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Lake Local Schools

Educating Generations, Serving Our Community

Transportation

A blue banner with the word 'TRANSPORTATION' in white text.

Transportation

Our staff is committed to providing a safe, reliable, efficient service to our students, staff, and our community. If you need additional information or assistance, please contact our office at 330-877-7551. The Transportation Office has 2 phone lines, if you call and it is busy you can do 1 of 2 things you can leave a voice mail or email us at livingstonlauri@lakelocal.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.


Bus routes are approved by the Lake Local School Board at the start of every school year. Please have your children at the school bus stop 5 to 10 minutes prior to the approximate bus arrival time and dressed appropriately for inclement weather conditions. Children must be able to keep all of their carry on items (including band instruments) safely on their lap during bus transportation.

 

Transportation Reminders for the 2025 school year:

BUS stop Information will be available starting August 12, 2025. Please remember to do the following prior to the first day of school.
 
 1.)  Call the transportation department if you have moved or have changed your students alternate stop location.
 2.) Make sure you check your students BUS stop location and BUS number prior to the first day of school, as those are subject to change each school year.
 3.)  Use the District Quicklinks and click on BUS stop information, please have your student ID ready and follow the instructions. If you forgot your student ID, please go to your student's FinalForms to retrieve that information.
 
Alternate Stop Instructions

Parents if you are filling out a request for an alternate stop, please make sure you sign and return to the transportation office, and send a copy to the building principal of the school your student is attending. Just a reminder that the transportation office needs 2 days to process your request. If you would like to fax, please send to 330-877-4749, or email to Lauri Livingston.

If you have any problem or concern related to school transportation,
we encourage you to write the driver a note or to phone (330) 877-7551.  Please refrain from boarding a school bus to speak with a driver. 


Two Hour Delay - Bus Schedule

When there is a two-hour delay in the school day, the school buses will pick-up students two (2) hours after their normal bus stop time. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 7:40 am, during a two hour delay, your child will be picked up at 9:40 am. On a two hour delay day, dismissal time will remain the same, and bus drop-off will be the normal time.


Moving?

Please contact your student's school and give the new address to the building secretary. Once you have completed the residency papers and they are returned, your building secretary will forward your new address to the transportation office.  We cannot change an address prior to you contacting your student's school. Thank you.

 

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IN MAKING LAKE LOCAL AN "EXCELLENT" DISTRICT!

  • 2024-2025 Bus Driver List

  • Bus Safety

    What Should You Do When Approaching Any School Bus That Is Stopped For The Purpose of Receiving Or Discharging School Children?

    • If a bus is stopped on a street or road that has fewer than four lanes, all traffic proceeding in either direction must stop.
    • If a bus is stopped on a street or road that has four or more lanes, only traffic proceeding in the same direction as the bus must stop.
    • You must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.

    If you fail to stop for a school bus, your error will not go unnoticed. Bus drivers will report the license plate number of any vehicle that fails to comply with the law to enforcement agency, and an investigation will be conducted to identify the driver for enforcement purposes.

    Penalties for not obeying these rules could cost you up to $500 and a maximum 1-Year suspension of your driver's license.

    School Bus Safety

    School Bus Safety – Flyer 1

    School Bus Safety – Flyer 2

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Bus Stop Safety


    Where is the Danger Zone?

    The Danger Zone for a school bus is the are 10 feet around the bus.

    The two most dangerous places are:

    • Front of the bus
    • Right rear tire area

    Please talk to your child about the following safety rules:

    • Avoid the danger zone around the bus.
    • Don't try to pick up something dropped near the bus - the bus driver might not see you.
    • Remember that some motorists don't always stop for a stopped school bus.
    • Be careful whenever getting on or off the bus.

    What do the Warning Lights Mean?

    • Alternating flashing amber (yellow) lights are to be used to warn motorist that the bus is stopping to take on or to discharge passengers.
    • Alternating flashing red lights are to be used to inform motorists that the bus is topped on the roadway to take on or discharge passengers.
    • Stop arm shall be operated simultaneously with flashing red signal lights.  A white flashing strobe light, individually switched, may be used, when unfavorable atmospheric conditions or time of day limit visibility (i.e., fog, rain, snow, darkness).
    • Four-way hazard lights shall be activated at railroad crossings and turn-arounds unless prohibited by local ordinance.
    • Headlights should be actuated during operation of the school bus.

