How are bus stops selected?

Bus stops are selected based on the most efficient route for the bus to follow that also provides a safe bus stop for each child within a reasonable walking distance from home. As much as possible, buses are kept on the larger streets.

Does Saint Mark’s offer door to door bus service?

Door-to-door service is available for only transportation van services as well as certain routes. Bus tops will be used when larger busses are needed to transport a greater number of students.

How can I get my child picked up or dropped off at a daycare location?

Currently, this service is not available.

How will I know if my child’s bus will be late?

The school will notify parents via text message about any delayed arrivals or pickup’s greater than 15 minutes.

How old does a child need to be to ride the bus?

Students who are in first grade and above can ride the bus. Students younger than fourth grade must be met at drop-off and pick-up by a parent or guardian. Students in Fourth through eighth grade may walk home from the bus stop with parent permission.

How are bus drivers selected and what kind of training do bus drivers receive?

All bus drivers are full-time school employees. Florida State requirements for training and preparing school bus drivers are extremely rigorous. While no system is ever foolproof, it provides strong assurances to parents and children that drivers of school buses can be counted on to do their job safely and properly. Outlined are the basic requirements imposed by our school prior to hiring: Pre-Employment (Before Driving Students)

• Possess or in the process of a CDL-B (Commercial Driver’s License with a “B” endorsement). Normally requires about 60 hours of training to obtain. License is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after completing CDL written and road test exams.
• Submit a set of fingerprints to DMV’s Bus Driver Certification Unit for FBI and State criminal background checks.
• Pass a medical exam.
• Submit three written character references.
• Submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• Complete 2 hours of “Pre-Service” training and yearly training programs.

What type of buses do you use?

We use MSFAB approved 15,25,& 33 passenger buses in addition to Mercedes Sprinter Vans. They pass yearly safety inspections and maintenance records are kept per State and FCIS standards. All buses are outfitted with internal cameras and GPS monitoring devices.