Transportation
Edward "Rusty" Lemcke, Director of Transportation 847-464-6052
Welcome to the Transportation Department!
The Transportation Department for District 301 is responsible for transporting approximately 3,500 students to and from school on a daily basis. We have a current fleet of 72 buses and run approximately 200 routes daily within our district boundaries, as well as, provide transportation to 301 students which require special services outside the district. Our planned routes permit optimum pupil safety, programmed efficiency and operational economy.
Mission Statement
We at District 301 Transportation Department maintain the safety and welfare of all students while transporting students to and from school in a scheduled manner on a daily basis. We will provide positive role models who follow the State, Federal & District procedures and guidelines with a professional attitude, which lends itself to the districts commitment of excellence.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During the week of March 11th, District 301 bus drivers and students will perform their Spring Bus Evacuation drills. Drivers will review the bus rules and locations of emergency devices located on the bus. Students should not only practice safety while riding a school bus but also, whenever near a school us. Avoid the Danger Zone located in the 10 foot area around the school bus. Stand in a safe place away from traffic while waiting for the bus, especially in inclement weather. Be alert to traffic when crossing the street to board or depart the bus; looking both left and right before entering the street. Wait for driver's signal to safely cross 10 feet in front of the bus. When two or more students are released or boarding from a bus stop, they are encouraged to cross in a group. It is difficult to monitor students which scatter around the bus in different directions or at different times, whereas students which move within the driver’s sights are more likely to avoid dangerous circumstances.
Important Dates
District 301 has 5 special release dates remaining on the 2012-13 calendar which will affect the normal transportation schedule. There are two (2) remaining Early Release days; 1/30, and 3/13. On Early Release days only the kindergarten classes WILL be in regular session. Therefore, the assigned bus and times may be slightly altered due to the absence of the other grade levels. Please note, older students (siblings) grades 1 - 5 will be released at 1:50 p.m. The following three (3) dates are Half Days; 1/18,4/12, 5/10, and 5/30. All elementary students will be released 12:00 p.m., therefore the p.m. kindergarten classes will NOT be in session. Please pay close attention to these special days as noted on the 2012-13 District Calendar and plan accordingly. Kindergarten students will ONLY be released from their bus if an older sibling or parent/guardian is available at the bus stop. Any changes to your child's normal busing arrangements need to be communicated on a Student Transportation Information Form (STI) which can be obtained on District 301's Transportation web page.
General Busing Information
It is the responsibility of ALL students to be prepared to board the bus 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.
Any student information updates or changes should be shared with the Transportation Office who will relay the given information to the appropriate driver(s). A Student Transportation Information Form (STI) is to be completed to document the student's intended busing arrangements for the beginning of the year, as well as, any changes made throughout the year. Please note, arrangements from previous years are NOT carried over to the following school year. For the safety of your child and to avoid any confusion, any changes to your child's normal bus schedule require 48 hours notice. To retrieve the STI form, use the drop down screen on the left side of the web page under Departments; Transportation and follow the instructions.
Changes to your child's transportation arrangements can be confirmed by using the e-Link Busing Information option located on the District's website, as well as, Transportation's website. This option is also how families retain there busing information for the beginning of the school year.
Please view our department links for answers to commonly asked questions such as: rules, routing or safety. For all other questions, please contact us at (847) 464-6052.
Illinois Laws
Text Messaging and Cell Phone Usage:
• It is illegal to compose, read or send a text message or e-mail at any time while driving in Illinois.
• It is illegal for anyone to use a wireless phone while driving in a school zone or in a construction or maintenance zone unless it is in voice-activated mode.
• If under age 19, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving except during an emergency.
Check your area for local ordinances concerning the use of cell phones while driving—many Illinois communities have ordinances banning cell phone usage. Violation of either of these laws may result in a fine and a moving violation on your driving record.
Eating on the Bus:
According to the State of Illinois EATING is NOT A LLOWED on the school bus. This policy is in place to avoid choking hazards and any anaphylactic reactions. It is also District Policy that BEVERAGES & GUM are NOT allowed.
Stopping for School Buses: the Illinois Rules of the Road, motorists must stop before meeting or overtaking a school bus loading or unloading passengers on a two-lane roadway. Warning lights will be activated on the front & rear of the bus at least 100 feet (200 in rural areas) in advance of a stop. The stop arm will be engaged after the bus comes to a complete stop. Motorists must then come to a complete stop and remain idle until the stop arm is no longer extended and the flashing lights have ceased. In addition, the Illinois State Board of Education and IDOT, Division of Traffic Safety, strongly recommends that vehicles to stop at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus to allow pupils to cross the roadway safely.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact the transportation staff at 847-464-6052 or 301transportation@burlington.k12.il.us.
- Department of Transportation: 301transportation@burlington.k12.il.us
- Rusty Lemcke, Director of Transportation: rlemcke@burlington.k12.il.us
- Joanne Sohn, Admin. Asst. to the Director of Transportation: jsohn@burlington.k12.il.us
- Pam Porto, Transportation Coordinator: pporto@burlington.k12.il.us
- Sheila Goehrke, Safety Coordinator: sgoehrke@burlington.k12.il.us
- Dan Dalke, Chief Mechanic: ddalke@burlington.k12.il.us
