Due to the current pandemic, Florence ISD has implemented the following practices in order to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.   

        All FISD STUDENTS:  If you are able to provide transportation to or from school for your child, we would sincerely appreciate it.  This will help ease some of the crowding on our buses and allow for more social distancing.   Temperatures will be taken before students board the bus.  Students are required to wear a face mask at all times while on the bus. ALL BUSES will be sanitized after each trip.

        ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:  All Elementary Students must be accompanied by an adult while waiting for the bus.  No student will be allowed on the bus that has a fever of 100.00 degrees or obvious COVID-19 symptoms.  It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that these students have a way to safely return home.

       SHUTTLES: At this time, we will NOT shuttle students from campus to campus for AM and PM routes. 

IN TOWN STUDENTS:  There will be NO in town stops for High School and Middle School students.  Elementary students will be provided transportation if they live South of FM 970, East of Patterson or South of Main Street.  All other in town students will need to either walk or rely on parents for transportation to and from school.  

       ALL OUT OF DISTRICT TRANSFER STUDENTS:  FISD will no longer provide transportation for transfer students.  Parents of Out of District Transfer Students will be responsible for providing transportation to and from school.

       ALL ROUTES:  Your child will start out on the same bus assignment as last year.  Some adjustments may be necessary later, depending on the number of students assigned to that bus.  Times will run about the same as last year give or take five minutes.  Please allow for some fluctuation in time for the first few weeks.   

      NEW STUDENTS TO FISD:  Please contact Transportation at

(254) 793-2495 ext. 5354 or email hpiatt@florenceisd.net to register for the bus. 

Please refer to the Florence ISD “Plan for A Strong Start” which includes the following regarding transportation:

Bus Transportation

● At bus stops, students should practice physical distancing, whenever possible (if there is adequate space and it is safe to do so) while waiting for and approaching the school bus.

● All passengers will be screened prior to entry onto a bus.

● Seating will be staggered and assigned to ensure maximum physical distancing. A 72-person bus can fit approximately 12 students with 6 feet distance - seat students one child per seat if not from the same household and seat every other row. Thus, a typical 72-person bus could have 24 students with an average of two children from each household, with six

feet between groups. To ensure physical distancing, tape will mark where students can sit.

● Masks will be required for all riders throughout the duration of their time on the bus.  (Individual exceptions to this requirement will be made for those with a documented medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. Current medical documentation must be provided to the campus principal to qualify for an exception.)

● The use of hand sanitizer will be required upon entry to the bus.

● Buses will be loaded from the back to front in order to allow the greatest distance from the driver for the longest period of time.

● Assigned seats will be provided to support contact tracing.

● Seating charts will be maintained by the bus driver.

● Weather permitting, windows will be open to allow outside air to circulate in the bus.

● Buses will be routinely cleaned and disinfected with attention paid to frequently touched surfaces, including surfaces in the driver cockpit commonly touched by the operator.

● Families of transfer to FISD schools must provide their own transportation; district transportation will not be provided.

 Please call or email Heather Piatt, Transportation Director for any questions or concerns.  We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.  Please keep in mind our drivers do not make these decisions, but all decisions are made with the safety and health of your child foremost in mind.  Thank you.