Introduction
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The Hamilton School District announced changes to its busing policy Friday.
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The changes come a day after a bus hit a five-year-old boy in Sussex, killing him.
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Parents are demanding changes after Thursday’s incident.
Sussex, Wisconsin – The Hamilton School District announced Friday it will change its school bus policy after a child was hit and killed in a parking lot the day before.
new policy
Starting Monday, all K-4 students will be bused directly to the Willow Springs Learning Center. Route assignments and pick-up times will remain unchanged. FOX6 News received a letter to families explaining the change; the full text is below.
Prior to this change, FOX6 News reviewed the Hamilton School District’s busing policy. Willow Springs students are escorted to the Silver Spring Middle School shuttle bus by staff and older student “bus buddies,” the policy said. Shuttles then take the K-4 students to Willow Springs.
Investigators say a bus struck a 5-year-old boy outside Silver Spring Middle School as he was transferring from a bus to a K-4 student shuttle to Willow Springs.
The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department described it as an “incident” and deputies are still investigating the cause. Officials with the school bus company said they are fully cooperating with the investigation.
A prayer vigil was held for the boy Friday night at Our Savior Lutheran Church, located next to Silver Spring Middle School.
Hamilton School District Letter | January 3, 2024
“First and foremost, we would like to thank the many families who have reached out and provided support during the extremely difficult times our entire school community is facing. This email is intended to share with you the immediate changes we are making to ensure our 4K content Students will no longer transfer to buses at any point on the morning route.
“Beginning Monday, January 6, all 4K students will be sent directly to Willow Springs Learning Center. Current route assignments and pick-up times will remain the same. The difference going forward is that morning buses will now go directly to Willow Springs The youngest students are dropped off first at the Learning Center, then continue to Silver Spring Middle School and individual elementary schools.
“Silver Spring Middle School bus transportation patterns will also be adjusted to enhance safety protocols.
“District leaders and school board members are working closely with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and Dairyland Bus Company to find immediate solutions to the questions and concerns of parents and community members that have arisen following Thursday’s tragic accident. Please note that we will monitor this We are also investigating other potential long-term solutions.
“The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department plans to provide additional support near Willow Springs every morning next week to monitor expected additional traffic.
“Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.”
