For the upcoming winter season, USD 379 announces the addition of snow routes, which is intended to keep kids in school in days of inclement weather.

If the district announces, “Snow Routes Only,” it means buses may limit stops to blacktop and gravel roads. This means buses would not travel directly to doorsteps due to snow or icy conditions, which can be unsafe for buses.

Specific route updates will be provided on the 379 transportation page. Snow routes do not affect the in-town Squirrel bus.

The change comes after the 2024-2025 school year saw four full snow days plus an additional three days of delayed starts. Because some of those days were caused by access of county roads, the new status will allow the majority of kids to get to school. Or, for families to make arrangements to get to the buses.

In total, USD 379 covers 621 square miles, including 1,343 miles of roads, 602 of which are unpaved.

More information can be found on the district’s website.