Lakeside Transportation Department

Lakeside Transportation Department strives to maintain the safety and security of our students and drivers while providing a pleasant and efficient transportation experience for every student, every day. Please contact 501-262-1880, if you have any questions or concerns about the transportation of your child or their experience on the bus.

RICHIE ARTHUR

DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION

richie_arthur@lakesidesd.org

BUS SAFETY

MEETING THE BUS

1. Be at the bus stop 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
2. Do not stand or play in the roadway.
3. Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver has given you directions before crossing a street to enter the bus.
4. NEVER PUSH OR SHOVE WHILE STANDING IN LINE OR LOADING.
5. Respect the property rights of others while waiting for the bus. Don’t litter or make unnecessary noises. Don’t gather under carports, on porches, or on lawns without permission.
6. Stand back at least ten (10) feet from the bus stop and do not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the door is open.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE BUS

1. Enter and leave the bus quickly and in an orderly manner.
2. Do not enter or leave the school bus by the back door except in the case of an emergency or unless directed by the driver to do so.
3. If you must cross the street after leaving the bus in the afternoon, go to a point on the shoulder of the street ten (10) feet in front of the bus and wait until the driver has signaled you to cross.
4. If you drop any object (book, paper, pencil) while leaving the bus, do not attempt to retrieve the object until the bus has left the scene and the street is clear of other vehicles.

FAQs

CAN MY KID RIDE THE BUS HOME WITH A FRIEND?​

Students are required to ride their regular bus, but we understand that emergency situations arise.  If an alternate bus route is required in an emergency, please contact your school or the Transportation Department for assistance.Students can bring in a note to the office. The note must be verified by the office. Students will be issued a bus pass. 

WHY CAN’T YOU COME DOWN MY ROAD WITH THE BUS?

Buses require certain road specifications to be able to navigate the road in a safe manner.  Some roads may not have enough students to warrant a stop other than at the end of the road, which allows all students to get to their school safely and on time. Buses must be able to turn around. 

WHY CAN’T YOU PICK MY KID UP AT OUR HOUSE? / WHY CAN’T YOU JUST ADD A STOP?

While picking up each student at their home would be an ideal situation for everyone, it is not feasible given the number of students in our district.  The Transportation Department works diligently to assign the best possible stop locations while providing for the safety of students and drivers while maximizing resources.

WILL YOU SHUTTLE MY KIDS TO ME?

Given the number of students in our district, shuttles are an important aspect of our transportation system.  Shuttles between schools are created when they are feasible based on the number of students requiring transport.  Unfortunately, we cannot establish shuttles to drop off at private businesses.

WILL YOU LET MY KID GET OFF AT A DIFFERENT STOP?

To ensure the safety of students, they will only be let off at their assigned stop.  If the transportation needs of your child change, please contact the Transportation Department.

CAN STUDENTS LOSE BUS PRIVILEGES?

Students are expected to maintain appropriate behavior while on the school bus.  Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right.  A student can have their riding privileges suspended or revoked if it is determined that a student is a distraction to the driver, a danger to others, or exhibits behavior deemed inappropriate for the audience (including language and gestures).

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Lakeside School District may delay the start of school, close schools early, or cancel school for the day due to inclement weather or other emergencies.

If schools will open late or close for the day, we will post the cancellation on the district website and notify local television stations as soon as possible. We will also inform families through our Enotes notification system (phone calls, text and email) and by posting updates on our social media sites. 

School officials test road conditions in the early mornings and consider weather forecasts before making the decision to delay or cancel school. The safety of our students is always our first priority during inclement weather.

LIMITED BUS SERVICE

Certain road conditions (such as flash flooding) may result in limited bus service. If the district announces there will be limited bus service, it is possible that the road leading to your child’s bus stop may cause safety concerns.

Many times our trained bus drivers have to use their own discretion as they see road conditions. Parents are asked to be aware that drivers may not be able to drive all portions of their routes.