Walking School Bus: Removing Transportation Barriers

Tardy Rate

22% 8%

-64%

Chronic Absence Rate

19% 12%

-37%

On-Time Arrival

78% 92%

+18%

The Problem

Nearly one in four students arrived late every day. The school sat in a neighborhood with no bus service for students living within the walk zone, but the walk zone included a busy intersection and a stretch with no sidewalks. Parents who worked early shifts couldn't walk their children, and students arriving alone were frequently late. Tardy students missed morning routines, disrupted first-period instruction, and started the day behind. Teachers reported that the first 15 minutes of class were consumed by managing late arrivals.

The Plan

1

Map routes from highest-tardy neighborhoods

Use tardy data to identify neighborhoods with the worst on-time rates. Design 2 walking routes with safe pickup points.

Data Wall Hall Monitor See example

Elmer Suite → Data Wall

StudentMetric 1Metric 2Status

Student A At Risk Watch Flagged

Student B On Track On Track ✓

Stoplight colors show who needs attention at a glance.
2

Launch with volunteer route leaders

Safety vests, two-way radios, 7:30 AM departure. Students checked off at each pickup point.

Daily, ongoing
3

Track participation and tardy rates weekly

Monitor tardy entries through the pass system. Adjust routes based on data. Follow up with families who stop attending.

Hall Monitor Data Wall See example

Elmer Suite → Hall Monitor

StudentTime OutDurationDestination

Tyler M.9:42 AM14 minRestroom

Ava S.9:51 AM3 minWater

Every pass tracked with exact times. Patterns visible instantly.