Winter Busing began November 4th, 2024, and as the Contracting Officer Representative, there are a few notes I would like to share with our community:

• Stakeholders: The ultimate goal of “Winter Busing” is the safe arrival and departure of students to their designated locations. This involves multiple stakeholders to include Yellowfin Bus Transportation, Minot Public Schools (North Plains, Dakota, and Memorial), the Youth Center and Minot AFB families.
• Bus Arrivals and Departures: The busing routes were curated for the timely arrival and departure of students. However, there were changes this school year and we ask for your patience in the initial weeks of busing. Please exhibit patience with Yellowfin Bus Transportation, Minot AFB Schools, students, and families. There are also other factors which may impact this to include weather. Please know the School Liaison Office (SLO), Contracting (5 CONS), and Yellowfin Bus Transportation will work together to mitigate problems or concerns.
• Bus Tags/Information: At this moment, bug tags were distributed and readily available for pick up at Building 168, Youth Center Annex. Please ensure your student(s) are aware of the bus number, bus pick up and drop off location, and have their tag available. This is important for Minot Public Schools and the Youth Center to reference. If you did not pick up a bus tag (especially with K-3 students), please write this information in the agenda of your student, so teachers, staff, and/or youth center workers are able to seamlessly facilitate the departure of students from the schools.
• Bus Safety: At the request of Yellowfin Bus Transportation, please ensure students are at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to the bus arrival. In addition, I will include the “Bus Safety” Slide used during the Busing Town Hall in a follow up post.
• Winter Gear: With temperatures decreasing, please be sure students are dressed appropriately to wait for the bus at the designated bus stop.
• The ultimate goal is the safe arrival and departure of students to their designated locations. There may be challenges encountered, however we will problem solve and implement solutions to accomplish the aforementioned objective.