2023-2024

Transportation Department

Contact Info

Job Application Procedure

West Ottawa Public Schools has current openings for school bus drivers who may be willing to work full time or part time.  All new hires begin the employment process with options of working as as a substitute bus driver or advancement to full bus driver with an assigned bus run.  New hires may wish to work full time as a regular driver or remain a sub bus driver, available on certain days or certain mornings and/or afternoons.

West Ottawa provides paid training to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and paid training to become fully licensed and credentialed.  Hours are flexible and can work with your schedule.  Pay is very competitive.  Extra earning opportunities (driving field trips or athletic trips) may be available, but not required.  No night work or weekend work (unless you want it).  Summers off (if you want it) and you don’t have to report to work when school is closed due to inclement weather.

Our NOW HIRING School Bus Drivers flyer outlines our current pay scheduleattendance incentives and other pay benefits that list a lot of reasons that make West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department a Great Place to work.

To apply, please fill out an Online Application or contact the Director of Transportation at (616) 786-2045.  (Immediate positions available.)

Transportation Administrative Team

Paul Wegmeyer | Director of Transportation
Office: (616) 786-2045
E-mail: wegmeyerp@westottawa.net

Gary Corell | Assistant Director of Transportation
Office: (616) 786-2044
E-mail: corellg@westottawa.net

Margarita Lugo | AM Dispatch/Office Assistant (5:45a-1:15p)
Office: (616) 786-2041
E-mail: lugom@westottawa.net

Candace McKinnon | PM Dispatch/Office Assistant (11:30a-6:30p)
Office: (616) 786-2041
E-mail: mckinnonc@westottawa.net

Julie Schrotenboer | Routing Assistant
Office: (616) 786-2042
E-mail: schrotenboerj@westottawa.net

Curt Alofs | AM Fleet Mechanic
Office: (616) 786-2046
E-mail: alofsc@westottawa.net

Chuck Wittingen | PM Fleet Mechanic
Office: (616) 786-2047
E-mail: wittingenc@westottawa.net

Address, Phone Info & Hours of Operation

Mailing Address: 294 W Lakewood Blvd, Holland, MI 49424-1905

E-mail: transportation@westottawa.net

Phone: (616) 786-2040
Transportation HOTLINE: (616) 786-2049 | (Timely info on late bus, school closure, etc.)

Hours of Operation during the school year: 5:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. (Mon thru Fri)
Hours of Operation during Summer Break: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Mon thru Fri)

Online Transportation Change Request Forms

Transportation Change Request Form | 2023-2024 School Year

Select this online form (English) | (Españolto submit transportation change requests including changes to alternate site, daycare or parent transport information for AM pick-up (before school) and/or PM drop-off (after school) for the 2023-2024 school year.

This form should only be used to submit changes to bus stop related information AFTER Online Registration has been submitted for the 2023-2024 school year.

If your child’s enrollment is in the process of switching from Virtual Learning (online) to In-Person Learning (face-to-face), your transportation change request will be processed after the enrollment change has been approved by the school building.

This form is not to be used for submitting Joint Custody bus stop requests.  To review Joint Custody bus stop procedures, please contact the Transportation Department at (616) 786-2042.

Note:  Please allow a minimum of three (3) days for processing.

Q: How do I know if my requested change has been made?

Notes: Confidential bus stop information is posted in Parent Portal and is updated by 5:00 p.m. each day.

Bus stop information for the 2023-2024 school year is available for eligible bus riders, 24/7, by logging into Infinite Campus’ Parent Portal – the confidential parent communication tool for all students in grades: K-12.  Approved changes in transportation take immediate effect after the change has been posted in Parent Portal.

To access bus stop information, click on Parent Portal and then login by selecting ‘Campus Student’ or ‘Campus Parent’ and entering your login information (Username and Password).  Select ‘More’ and then select ‘Transportation’.  If you have multiple students, you can switch between children by clicking on your child’s name (top right side of page).

Parent Portal is the most accurate way to stay on top of timely changes to bus stop times and bus route adjustments.

Q: What if I can’t remember my Parent Portal username or password?

If you forgot your username or password, click on the help info area when logging in.  If you are still unable to obtain your username or reset your password, contact the district’s Technology Department at (616) 786-2050 ext. 2029 or email helpdesk@westottawa.net for assistance.

