Transportation

Our fleet of vehicles consists of one electric bus, 37 large buses, seven mini buses, 12 trucks and maintenance vehicles, plus three SUVs. Three of our large buses are reserved for out-of-town trips, and nine are spares that are used when route buses are being repaired or serviced. During an average school year, DSD buses log approximately 400,000 route miles and 135,000 activity miles. In addition to the annual inspection mandated by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), each of our buses undergoes a monthly maintenance service.

Our drivers complete training in August before school starts and approximately 26 hours total training through out the school year. Our drivers are governed by CDE and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) rules and regulations. New drivers complete 35 to 40 hours of preliminary training and must pass a CDL test before they can drive with students. All drivers must complete a CDE first-aid certification every two years.

The primary mission of the DSD Transportation Department is to provide students with safe and secure transportation to and from school in a friendly environment that enhances the total learning process. The National Academy of Sciences and the U.S Department of Transportation agree that school buses are the safest form of transportation for getting children to and from school.

If you have special circumstances that cannot be accommodated through our registration link, feel free to email the Transportation Department.

Transportation for resident students granted permission to attend school outside their attendance area is the responsibility of their parents or guardians, except for those that may be required by law. The district may, at its discretion, allow students to ride in district buses on a space-available basis, provided such transportation does not disrupt regular routes or require new loading areas.

To determine transportation options and space availability, please email the Transportation Department.

In the event of inclement weather, DSD uses a variety of resources to determine if conditions exist that warrant a one-hour delayed start or closure of schools.

If conditions pose a concern for student and staff safety, the district will make every effort to announce a decision by 5:30 a.m. to close or delay opening schools. A one-hour delayed start or closure will be communicated in several different ways, including:

• District website

• School websites

• Local media outlets

• Email and text message to parents (Ensure your information is up-to-date in Infinite Campus.)

Keep in mind, you will only receive alerts if schools are closed or operating on a 2-hour delay. If schools are open and operating on a normal schedule, you will not receive an alert.

If schools are open but a parent feels, based on personal circumstances, that conditions pose a safety concern for their child getting to or from school, they can call the school for an excused absence.

Transfinder is a location-tracking system that ensures the safe transportation of students as efficiently as possible. It gives our drivers turn-by-turn directions, and tells the Transportation Department who is on the bus and where the bus is.