    School bus safety is a team effort.
    Nothing is more precious than a child's life.

     

    Why It Takes So Long at Bus Stops

    Safety Procedures Are Required By State Law

    The safety of the children, as they are transported to and from school and school-related events, is our highest priority.

    At bus stops state law requires drivers to follow these procedures:

    • Check mirrors for traffic conditions and apply brakes well in advance to warn traffic from the rear.
    • Actuate warning lights 300 feet prior to stop.
    • Stop bus at designated stop.
    • Set parking brake.
    • Place the gear shift lever into neutral gear for both manual and automatic transmissions to prevent the bus from lunging forward.
    • Open service door to actuate the warning lights and place hand over horn to warn students of potential hazards.
    • Give students directions to go to their Designated Place of Safety and stay there until the bus leaves or signal students to board the bus from their Designated Place of Safety.
    • Shift the gear lever into the starting gear, only after counting and confirming the students are in their Designated Place of Safety or safely in their seat.
    • Look to identify students and potential hazards in the danger zone, counting and checking the mirrors, before closing the door and canceling the warning lights.
    • Close the door when all areas are clear.  Door must be closed before the bus moves.
    • Release the parking brake after closing the door.
    • Recheck traffic in the right and left side mirrors prior to pulling away.

    Modifications of these procedures may be necessary for preschool, kindergarten, and special needs students.

    USE CAUTION!


    FACT:  School buses keep an annual estimated 17.3 million cars off roads surrounding schools each morning.

    Imagine a world with less traffic, cleaner air, and more affordable transportation. These are just some of the benefits that school bus ridership provides. While school buses are one of the safest ways to send your kids to school, there are many good reasons that make them a growing choice among parents for their children’s school commute.  

    While the monetary savings of cutting school bus funding are easily measured, what those cuts truly cost is rarely considered during budget planning. Without school buses, your community can count on more traffic and pollution. Families will spend more money filling up their gas tanks more often, and many children will have a difficult time getting to school on time, every day. 

    FACT:  School buses are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in avoiding crashes and preventing injury.

    Today’s school buses are tougher and more diligently maintained than ever before. School bus drivers receive special training in safety, security and medical procedures; undergo regular drug and alcohol testing; and receive regular driving record checks. School bus traffic laws designed to protect students are strictly enforced. 

    FACT:  School buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children back and forth to school.

    SOURCE: American School Bus Council

  • Frequently Asked Questions

     

    Q) Can my child ride one bus 3 days a week and a different bus the other two days?
    A) Due to safety reasons and transportation efficiency it is mandatory to ride to and from school on the same bus.

    Q) Will my child's pick-up and drop-off be at our house?
    A) Students are assigned to the closest group stop (most allotment areas are group stops) in the morning and in the afternoon. During the midday run, we will drop-off or pick-up your child as close to your home as permitted by the area in which you reside.

    Q) Are there any rules I should teach my child before school starts?
    A) See the Student Safety Rules section for rules to review with your child. Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.

    Q) How will I know what bus my child will ride?
    A) Please visit our lakelocal.org webpage under Transportation and click on BUS STOP INFORMATION, this will take you to a link with instructions. If you still need additional support please contact us at 330-877-7551 and we can walk you through the process.

    Q) Are kindergarten students permitted to cross the street to board the bus?
    A) Students are permitted to cross the street to board the bus. The only street in the district that does not allow us to cross students is Cleveland Avenue (a four-lane highway).

    Q) Should I be at the bus stop with my child to help him cross the street?
    A) The bus driver will use hand signals for students that must cross the street. You should explain to your child to ALWAYS look at the driver and wait for the hand signal before crossing the street. This applies to when the children are getting on the bus at their designated stop or off the bus to go home. This allows the driver to check all their mirrors to make sure that all traffic has stopped. The stop arm goes out from the front of the bus which allows children to walk outside the bus danger zone. Also, ask your child to look both ways for traffic prior to crossing the street.

    Q) What happens if there is an emergency situation on the bus?
    A) Please be sure to contact our office if any of your emergency contact numbers change. If your child has a medical condition that you feel we should be aware of, please call the transportation office.

    Q) What happens if the bus is involved in an accident?
    A) Injured children are transported by E.M.S. to local hospitals. Parents are contacted to meet their child at the hospital. Children that are not injured are transported to their building for further evaluation. Parents are contacted to come and pickup the child after signing a release form.

