Long Hill outlines bus routes, stop groupings and a 0.4-mile proximity rule for 2024—25

At a parent webinar, Business Administrator Robin Bomer described operational changes to the district's busing for the 2024—25 school year and urged families to check Genesys for updated routes and times before school starts.

Bomer said the district will continue its partnership with Durham Bus Company and that Durham has indicated, when possible, it will assign the same drivers from last year. "Unless somebody quits between now and Tuesday, it looks like we have the same drivers," she said.

Route changes and grouping: To shorten ride times, the business office and transportation staff regrouped stops by neighborhood so buses make fewer stops and spend less time on the road. Bomer asked families to have students at stops 10 minutes early and explained that younger students may need a parent or guardian to meet them. She described the district—2s proximity policy: "Students in grades 5 through 8 that are within 0.4 miles of Central Middle School are not gonna be offered busing," she said, noting the measure is intended to reduce time on buses.

Timing and requests: Bomer instructed families to use a Google form under Transportation on the district website for route-change requests and said the district would collect responses through the stated early/mid-September window (the presentation referenced "September 3rd 13th"). Any changes would be implemented beginning Sept. 23 after drivers have two weeks to run the stable routes.

Operational details and capacity: Bomer asked families who will not use busing this year to submit a waiver to help the district manage seat counts. She explained subscription (paid) busing remains an option if seats are available and noted subscription busing applications had been due by June 30. She also discussed assigned-seat practices and measures the district asked Durham to take, such as reserving seats near the driver for younger children when possible.

Ride-time metrics: Bomer gave comparative route metrics: Central routes for 2024—25 will transport 149 students with 65 stops and estimated ride times of 20—32 minutes, compared with 89 stops the prior year. For Brigitte and Millington routes she reported roughly 297 students with 144 stops and ride times of 32—45 minutes, down from 317 students and 161 stops in 2023—24.

Tracking, cameras and safety: Bomer said Durham does not provide parent-facing bus tracking because it is against the company's policy and the district has not been able to secure that feature. She also said Durham has tested bus cameras and that recordings are for principal and administrative use when an incident requires review, not for routine parent viewing. Bomer emphasized cleanliness and air-conditioning on buses and the district's request to be notified promptly about substitute drivers or delays so staff can alert families.

Renumbering and communications: Bomer said the district renumbered buses this year for clarity and asked families to sign up for SchoolMessenger for delay notifications; she provided Durham's contact names and phone numbers and named Natalia Espelat in the business office as a transportation contact.

Next steps: Bomer asked families to check Genesys for final bus assignments and times, reminded them that route changes are limited until after Sept. 23 and closed by thanking families and requesting positive feedback on implementation. The session recording will be posted on the district website the following evening.