From the Superintendent: Transportation Update

Dear CCS Families,

It’s hard to believe that we are almost through our first month of school! Time flies when you are having fun. As we settle into the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some updates and express my gratitude for your ongoing partnership.

Overall, this year is off to a great start. The energy and enthusiasm from our students and staff have been truly remarkable. From day-to-day learning to after-school family events, it's evident that students are engaged and thriving.  

Despite everything going well this year, I want to acknowledge the challenges we have faced with transportation. At the start of every year, we ask for your grace and understanding as we tighten up routes and schedules. However, this year has been different. 

Responding to our parents' requests, we decided it was best to separate the middle school students from the junior high and high school students. Our buses have transported sixth through twelfth-grade students on the same bus for several years. But that is not the case anymore. Our transportation department has worked diligently to make this change possible, but unfortunately, change doesn’t come without obstacles.  

Separating the middle school students, paired with a significant increase in ridership this year, has made it difficult for the transportation team to lock in routes and schedules for all grade levels. We have added dozens of routes for these two reasons, and our staff is continuing to make the necessary changes to ensure your child is getting to and from school safely and on time.

Because of the increase in routes, we need more bus drivers. We are currently fully staffed for our routes. However, we need a few more drivers to give us the wiggle room necessary to ensure seamless coverage when a driver is ill or out of town. If you know someone interested in joining the CCS transportation team, please tell them the time is now!

While all of this has taken longer than any of us wanted, we believe the dust is beginning to settle. We are confident that the majority of our routes are solidified. We are close to a full resolution, with a few more adjustments starting next week. However, some changes can have an unintended domino effect. If your child’s route is changing, we have already informed you directly. Also, if your child’s bus will be more than 10 minutes late, you will receive communication via text and email. We apologize for any inconvenience or worry you may have experienced over these past few weeks, and we thank you for your flexibility and understanding.

Regardless of the obstacles, I know this school year will be filled with incredible opportunities, achievements, and milestones for your children. I know this because, in Clarkston, our families and staff always rally around our students to ensure they are safe, happy, and learning.

Thank you,

Dr. Shawn Ryan
 

About Clarkston Community Schools: Clarkston is a highly regarded school district with an enrollment of nearly 6,500 students. We have seven elementary schools (K-5), one middle school serving grades 6-7, one junior high for grades 8-9, and Clarkston High School, which serves students in grades 10-12. We also have a virtual academy, an Early Childhood Center serving children ages 3-5, and an alternative high school/community education facility. Clarkston Community Schools students are well-prepared for a future that excites them, and believe that they can achieve their dreams. The mission of Clarkston Community Schools is to create a learning environment where students, staff, and families are challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, and supported.

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