Transportation Request Form: 5th Grade Advanced Math at Macatawa Bay MS (PC, NH & SW) | 2023-2024 School Year

Select this form (English) | (Españolto request school bus transportation for 5th grade students on an early morning middle school bus to attend 5th grade advanced math at Macatawa Bay Middle School (MB).  Transportation for this program is open to eligible bus riders from the Pine Creek (PC), North Holland (NH) and Sheldon Woods (SW) Elementary School attendance areas ONLY.  (Transportation is not provided to 5th Grade Advanced Math for schools other than PC, NH and SW.)

Note:  Please allow a minimum of three (3) days for processing.

Q: How do I know if my requested change has been made?

Parents/guardians of PC, NH and SW 5th grade advanced math students will be notified directly by telephone or e-mail from the Transportation office if changes in transportation have been approved.

Confidential bus stop information for the 2023-2024 school year is available for eligible bus riders, 24/7, by logging into Infinite Campus’ Parent Portal – the confidential parent communication tool for all students in grades: K-12.  Approved changes in transportation take immediate effect after the change has been posted in Parent Portal.

To access bus stop information, click on Parent Portal and then login by selecting ‘Campus Student’ or ‘Campus Parent’ and entering your login information (Username and Password).  Select ‘More’ and then select ‘Transportation’.  If you have multiple students, you can switch between children by clicking on your child’s name (top right side of page).

Parent Portal is the most accurate way to stay on top of timely changes to bus stop times and bus route adjustments.

Q: What if I can’t remember my Parent Portal username or password?

If you forgot your username or password, click on the help info area when logging in.  If you are still unable to obtain your username or reset your password, contact the district’s Technology Department at (616) 786-2050 ext. 2029 or email helpdesk@westottawa.net for assistance.

Transportation Request Form: Middle School Advanced Math & Spanish at West Ottawa High School - North Campus | 2023-2024 School Year

Select this form (English) | (Españolto request school bus transportation for middle school students on an early morning high school bus to attend middle school advanced math & Spanish at West Ottawa High School – North Campus (HS North).  Transportation for this program is open to eligible bus riders attending Harbor Lights Middle School (HL) or Macatawa Bay Middle School (MB).

Note:  Please allow a minimum of three (3) days for processing.

Q: How do I know if my requested change has been made?

Parents/guardians of middle school advanced math & Spanish students will be notified directly by telephone or e-mail from the Transportation office if changes in transportation have been approved.

Confidential bus stop information for the 2023-2024 school year is available for eligible bus riders, 24/7, by logging into Infinite Campus’ Parent Portal – the confidential parent communication tool for all students in grades: K-12.  Approved changes in transportation take immediate effect after the change has been posted in Parent Portal.

To access bus stop information, click on Parent Portal and then login by selecting ‘Campus Student’ or ‘Campus Parent’ and entering your login information (Username and Password).  Select ‘More’ and then select ‘Transportation’.  If you have multiple students, you can switch between children by clicking on your child’s name (top right side of page).

Parent Portal is the most accurate way to stay on top of timely changes to bus stop times and bus route adjustments.

Q: What if I can’t remember my Parent Portal username or password?

If you forgot your username or password, click on the help info area when logging in.  If you are still unable to obtain your username or reset your password, contact the district’s Technology Department at (616) 786-2050 ext. 2029 or email helpdesk@westottawa.net for assistance.

Administrative Guidelines

What are the Administrative Guidelines that guide the West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department?

AG 8600.001 | Service Operating Parameters

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Service Operating Parameters outline certain defined operating parameters to ensure safety, effectiveness, efficiency and equity when determining bus stop placement, seating capacity, ride time, transfers, bus route planning strategies, school bell time management and bus arrival and departure windows.

AG 8600.002 | Service Eligibility

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Service Eligibility outline certain operational parameters when determining eligibility for pupil transportation for enrolled students who meet defined eligibility criteria.

AG 8600.003 | Designation of Hazardous Conditions

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Designation of Hazardous Conditions outline the designation of hazardous conditions and how such designation may open pupil transportation services to enrolled students who are not otherwise eligible.

AG 8600.004 | Space Available Service

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Space Available Service outline certain operational parameters when providing “space available” pupil transportation service to students who are not otherwise eligible.

