New software, swipe cards to track students for greater safety

By Jessica Breger Special to Monett Monthly

The Monett School Board is putting a focus on bus safety for elementary students.

At its regular February meeting, the board approved a transportation software contract to install a check-in and tracking system for elementary buses. The system will utilize swipeable badges, which children will present as they get on and off their bus. 

This will give an accurate account of children on each bus. The system also utilizes GPS tracking and route planning that would aid substitute drivers in navigating routes. 

Parents will also be able to locate their children through an associated app. In events such as tornadoes or emergency evacuations, this would allow parents and administrators to locate their children’s buses.

The systems are to be installed in 10 regular route buses and two reserve buses. 

Concerns were raised over perceived privacy risks, and board members were assured the information will be kept private and secured so that only administrators and parents can oversee their children.

The system will take time to be implemented, but the board hopes to have it fully operational as soon as the 2025 fall semester. 

The elementary school is also set to have the roof recoated to protect against weather and damage. This is the last step to complete recoating of all district buildings. Going forward, recoating will not be required again until 2033.

Out of an abundance of caution, the board did not hear student presentations during the February meeting. 

Superintendent Mark Drake said that while board members will always find a way to hold their regular meetings, he did not want to ask students and parents to face the winter road conditions.

The Monett School Board meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Board Administrative Meeting Room, located at the District Office.