Parents understanding their student’s
information is not going to be in the public is critical. But we also are in the business of
providing data and information to the public. - Kerry Somerville
adding it can be time-consum- ing and there must be personnel to support it. Somerville noted the ev-
er-changing nature of maps with construction, new roads and closed roads necessitates a way to change and correct them. Geocoding converts text-based
street addresses, place names, or zip codes into geographic latitude and longitude coordi- nates used to map a location or perform spatial analysis, turning human-readable addresses into a format for a computer to use on the map, Somerville said. Somerville advised testing
route optimization runs for timing, route and stops to make proper adjustments. He also advised using the software daily and keeping the data fresh. While learning new software can be challenging and frus- trating, “the reward is when you can provide the answers people need quickly and easily,” he said, recommending school districts ask a vendor for troubleshooting assistance. Digital backup is also import-
ant, with how often, when, and what data being crucial aspects, Somerville noted. Support soft- ware includes student tracking, GPS, parent apps, maintenance, field trips, and parent notification via email and text. Electronic pre- trip considerations include driver requirements, maintenance
Key Routing Considerations Should Include:
• Walk zones and any exemptions.
• Hazard zones.
• Turn data, including data that applies a penalty for making cer- tain turns.
• Speed data encom- passing the posted speed versus the actual travel speed of a bus.
• Attendance boundaries encompassing open enrollment, excep- tion policies and strict boundary policies.
• Hazards and hazardous areas, streets, inter- section addresses and stops.
system tie-ins and reports. Field trip factors include scheduling, costs, billing versus budget, and available drivers. GPS consid- erations include how it works, encompassing the presence of urban canyons where the street is flanked by buildings on both sides, Somerville noted. A district considering GPS tracking should consider cost, requirements and whether to use reports, he added. Routing engine navigation consider- ations include where the map originates, whether the planned route is followed, and is it the same as the routing software. District and public buy-in in
student ridership verification is key, Somerville said, adding it’s best to train administration, staff, and drivers on how it works, such as where to obtain cards and how they are distributed. Regarding lost cards, consid-
erations include who prints the new ones, does a district charge for replacements, and how that is explained to parents. “Parents understanding their student’s information is not going to be in the public is critical,” Somerville said, adding that school districts must have parent buy-in when offering notification apps. “But we also are in the business of providing data and informa- tion to the public.” He explained that parents
40 School Transportation News • SEPTEMBER 2025
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