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Committee moves to clarify bus drop-off language, removing 'older' to let families designate responsible adults
Summary
During a second reading of a school bus safety policy, committee members raised inconsistent wording about releasing kindergarten-age riders to 'older siblings' versus 'responsible adults' and proposed removing the word 'older' so parents can designate a trusted responsible person; the committee signaled it will bring the clarified language to the regular board.
During a second and final reading of a school bus safety policy, the Platteville School District operations committee focused on inconsistent wording in the bus drop-off section that could create enforcement ambiguity.
A committee member read the policy text noting it states that "bus drivers will not release riders who are of kindergarten age or younger unless they are accompanied by older siblings or are being received by a parent or older responsible person." Members questioned whether the term "older sibling" should be defined by age and whether the school should instead use consistent language such as "parent or responsible adult."
Committee members cited practical examples—such as a kindergartner with a second-grade sibling—and expressed concern that assigning specific ages could be hard to enforce. The chair and committee members proposed removing the word "older" so the clauses mirror each other (for example, "parent or responsible person" or "parent or trusted adult"). The chair indicated the adjustment would not change substantive intent but would be presented for approval at the regular board meeting.
The operations committee did not vote on final policy language but reached consensus to adjust wording prior to the board's consideration.