AG 8600.005 | Service to and/or from Daycare/Alternate Site

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Service to and/or from Daycare/Alternate Site outline certain operational parameters when determining eligibility for pupil transportation service to and/or from a daycare or alternate site for students who are first eligible to receive pupil transportation to their school of attendance from their official primary home address.

AG 8600.006 | Service to Boys & Girls Club

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Service to Boys & Girls Club outline certain operational procedures for after-school shuttle transportation to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland, North Side Facility, for students who attend Great Lakes (GR), Pine Creek (PC) or Woodside (WS) Elementary School who have been enrolled at the Boys & Girls Club and approved for after-school shuttle transportation.

AG 8600.007 | Use of Bus Pass for Emergency Situations

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Use of Bus Pass for Emergency Situations outline certain operational parameters when school buildings (only) issue a “Bus Pass” to an approved legal bus stop within the attendance area of the student’s school of attendance to accommodate an emergency situation for students currently eligible to receive pupil transportation.

AG 8600.008 | Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) outlines certain operational parameters for observing positive behavior expectations based on a guiding principal that behavior on the school bus is learned and can be taught through observance of behavior expectations that include being responsible, respectful and ready to ride.

AG 8600.009 | Student Conduct and Corrective Action

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Student Conduct and Corrective Action outline certain operational procedures for handling corrective action pertaining to student misconduct on the school bus for students in: Elementary (grades YK-5); Middle School (grades 6-8); and, High School (grades 9-12).

AG 8600.010 | Student Conduct and Corrective Action – COVID-19

(Notes: This Administrative Guideline [AG 8600.010] was rescinded on February 28, 2022 when use of face masks were made optional on school buses, including for field trips and athletic trips.)

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Student Conduct and Corrective Action – COVID-19 outline certain operational procedures for handling corrective action pertaining to how the Transportation Department is managing hand sanitizer and face covering (face mask) use on the school bus for all bus riders (to and from school, field trips and athletic trips) when the school district is in Phase 4 or Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start plan.

AG 8600.100 | Appeal Process

The West Ottawa Public Schools Transportation Department Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Appeal Process outline certain established procedures for a parent or guardian of an enrolled student to appeal a pupil transportation-related decision in most instances where the parent or guardian disagrees with the manner in which the School Board Policy or Administrative Guidelines for Transportation (8600 series) have been applied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Bus Stop Information

When and where can I review my child’s bus stop location and pick-up/drop-off information?

Confidential bus stop information for the 2023-2024 school year is available for eligible bus riders, 24/7, by logging into Infinite Campus’ Parent Portal – the confidential parent communication tool for all students in grades: K-12.  Parent Portal is accessible from the ‘Parents’ tab on the District’s website.  Information about signing up for a Parent Portal account can be found at the Parent Portal login webpage.

Here are some important dates with respect to viewing bus information in Parent Portal:
  1. Beginning of the school year bus stop information for the 2023-2024 school year is available beginning Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Parent Portal is updated by 5:00 p.m. each school day.  Approved changes in transportation take immediate effect after the change has been posted in Parent Portal.

To access bus stop information, click on Parent Portal and then login by selecting ‘Campus Student’ or ‘Campus Parent’ and entering your login information (Username and Password).  Select ‘More’ and then select ‘Transportation.’  If you have multiple students, you can switch between children by clicking on your child’s name (top right side of page).

Parent Portal is the most accurate way to stay on top of timely changes to bus stop times and bus route adjustments.

Q: What if I can’t remember my Parent Portal username or password?

If you forgot your username or password, click on the help info area when logging in.  If you are still unable to obtain your username or reset your password, contact the district’s Technology Department at (616) 786-2050 ext. 2029 or email helpdesk@westottawa.net for assistance.

Is bus stop information "pushed" to me or do I need to "pull" it from somewhere?

Confidential bus stop information is not “pushed” electronically to parents or students.  It is available for parents or students to “pull” online by logging into Parent Portal and accessing ‘Transportation’.  (Helpful tip:  Once you are “in” to Infinite Campus, make sure to select ‘More’ on the left side of your screen.  This will direct you to the ‘Transportation’ tab for your bus stop information.  If you have multiple students, you can switch between children by clicking on your child’s name (top right side of page).

Where can I see the service boundary for each of the West Ottawa school buildings?

