New bus configuration cause for delays for Vandalia schools

VANDALIA, Ohio (WDTN) — Yesterday was the first day of school for students in the Vandalia-Butler City School District and for some it was longer than expected.

A spokesperson on behalf of the district issued a statement following the delays in getting Demmitt Elementary and Smith Intermediate School students home after classes.

“Our district opened in a new configuration, and as a result, we experienced major transportation challenges on our first day, which were unacceptable,” the statement reads.

The statement also included a letter and apology that was issued to parents yesterday evening.

Demmitt and Smith families,

First, we sincerely apologize for the delay in dismissal today. The amount of time it took to dismiss not only bus riders, but also our car riders is not typical; even for a first day.  We were at a disadvantage from the beginning with several buses from St. Chris running behind which then compounded an already difficult situation.

We are working on several immediate solutions to help with dismissal.

• First, we plan to release car riders a few minutes earlier.
• Second, once the final bus pulls in, instead of holding all car riders until buses exit, we will escort car riders to the east side of the building so that students may enter their vehicles.  For those who have students entering their vehicles from the east side of the building, you may continue straight out of the parking lot and onto Little York Road (instead of turning right in front of the building).

We also encourage you to stay consistent with your bus rider/car rider schedule.

Again, please accept our most sincere apology.  We appreciate your patience, and we will continue to make improvements.

– Vandalia Butler City Schools District

The district is working to make improvements to the busing and transportation process at their schools.

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