–$33,600 and plans to notify families ahead of the July 1, 2025 end date.
The Sparta Area School District board voted to remove the district’s bus-tracking software for families effective July 1, 2025, after members weighed parent feedback, recent problems during an emergency closure and budget pressures.
An unidentified board member introduced the motion to eliminate the tracking software, saying the item deserved reconsideration in light of recent service issues. District staff acknowledged the app provided daily convenience to families but also flagged a recent late emergency closure that highlighted limitations in the district’s communications during that incident.
District staff said contract savings from ending the service are approximately $30,000 to $33,600 annually. "It is about $30,000," district staff said when asked for the savings estimate; staff later referenced a $33,600 figure while reviewing slides.
Board members who supported the change said the district must prioritize staffing and essential services in upcoming budget decisions. At the same time, at least one board member noted parents had posted appreciation and found value in the bus-tracking tool and urged the district to ensure families are notified about the change.
District staff said they would communicate the contract change and explore alternatives, including additional phone calls from the transportation vendor Southwest in emergencies and other possible mechanisms such as air tags, though staff noted phone-based contact requires more time than an automated app.
The motion was seconded, put to a voice vote and recorded as carrying with seven affirmative votes.
The board did not adopt replacements at the meeting; staff said they would research contract timing and notification procedures and report back to the board before the contract end date.