To view the service boundary for each West Ottawa school building, please click on our District Boundary Maps:

  • Elementary school service boundaries
    • This includes service boundary maps for Great Lakes, Lakeshore, Lakewood, North Holland, Pine Creek, Sheldon Woods, Waukazoo and Woodside Elementary School.  (The service boundary for Riley Farms Elementary School has not yet been determined.)
  • Secondary school service boundaries
    • Elementary students who grade advance from Lakewood, North Holland, Sheldon Woods and Woodside elementary schools will attend Macatawa Bay Middle School for grades 6-8 and West Ottawa High School South for grades 9-12.
    • Elementary students who grade advance from Great Lakes, Lakeshore, Pine Creek and Waukazoo elementary schools will attend Harbor Lights Middle School for grades 6-8 and West Ottawa High School North for grades 9-12.

Why are there fewer individual stops and more group stops on the bus route?

In order to be efficient with limited public resources, school districts all across the state have had to scale back on the number of individual, curb-to-curb, bus stops largely because of economic reasons.  The “platinum” service that may have been provided in earlier times is no longer feasible.

Is there a specified distance that must exist between school bus stops?

The “overhead yellow” lights on a school bus which are used to notify other traffic of an upcoming stop must, by law, be activated at least 200 feet from the designated bus stop. Bus stops must be at least 200 feet apart. There is no state law which specifies a maximum distance between stops.

Is there a law on the maximum distance a student has to walk to get to their assigned bus stop?

There is no law that specifies how far a child can walk to the bus stop.

The bus goes right by my house – why can’t it stop and pick-up my child?

There are many factors which are taken into consideration when school administrators establish the placement of school bus stops. The basic legal factors are spelled out in MCL 257.1855, but the primary concern is visibility of the school bus to other traffic and the consideration of stopping distances necessary for other motor vehicles in order to accomplish safe loading and unloading of bus riders. In general, on a highway or roadway, state law requires 400 feet of clear and continuous visibility where the speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour, and 200 feet of clear and continuous visibility where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

I live in a mobile home community or an apartment complex, where will the bus pick-up and drop-off my child?

For safety, school buses generally pick-up and drop-off at group stops near community buildings and on selected thru traffic roads and streets, just off from major roads and highways. For efficiency, buses generally do not weave in and around mobile home communities and apartment complexes. Most often, bus stops are centrally located to all students within a specified area. When possible, bus stops are created to encourage students to approach and depart the bus to the front of the bus, in the bus driver’s line of vision.

What about the safety of my child getting to and from the bus stop? There are no sidewalks where we live and the bus stop is out of the “sightline” from our home.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to see that a child gets safely to and from the assigned bus stop. The school district provides transportation as a non-mandated service and establishes placement of the bus stop in accordance with the requirements of the law.

My child is starting Kindergarten. Will the bus pick my child up in front of my house?

Not necessarily.  There are no special laws or regulations for transporting regular education students enrolled in Kindergarten. Transportation is provided in accordance with the requirements of the Pupil Transportation Act with regard to the placement of the bus stop.

When should my child be at the bus stop BEFORE school?

Bus riders should be at their assigned bus stop at least five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.  This allows for some variation in the bus route due to unanticipated events.

When should I anticipate my child to be at the bus stop AFTER school?

Parents, guardians or other responsible persons who meet their child at the bus stop after school should be ready to receive their child anytime after the school’s ending bell time.

At a minimum, the responsible person should be at the bus rider’s after-school bus stop at least five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled drop-off time. This allows for some variation in the bus route due to unanticipated events.

On half-days, or other early release days, when should I anticipate my child to be at the bus stop AFTER school?

Parents, guardians or other responsible persons who meet their child at the bus stop after school should be ready to receive their child anytime after the school’s ending bell time.

On half days or other early release days, your child will be delivered to their assigned after-school bus stop at approximately the same total number of minutes after the ending bell time on a regular school day (For example, if your child’s regular ending bell time is 3:38 p.m. and their regular drop-off time is 4:08 p.m., you can assume your child will be delivered approximately 30 minutes after the school’s ending bell time.  On a half day with a release time of 11:52 a.m., you can assume that this bus rider’s half-day drop-off time would be 12:22 p.m. – the same 30 minutes after the school’s ending bell time.)

Why do bus pick-up/drop-off times vary, especially at the beginning of the school year?

