Hancock superintendent says bus routes are not finalized yet

In an email missive Tuesday night, Hancock School District Superintendent Steve Patchin says that bus routes about to be published in the local newspaper are not finalized and were not provided by the district. Patchin says a completed map will be emailed to district parents by the end of the week.

For the first time, district busses will have cameras on board. Patchin says that gives the district the ability to reward good behavior, as much as it is intended to punish those acting out. An app will be available for parents and caretakers. The smartphone program will provide real-time dropoff information at points throughout the service area.

Patchin says it is now district policy to have kindergarteners picked up by a parent or other adult. If there is no one at the bus stop to accompany the young child home, drivers are required to keep them on the bus and return them to their school where they will have to wait to be picked up.