Transportation

For information on paid contracts, please contact:

Jenna Ludewig
Owatonna Public Schools Transportation Services Liaison
507-444-8636
Email Jenna

What is good practice for students riding the bus for the first time?

Families of first-time bus riders should:

• Place identification information (name, bus stop, home address, and phone number) in the student’s backpack.
• Make sure your student knows how to get to the bus stop, how to identify the stop while riding the bus, and how to walk home from the stop.
• Teach your student the bus number and where to find the number (next to the entrance door).
• Have a friend or family member accompany your student to and from the bus stop until your student is familiar with the routine. 
• If a younger student has an older sibling,  have them accompany the younger sibling throughout the transportation process at the beginning.
• Remind your student of the basic school bus rules: hands to oneself; seat on seat; quiet inside voices; and listen to the bus driver.
• To avoid lost or missing child reports, remind your student to return home before going anywhere else after school. 

What time should we be at the bus stop?

Five minutes before the bus is due to arrive. Everyone’s clock can be off a little bit. By being ready and at your stop five minutes early, you decrease the likelihood of missing the bus. It also allows for timing issues that may arise if you have a substitute driver.

Who do I call if my student lost something on the bus?

Contact the Owatonna Bus Company at 507.451.5262.

Per School Board Policy #707 - Transportation of Public School Students, "Upon the request of a parent or guardian, the school district shall provide transportation to and from school, at the expense of the school district for all resident students who reside two miles or more from the assigned boundary school, except for those students whose transportation privileges have been revoked or, have been voluntarily surrendered by the student’s parent or guardian. The assigned boundary school is the school assigned to the primary parent/guardian residence."

Currently, Owatonna Public Schools provides transportation for students in kindergarten through fifth grade for those who live 1 mile or more from their school. Transportation is provided for students in sixth through twelfth grades for students who live 2 miles or more from their school.

The school bus ride is considered an extension of the school day. All rules that apply at school also apply on the school bus. School buses are equipped with cameras.

Riding the school bus is a privilege - it is NOT a right. (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/121A.59). Students who abuse this privilege may lose it.

Bus Stop Procedures

1. Student will be at bus stop on time - driver cannot wait for late students.
2. Student will display proper conduct at the bus stop.
3. Student will wait for bus off roadway.
4. Student will ONLY CROSS THE ROAD IN FRONT of the bus.

Student must stay out of the danger zone around the bus.

Student Rules

1. Student will obey the bus driver at all times.
2. Student will sit where directed by their driver.
3. Student will remain seated at all times.
4. Student will never use the emergency door except in case of physical emergency or when directed by the driver .
5. Student will keep all body parts inside the bus at all times.
6. Students will not use profane or vulgar language.
7. Student will not throw objects.
8. Student will not eat or drink on bus.
9. Student will not litter bus.
10. Student will not shout on bus or out windows.
11. Student will not play or assemble musical instrument on bus.
12. Student will not use any electronic device (phone, tablet, etc) which creates any sounds (music, sound effects, etc.) without the use of headphones.
13. Student will not damage the bus; ex: writing on seats, tearing/cutting seats. ….
14. Student will be held financially responsible for any damage done deliberately or through rowdiness.
15. Student will report any damage at once to the driver.

These rules are supported by the Owatonna Public Schools Administration.

Bus Safety Videos

Bus Safety Documents

• View the School Bus Rider's Guide - Grades K-3
• View the School Bus Rider's Guide - Grades 4-6