At the beginning of the school year, bus routes are developed for all eligible riders, not knowing who is and who is not going to ride. Routes are constructed with the best of intentions based on known information at the time when routes are developed. However, it is only after bus routes get underway that the District learns where added efficiencies can be found. From the time bus information is made available to parents, about two (2) weeks prior to the start of school, until about mid-to-late September, bus pick-up and drop-off times may vary. Parents/guardians are asked to be patient as bus drivers learn their new routes and become familiar with their new students. Once the school year gets underway, buses generally run on time with exception to weather conditions, road construction, no adult present at the bus stop, students who become ill, mechanical problems, etc.

My child’s bus seems crowded. Can some students be placed on another bus?

For efficiency, buses are loaded with the attempt of utilizing all of the seating space provided on a bus.  Buses have a maximum seat capacity as designed by the manufacturer.  As long as student numbers do not exceed the maximum rated capacity, the bus is not considered to be overloaded.  (At the beginning of the school year, school buses may seem more crowded as the “legal limit” of eligible riders does not take effect until after the fourth Friday following Labor Day.  This is done to allow schools to find efficiencies and to determine who is and who is not riding.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): General Transportation Information

What is the safety record of school buses in Michigan?

Approximately 850,000 students are transported daily on about 16,000 buses within Michigan with no student fatality inside the bus as a result of a mechanical malfunction or multi-vehicle accident in over 25 years. That is like evacuating the entire City of Detroit, safely every day for over 30 years with no loss of life – an amazing safety record. Buses travel over 180 million miles annually in Michigan. This equates to traveling around the earth 7,228 times each year.

Do I have to stop when I see a school bus with its overhead “yellow” lights on?

The National Transportation Safety Administration says that upon activation of the overhead yellow lights, “…motorists should slow down and prepare to stop.”

Do I have to stop when I see a school bus with its overhead “red” lights on?

Yes… you MUST stop.  There is no provision in law to permit a motorist to pass a school bus with its overhead red lights on and stop arm(s) extended.  The penalties for “running the overhead reds” in a school bus zone (20’ in any direction around the bus) are double, similar to traffic violations in a work or construction zone.  Fines are expensive – 3 pts on your license and a $275 ticket! Who gets the ticket?  Under current law, the registered owner of the vehicle is the presumed driver.  You may not need to be identified to receive a ticket from the police – only the vehicle’s license plate number is needed to issue a traffic citation.  Loss of life due to an accident while running the reds is a Class C felony offense.  Don’t do it!

I saw a school bus performing a bus stop, picking up and dropping off students with just its four-way flashers on (the overhead yellow and red lights were not flashing at the bus stop). Is that legal? What should I do as a motorist?

Yes… it is both legal and safe. Under certain circumstances, when students are not crossing the road (right-hand drop only), Public Act 187 of 1990 allows what is called a “hazard light stop” to allow all traffic to continue, unimpeded, while the bus stop is being performed. This practice has reduced the potential of an accident created by the mix of some motorists who stop for the bus and others who violate the overhead red light/stop arm law. Motorists approaching a school bus that is performing a hazard light stop may proceed with passing the bus with caution while it is picking up or discharging students (right-hand drop only). Motorists should always use care when doing so. In this type of stop, children are not allowed to cross the roadway. However, motorists should always be prepared for the unexpected and drive accordingly. Here is a helpful way to remember what to do when approaching a school bus with alternating red lights (up top) or flashing hazard lights (down low):

“Lights up top… come to a STOP.  Lights down low… drive by SLOW.”

What should my child know about basic Bus Rules and Behavior Expectations for riding on a school bus?

At the beginning of the school year, students who ride a West Ottawa school bus are trained on basic Bus Rules & Behavior Expectations that are posted in full color at the front of every West Ottawa school bus.  This information is covered in a beginning of the school year audio link (3:31) available to students and parents/guardians.

During the school year, bus riders may need a little refresher training from time-to-time to remind them of these basic bus rules and behavior expectations.  This information is covered in a bus rules & behavior expectations refresher audio link (3:31) available to students and parents/guardians.

What should I teach my child in order to be a safe bus rider?

Riding on a school bus is a privilege – not a right.  For students eligible to receive transportation, there are some basic Bus Rules and Behavior Expectations that need to be followed to keep things safe for students and the bus driver.

When talking with students about Bus Rules and Behavior Expectations on the school bus, we try to keep it very simple:

  1. Sit in your seat, facing forward.
  2. Keep hands and personal items to yourself.
  3. Obey the bus driver at all times.

