School transport problems

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The first day of school is just around the corner for many Wabash Valley students and that means Tuesday morning some parents will be rushing to get their kids on the bus.

It's a sure sign that school is back in session when yellow buses pop up all over town but as a parent, it means they have to get their kid on the bus at the right time in the right place.

Frank Fennell, Director of Transportation with Vigo County School Corporation says, "Any bus driving down the rode tomorrow or all this week is not going to pass up a student or a parent even if you’re on a block that's not a designated bus stop. We'll pick you up."

Fennell also mentioned kids often move and parents never change the address which affects time changes in routes.

"They have either moved, changed residence, didn't ride the bus prior to and then they’re asking us to put them on a route which will adjust everybody’s times on the bus,” said Fennell.

More than 11,000 students ride the bus in Vigo County and Fennell says the 2012-2013 school years is especially challenging with free full-day kindergarten available.

"Now we have all of them coming which is great for them and is great for us but it will create a little bit more of a delay as it relates to younger students getting on the bus ,finding their seats and getting comfortable and us being sensitive to that need,” said Fennell.

Fennell says the school corporation uses a software system to create bus routes but the system is only as good as its information.

He says that's why it's important to give the school a street address and not a P.O. Box.