Get transportation worked out before school begins

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following is an announcement from Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Rutzky regarding busing for the start of the 2016-2017 school year on Sept. 6.

For in-district students, all bus passes will have been mailed to the parents/guardians of eligible students by Aug. 24. Please ensure that your child is at the designated bus stop 10 minutes prior to the pickup time and that the bus pass remains with your child at all times.

Parents and guardians who have a child attending an out-of-district school will receive a letter from Sussex County Regional Transportation Cooperative by Aug. 29 indicating which bus company is transporting your child. By Wednesday, Aug. 31, the contracted bus company is expected to contact the parent/guardian regarding pickup and dropoff times. If you have not received a call from the out-of-district bus company by Aug. 31, contact Thomas DeAngelo, director of transportation, during business hours on Thursday, Sept.1, at 973-669-5357, ext. 1.

All bus passes for non-public students attending private schools will have been mailed no later than  Aug. 24. The schools include Golda Och Academy in West Orange, Our Lady of the Lake in Verona, Aquinas Academy in Livingston, Jewish Educational Center/Bruriah High School in Elizabeth, Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston and Montclair Kimberly Academy Upper/Lower in Montclair.

Trial runs for all routes have been ongoing throughout the month of August. Drivers make note of necessary changes during the trial runs and routes are modified and improved during this time period. Safety is the number one priority for all students. The West Orange School District asks for your patience as minor delays may occur during the first few days of the school year.

All questions and concerns regarding busing may be directed to the Transportation Department at 973-669-5357.