The following basic safety Bus Rules and Behavior Expectations is posted in color at the front of every West Ottawa school bus for all bus riders to see and observe.

Bus Rider Basic Safety Rules: As you review the first bus rider basic safety rule, “Stay in your seat, facing forward” – teach your child the 4-B‘s: Bottom-to-Bottom; Back-to-Back.

Bus Rider Behavior Expectations: The school bus is an extension of the classroom. As such, behavior expectations on the school bus are very similar to behavior expectations in the school classroom: “Be Responsible; Respectful; and Ready to Ride.”

What information is available to help teach my Kindergarterner about safety at the bus stop and on the school bus?

Preparing your child to take their first step as a student by loading on a school bus at an assigned bus stop can cause anxiety for you and your child.  There are some things parents can do to address and review needed safety topics so that the experience of walking to-and-from a bus stop, as well as waiting at a bus stop and riding on the school bus can be a positive and safe experience for your child… and for you!

To learn more about “What do I teach my Kindergartner,” please click on the following for:

  • Helpful transportation information for parents/guardians of Kindergarten students at West Ottawa (English)
  • Helpful transportation information for parents/guardians of Kindergarten students at West Ottawa (Español)

What is the maximum “walk distance” to a school building?

State law defines that if a school district chooses to provide transportation, the district should be ready to provide transportation if that child lives greater than 1.5 miles from the school building.

If I think the weather is too questionable, I may not want my child attending school. Do I have the right to not send my child on the bus?

Absolutely. School administrators take considerable effort to assess weather conditions very early in the morning (generally before 5:30 a.m.) and throughout the school day. As a parent/guardian, you can make the choice to keep your child home if you feel weather conditions warrant it. Across the nation, school buses are respected as the safest form of transportation, year-after-year. School buses are uniquely designed to offer unparalleled protection to your child while inside the school bus. Bus drivers are professional in transporting students to and from school and school-related events. Great effort is taken to provide a safe environment for your child while in the custodial care of the school bus driver.

Should I call if my student will not be riding the bus?

Generally, this is not necessary. To maintain a regular and consistent schedule, it is best if the bus stops at each assigned bus stop, regardless of whether your child is riding or not. If the bus has to go significantly out of its way to reach your assigned bus stop, a call to the Transportation office well in advance of the bus stop time may be helpful.

How can I find out if my bus is running late?

Call the Transportation HOTLINE at (616) 786-2049 for a daily update on bus routes that may be running late due to inclement weather, mechanical or other unforeseen reason.

Why can’t my child receive a “Bus Pass” to ride a bus to a friend’s house?

West Ottawa school buses transport approx. 6,100 students daily. Many buses are filled to capacity and extra seats may not be available. A “Bus Pass” may be issued only in emergency situations by the school building office.

For student safety reasons, bus passes are NOT issued at the beginning of the school year.  Bus passes are not allowed during the first few weeks of the school year until 9/11/2023.

My child is in the Montessori Program at Waukazoo Elementary but we live in a different elementary attendance area. Will my child be eligible for bussing?

Yes. The school district provides transportation district-wide to support participation in the Montessori Program at Waukazoo Elementary. Bussing is provided to and from the student’s home primary address and/or joint custody address, if that address is in the District.

My child is enrolled in the Spanish Immersion Program at Lakeshore Elementary but we live in a different elementary attendance area. Will my child be eligible for bussing?

Yes. The school district provides transportation district-wide to support participation in the Spanish Immersion Program at Lakeshore Elementary. Bussing is provided to and from the student’s home primary address and/or joint custody address, if that address is in the District.

Why are the windows on the bus limited in how far they can open?

On May 20, 2010, an 11-year-old girl from the Detroit area died from being struck by a tree branch while leaning her head out the window of her school bus as the bus pulled away from her school building.  In the attempt to keep students from leaning out the window, as well as throwing backpacks and other items out the window, West Ottawa Public School buses have been modified to limit the window opening to approx. ½ height while allowing for adequate ventilation in the passenger compartment.  Emergency exits on both sides of the bus, the front & rear of the bus and the roof of the bus remain fully operational.

Why aren't seat belts for passengers required to be used on school buses?

