Crosby ISD to start tier‑3 bell schedule Jan. 6, adds 12‑line parent call center and staffing supports

Crosby Independent School District told trustees it will implement a tier‑3 bell schedule on Jan. 6, 2026, and is setting up operational supports to smooth the transition, including a temporary 12-line call center and additional staff at campuses.

Cabinet members said the call center will operate from the boardroom with morning and afternoon shifts (06:30–09:00 and 15:30–17:15) staffed by district employees drawn from several departments. Miss White said the district’s goal is that callers selecting the operator option or the transportation line will reach a live person rather than encountering a busy signal. “We want them to get a live person to talk,” she said, and the district has prepared binders and scripts for call-center staff.

Transportation staff reported new routes have been driven and route information shared with parents; current ridership is about 4,544 students, down 64 from the prior semester as some families switched to parent pickup. The department is recruiting bus drivers: 18 applicants entered driver training and two are ready to drive; with training opportunities over the break some trainees could be certified and driving by February. The district said trainees are paid during their training hours.

Trustees pressed on operational details — whether phone lines remain staffed if buses run late, and what happens after the short-term phone bank ends. Administrators said additional after-hours staff will remain available and the phone-bank hours can be adjusted if call volume remains high.

Next steps: staff will monitor route feedback, continue recruitment and training for drivers, and report back to the board on any required adjustments to call-center coverage and routing prior to the Jan. 6 start.