Lake County Gazette

As the new school year approaches, Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 is reminding families about potential transportation delays during the first few days of school. The district has shared its annual message to help ease concerns and prepare parents and students for the transition.

Transportation staff note that ongoing student enrollment may result in adjustments to bus routes and stops just before school starts, which can affect timing for all riders. Morning pick-ups may also take longer as many parents wish to take first day photos or assist their children, especially younger students who are new to riding the bus.

Traffic congestion is expected around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. The district recommends using bus transportation when possible, as parking lots experience heavy volumes of cars and buses despite traffic control support from law enforcement. “The parent pick-up line usually begins to flow better after everyone gets used to the system and that can easily take a few weeks. We will go as slow as we need to in order to make sure everyone is safe,” according to the district’s statement.

The district operates a multi-tiered transportation system, meaning delays at one school can cause subsequent delays at others if buses are rerouted or held up for any reason. Staff emphasize that while efforts are made to minimize disruptions, some factors are unavoidable.

Bus drivers are focused on safety during this period. “Our bus drivers are working hard, and they want to make sure they get everything right. They will be checking rosters and seating charts and taking their time to get to know the students on their route. After the first few days, this process is quicker and more efficient. We would rather experience delays at first, if it means making sure students get on the right bus and make it safely home.”

Parents trying to contact the Transportation Office should expect high call volumes early in the school year. The district brings in additional staff from other departments but still asks for patience: “This does not mean that your call is not important to us, or that something is wrong. Please consider sending an email (trans@dist50.net) or delaying your call until the following week with questions and concerns that are not urgent.”

Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 serves Lake County with four schools: Woodland Elementary School, Woodland Intermediate School, Woodland Middle School, and Woodland Primary School https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. The district has nearly 400 teachers earning an average salary of $69,342; over 84 percent of them are women https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. Student demographics include approximately 39 percent White, 33 percent Hispanic, 11 percent Asian, and 9 percent Black https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. In 2020, spending per student was $23,682 https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

The district thanks families for their support during this busy time.