News Summary
The North East Independent School District in San Antonio is implementing significant changes to its bus schedule for the upcoming school year. The adjustments aim to enhance student safety and address challenges in bus driver recruitment. NEISD is also expanding its Smart Tag tracking system, which helps in monitoring student transit. Feedback from parents suggests that while safety measures are appreciated, some route changes are causing longer travel times for students. Overall, these changes reflect NEISD’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient transportation for its growing student population.
San Antonio, Texas – The North East Independent School District (NEISD) Board of Trustees has approved significant changes to the bus schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. This decision comes as the district continues to navigate challenges in ensuring safe and efficient transportation for its students.
One of the primary focuses of the transportation adjustments is enhancing bus safety. Under the guidance of Earl Stewart, the Transportation Operations Manager for NEISD, efforts are being made to educate students about the importance of wearing seatbelts and remaining seated while the bus is in motion. This educational push reflects a broader commitment to ensure student safety during transit.
Across Texas, numerous school districts, including Northside Independent School District (ISD), are experiencing difficulties in recruiting and retaining bus drivers. As a result of this shortage, NEISD may have to make further adjustments to bus routes in order to accommodate student needs effectively. These changes are essential for maintaining safe travel conditions for all students.
Motorists are also being reminded of their responsibilities when it comes to school bus safety. When approaching buses displaying amber lights, drivers should slow down, while it is mandatory to come to a complete stop for buses with flashing red lights. These precautions are vital to protecting children as they enter and exit the buses.
In a bid to enhance operational efficiency and safety, NEISD implemented a GPS-like tracking system for its school buses last year. This innovative system utilizes a Smart Tag that students scan when boarding and disembarking the bus. Parents and bus drivers can access students’ locations through a dedicated website once the tags are scanned, providing real-time tracking that enhances communication and accountability.
Feedback from parents highlights the benefits of the Smart Tag system. For instance, one parent expressed appreciation for the tracking technology, noting its usefulness in determining when to leave home. However, there are reports that changes to bus routes have increased some students’ travel times. A recent case highlighted a student whose bus route adjustment doubled her travel time from about 15 to approximately 30 minutes.
The Smart Tag system represents a significant investment for NEISD, costing the district an initial $400,000 with ongoing operational expenses of $145,000 annually. Despite the costs, the Transportation Executive Director, Bill Harrison, has asserted that the system is a crucial safety measure, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of students during transit.
Looking ahead, NEISD plans to expand the Smart Tag system further into middle schools, with the goal of achieving full implementation across all campuses by spring 2024. This expansion reflects a commitment to improving student safety and ensuring that all transportation options meet the needs of the district’s growing population.
As NEISD continues to face challenges in the transportation sector, these adjustments and enhancements are essential steps towards ensuring a safer and more efficient journey for students in San Antonio.
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: North San Antonio Education Roundup
- Wikipedia: School Transport
- KSAT: School Districts Start New Year with Same Bus Driver Shortages
- Google Search: Texas School Transportation
- Fox San Antonio: School Bus Safety Emphasized
- Google Scholar: Student Safety School Bus
- News 4 San Antonio: GPS Tracking on School Buses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Safety
- KENS5: North East ISD Bus Driver Shortage
- Google News: School Bus Shortage
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
