Savannah-Chatham County Schools Enhance Transportation for Students

Savannah

The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools will officially begin the 2025 school year on August 4, 2025, as the district announces key enhancements for bus transportation and registration events. Significant preparations are underway at the district’s transportation hub located at 10 Interchange Court.

Transportation Preparedness and Enhancements

In anticipation of the school year, the transportation team is finalizing arrangements that include freshly washed school buses and routine maintenance checks. The Executive Director of Transportation, Lanetta Mills, who is commencing her second year, has highlighted the district’s commitment to improving employee work environments alongside service enhancements. Despite facing some attrition, the army of bus drivers remains steady, with additional trainees expected to join the team shortly. Families seeking vital transportation information can access resources online at www.sccpss.com/departments/operations/transportation.

Registration Events and Customer Service Improvements

In an effort to streamline the enrollment process, the district is hosting a second registration event for families on July 24 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Family and Student Services Center, located at 400 E. Broad St. Following this registration event, the district will extend customer service hours from August 4 to August 14, with support available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. After this period, regular customer service hours will revert to 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. during the school year.

It is noteworthy that families may experience call queues during the initial two weeks of school, and the district has ensured that bilingual assistance is available upon request for transportation inquiries.

Bus Fleet Enhancements and Changes

The Savannah-Chatham Board of Education recently approved the purchase of six Type A buses in March 2024, followed by an additional ten Type A buses in May 2024, with a combined budget exceeding $1.8 million. The Type A buses are 14-passenger microbuses that do not necessitate CDL-credentialed drivers. Due to manufacturing delays, the integration of these new buses into school routes is still being planned. Furthermore, in May 2025, the school board sanctioned a $2 million purchase for ten new Type D buses capable of transporting up to 90 students.

Despite the cessation of the Student Zero-Fare Pilot program in March 2024, the district is continuing to fund free student passes for Chatham Area Transit. It is important to note that starting in the 2025-2026 school year, free student passes will only be accessible to Choice Program students living outside of the designated walk zone, which is defined as 1.5 miles or less from the student’s zoned school.

Beginning this school year, students enrolled in Choice Program and charter schools will be required to secure their own transportation. The district anticipates needing a total of 342 drivers to restore transportation services for Choice Program students and 256 drivers to enhance on-time arrivals for local routes by January 2025.

Community Support and Additional Services

Additionally, the district has forged partnerships with community organizations to support families during registration events. These partnerships will offer services for families needing translation assistance or help with paperwork related to custody or residency. For families experiencing homelessness, the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison will provide additional support services.

To complete registration, families must present several documents, including proof of residence, students’ social security cards, a valid ID for the registering parent, and updated immunization records.

Long-Range Facilities Plan Relocation

In tandem with preparation for the upcoming school year, the district is also undertaking relocations of various departments as part of its Long-Range Facilities Plan. Many departments will be moving to the Georgia Tech Savannah Campus located at 190 Technology Circle.