The United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for establishing motor vehicle safety manufacturing standards and requirements for vehicles including school buses. The standards developed for the manufacture of school buses incorporate an occupant protection design referred to as “compartmentalization” which is unique to the yellow and black school bus. This standard provides a protective envelope consisting of strong, closely spaced seats that have energy-absorbing seat backs. The effectiveness of compartmentalization has been confirmed and consistently reconfirmed in National Transportation Safety Board and National Academy of Sciences studies. School safety standards have been adopted into the Michigan Vehicle Code which exempts large buses, over 10,000 pounds, from seat belt requirements for passengers. Drivers of all sizes of buses are required to wear seat belts because the driver is located in the front of the bus with no energy-absorbing seat back in front of them, and as such, are not protected within a compartmentalized space like the passengers on a school bus.

I pay taxes. Isn’t the school district “required” to transport my child?

School districts are NOT required by law to transport regular education students. For most students, riding a school bus is a privilege provided by your local school board and is not a service that is mandated or paid for by the State. Schools receive no added funding from state tax dollars for choosing to provide – or not provide – pupil transportation. By law, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to see that your child is in school. Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 380.1321 outlines the obligations of the school district IF its board of education elects to provide transportation. Under Article 3 of the Revised School Code, the school district is obligated to provide for the transportation of a special education student if the Individualized Educational Planning Committee (IEPC) has determined that transportation is a specialized service which is included within and necessary to carry out the student’s IEP.

As an adult, can I board and ride on the bus to monitor student behavior and help make the bus safer?

State law (Section 257.1859 of the Pupil Transportation Act) specifically prohibits school bus drivers from allowing any unauthorized person from riding on a school bus while transporting pupils to and or from school or school related activities.  For the protection of all students, a parent/guardian should NEVER BOARD a bus with students on board – it can be very frightening to bus riders and can startle the bus driver.  When authorized adults are assigned to monitor students that are being transported on a bus, they are fingerprinted and, in most cases, are approved employees of the District who are assigned near the student(s) who possess the greatest amount of supervisory need.

An unauthorized person that boards or attempts to board a school bus is responsible for a civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00.

I would like to talk to the bus driver. Where and when is the best time to visit?

Generally speaking, the bus stop is not the best time to visit with the bus driver. Buses run a tight schedule. At the bus stop, bus drivers need to remain focused on the safety of all students on and off the bus. If you must visit with the bus driver at the bus stop, safely approach the driver from the bus driver’s window (left side of the bus). NEVER BOARD A SCHOOL BUS to visit with the bus driver – it can be very frightening to bus riders and can startle the bus driver. The best time to visit with the bus driver is after the driver has finished the bus run and has parked and secured the bus. You can request to speak with the bus driver’s supervisor or can request a meeting with your bus driver and a Transportation administrator by contacting the Transportation office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): COVID-19 Information - Transportation

Are bus drivers and passengers currently required to wear facial covering while riding in the school bus?

No.  On February 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified an exemption for bus drivers and passengers in school buses and school vans.  Specifically, the CDC’s COVID-19 update states: “Effective February 25, 2022, CDC does not require wearing of (face) masks on buses or vans operative by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.”

Beginning February 28, 2022, West Ottawa students grades preK-12 are not required to wear facial covering before entering, while riding on, or when exiting the school bus.  Face masks are optional on school buses, including for field trips and athletic trips.  While supplies last, bus drivers may have face masks available on buses for students who would like one provided.

What is West Ottawa doing as far as disinfecting school buses?

To protect the safety and health of our bus riders, bus drivers frequently disinfect passenger entry hand railings, passenger seats and passenger areas on the school bus.  Optional hand sanitizer is also available in the passenger entry area of every school bus.

What should I do before sending my child(ren) to the bus stop?

If fever may be suspected, families are encouraged to check their child’s temperature at home using oral, tympanic (ear), or temporal scanners.  Students with a temperature of 100.4 or greater should stay home and consider coronavirus testing if symptoms of COVID-19 are present.

The presence of any symptoms, including cough or shortness of breath, should prompt the family to keep the student home from school and to follow up with a primary care provider.

Anything else I should think about?

Yes.  Please make sure you keep your school building updated with all of your important phone numbers so that we can contact you if there is a need to do so.  Your personal phone numbers may have changed from time to time.  Make sure you keep the school office updated so that the school district can contact you if ever we need to contact you about your child.