Board advances first reading to update student transportation regulation EEA‑R

At its May 19 meeting the Londonderry School Board voted to approve the first reading of amendments to policy EEA‑R (Student Transportation Services) to align regulations with current practice and the district’s move to full-day kindergarten.

Transportation staff explained proposed changes: strike language that said kindergarten students would be picked up at their driveway "whenever possible" and add language that bus stops will be located closest to residences of younger students (particularly kindergarten). The draft also updates where routes are published and adjusts route-timing language to reflect practice (e.g., noting some routes may extend closer to 4:10 p.m.).

"We don't want any misinformation out there," a transportation representative said, explaining the edits were made because kindergarten was formerly a separate entity and practice needed to match the written regulation.

Board members asked who enforces rules on buses; staff said bus drivers are the first line (similar to a classroom teacher), with write-ups forwarded to school administration (named administrators cited during discussion: Ryan O'Connor at the high school, Dave Sutherland at the middle school, and APs or designees at other schools). The board requested an additional bullet for the second reading to clarify the complaint hierarchy and ensure administrators can access video evidence quickly. Staff said bus-company video is provided upon request and shared via Google so administrators can view footage.

The first reading passed by voice vote recorded as 5–0; staff will return with a revised second-reading draft that includes enforcement/complaint-process language and any minor edits discussed.