    Q) What happens if you drop off my child at the assigned time and place and I am not home?
    A) Our responsibility for the safety of your child ends when we drop the child off at the designated stop / driver place of safety. You and your child should have an alternate plan in case this situation arises.

    Q) Can my child ride home with a friend for a play date?
    A) We are obligated to take your child from home to school and back home at the end of the school day. Requests such as these are considered unsafe and place a burden on our transportation system / drivers and will not be authorized. We encourage you as the parent / legal guardian to pick up your child from school if you would like them to spend time with their friends and take them to their destination.

    Q) My child will be going to a local sitter or daycare. Will transportation be available?
    A) Any changes shall be requested by filling out an Alternative Stop Form. Requests will be granted as capacity and route times permits.

    Q) What is an incident report?
    A) If your child does not follow the rules, an incident report will be filled out by the driver.

    1. The driver will explain to your child what rule they have not followed. 
    2. If the behavior continues, the driver will contact you and ask for your assistance. 
    3. If the behavior continues after parent contact, the principal will be notified and proper discipline will be given.
    4. Depending on the infraction, an after school detention, (ISS) in school suspension or suspension of bus privileges may result for 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, or the remainder of the school year.


    Q) Are there items my child is not permitted to bring on the bus?
    A) Children are not permitted to eat, drink, or chew gum on the bus (possible choking issue). Children are also not permitted to use cell phones while boarding or exiting the school bus, they must watch the driver for instructions. Any type of school projects or large items such as band instruments must be able to be held on the child's lap. The aisles of the bus must remain clear. We ask that if your child has something large or bulky that you transport them to and from school.

    Q) Are there seatbelts on the bus?
    A) For maximum safety the bus is compartmentalized. This means that the seats have high backs and are spaced appropriately that each seat section forms a compartment.

    Q) What time do I send my child out the bus stop?
    A) Your child should be OUTSIDE at the bus stop FIVE TO TEN minutes prior to the estimated arrival time and be prepared and dressed appropriately for weather conditions to allow for bus delays (i.e. traffic, mechanical breakdowns, etc.)

  • School Bus Stops

    (A) Designation of school bus stops.
    It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or designee to determine the location of all school bus stops which shall be approved annually by the districts Board of Education. Authority to relocate or designate subsequent school bus stops may be delegated by the Board of Education to the Superintendent or designee.

    (B) School bus stop location.

    1. Pupils in grades kindergarten through eight may be required to walk up to one-half mile to a designated bus stop.
    2. School bus stops shall provide for the maximum safety of pupils giving consideration to distance from residence, traffic volume, physical characteristics, visibility and weather conditions.
    3. School bus stops shall be established on the residence side of all four-lane highways and on the residence side of other roadways posting potential hazards to students as determined by school bus owners.
    4. School bus stops shall be located at a distance from a crest of a hill or curve to allow motorists traveling at the posted speed to stop within the sight distance. If the line of sight is less than 500 feet in either direction, an approved "school bus stop ahead" sign shall be installed at least 500 feet in advance of the school bus stop.
    5. Each pupil shall be "assigned and required" to use a specific school bus stop except in unusual circumstances as approved by the school bus owner or designee.
    6. Each pupil shall be assigned a residence side designated "place of safety" Driver must account for each pupil in each designated place of safety before leaving. Pupils "are not to proceed to their residence" until the school bus has departed.
    7. Each bus shall have a detailed route sheet on board which shall include:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
      1. Direction to designated stops.
      2. Time schedule.
      3. Designated stop.
      4. Driver designated place of safety.
      5. Number of people at stop location and residence side.
      6. List identifying road hazards .
    8. ​​​​​​​When applicable each route shall have a responsible student assigned to assist a substitute bus driver with the route.
  • Bus Stop Information

    2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

    Parents: For the 2025/2026 school year we will continue busing all K-6 students together so that you have one time to be out at the bus stop.  We will be going to Lake Primary first then to Lake Elementary both in the AM & PM.

    Effective, August 8, 2025 your child's bus stop information will be available on the Lake Local School District's website click on the Parent bus stop link in red below.

    Prior to clicking the link below, please make sure you follow the instructions listed below to find your students bus information.  If you try to view based on your address only, and it shows the bus number going to that stop, that does not mean that your child is assigned to that particular bus.

    Parent Bus Stop Information

    • Once you are there you will be asked to insert a username and password.
    • Your username and password is your student I.D.
    • Click on student (DO NOT CLICK ON SCHOOL/TRANSPORTATION SEARCH)
    • Click on view my student
    • Click on your student's name
    • Transportation bus number and pick up & drop offs will be listed

    If you have students at other schools, you will have to log out and start a fresh page with each student's I.D.

    Please note:

    • All times are approximate and are subject to change as needed throughout the school year.
    • Please have your child at the stop at least 10 minutes prior to the approximate time of arrival.
    • Also, if your student needs to go to a babysitter / after-care (This Must Be Same Place Every Day). PLEASE FILL OUT A NEW ALTERNATE STOP FORM and return via e-mail to livingstonlauri@lakelocal.org or fax to 330-877-7551.  
  • Backpack Safety


    Backpack Safety:  Help Balance the Load


    Help prevent backpack-related injuries by teaching students how to safely carry their books home from school.

    Someday, online textbooks may free students from the ubiquitous overstuffed, weighted-down backpack. But for now, most students are toting heavy loads to, from, and around school. You can help your child avoid injury by buying the right backpack, teaching your child to pack and carry it properly, and helping your child find ways to leave some of their stuff elsewhere.

    In 2008, more than 12,000 backpack-related injuries sent kids to doctor's offices, hospitals, and emergency rooms, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Improper use of backpacks can lead to bad posture as well as muscle and joint damage, which can cause severe back, neck, and shoulder pain.

    "Good backpack safety is about how much you're carrying and how you're carrying it," says Dr. Anita Rao, an orthopedic surgeon in Vancouver, Wash., and member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. She offers these tips:

    • To help distribute the weight evenly, invest in a quality backpack with two wide, padded shoulder straps and a lot of compartments. If your child tends to tote a lot of books, look for a backpack with a waist strap for additional support. "This really helps redistribute the weight," Dr. Rao says.
    • Help your child strategize to keep the backpack as light as possible. Are there books that can remain home or in a school locker?
    • Limit the backpack to books and lightweight personal items. Some kids-and parent-want to carry their computer everywhere. Others shove their sports gear in with their textbooks. Have a separate bag for sports, "Rao advises.
    • Help your child pack his backpack properly as part of your back-to-school routine. Teach your child to place the heaviest items closest to the middle of his back.
    • Make sure your child cleans out her backpack regularly. Even over the course of a few weeks, extra materials and scrap paper can pile up.
    • If your child is petite, take extra steps to keep their backpack light. "You don't want a child carrying more than 15 percent of their body weight, " Rao says. Possible solutions include choosing a backpack with wheels or buying an extra set of textbooks to keep at home. Your child's school should be willing to help them safely transport their books.
    • Demonstrate how to carry a backpack properly. Both straps should be over their shoulders to affect a cool, laid-back vibe, kids tend to sling their backpack over one shoulder. That is a major don't, Rao says.
    • Messenger-style bags should only be used if your child is carrying a light load and if they plan to wear it with the strap diagonally across their body, not slung over one shoulder. A backpack worn properly is better than a messenger bag, Rao says, but a backpack worn slung over one shoulder is worse than a messenger bag worn across the body.
    • Model best practices in front of your children. Even if you're not a backpack user, don't overload your purse or bag. Carry it properly and distribute the weight evenly.

     

    With all the challenges facing busy families, it's easy to disregard your child's insistence on carrying their overstuffed backpack over one shoulder. But it's worth it to nag. Back, neck, and shoulder injuries can linger into adulthood. That isn't baggage you want your child to have to carry.

    Journalist Patti Ghezzi covered education and schools for 10 years for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, winning several awards, including a public service citation from the Associated Press for her exposure of grade inflation. Her freelance work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, the Miami Herald, and Adoptive Families magazine. Ghezzi lives in Avondale Estates, Georgia with her family, which includes husband, Jason; 4-year-old daughter, Celia, and geriatric mutt, Albany.

  • Versatrans My Stop
    Tyler Technologies, Inc

    Please note that the bus has to be running the actual bus route in order to track your student’s bus.
    If you have any questions, please call Lauri Livingston at 330-877-7551.