David McDaniel
Supervisor Transportation and Operations
Kelso School District
612 Ash Street
Kelso, Washington 98626
Phone: 360-501-1350
Fax: 360-501-1349

Renee Ross
Administrative Assistant
360-501-1358

Perri O'Dell
Dispatcher
360-501-1352

Norma Britt
Assistant Dispatcher and Driver Trainer
360-501-1354

Patrick Rowland, Lead Mechanic
Dustin Kent, Mechanic
David Powell, Mechanic
360-501-1353

The Kelso Schools Transportation Department provides school bus transportation for over 2,000 students a day, twice a day, and is one of the safest forms of transportation. Our drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver's License, Class B, with a Passenger endorsement, as well as an "S" endorsement as required for school bus drivers in the United States. The District maintains a fleet of 76 vehicles, including 49 buses and 27 support vehicles (vans, maintenance and grounds vehicles, etc.), and is held to the Washington State Patrol inspections standards twice a year.

The District is working in conjunction with the Department of Health to monitor the regional infection rates to ensure the safe return of our students and staff, but remember that the Hybrid In-Person Learning Model plan may change as information is updated. Information may be obtained by looking on the main District web page, or via various social media feeds.

As we transition into our Hybrid In-Person Learning Model, please refer to the Hybrid Timelines for both Secondary and Elementary for the dates of in-person learning and transportation.  The bus route links listed below provide bus stop pick-up and drop-off times for Elementary during the Hybrid Model.  All route times are APPROXIMATE.  In the AM, students should arrive at their designated bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.  Bus stop times are subject to change - if you require additional information about bus stops and/or times, please contact our Dispatch Office at (360) 501-1352.

** NOTE: IF YOU ARE A WALKER FROM N. KELSO SHUTTLING TO KHS IN THE AM **

HMS BUSES SHUTTLING TO KHS START LEAVING HMS AT 7:30AM -

THE LAST BUS LEAVING AT 7:40AM

For route stop pick-up and drop-off times, click on the school HYBRID ROUTES listed below:

The decision to delay the opening of school, dismiss early or close school for the day due to weather conditions is never an easy one.  Our priority is the safety of the children and staff. 

Any decision to delay opening, dismiss early or close must begin early.  Our Transportation Supervisor is out checking road conditions sometimes as early as 3:00 a.m. to determine the safety of transporting students.  After consulting weather reports and checking road conditions, the Transportation Supervisor consults with the Superintendent, and any decision to delay or close school is made around 5:30 a.m.

If there is a delayed opening but weather conditions continue to be a problem, the district will determine whether to delay further or to close school.  Decisions to delay, dismiss early or close are not taken lightly.  We want the children of the district to have uninterrupted and continuous instruction.

Announcements are posted on the main District web page, and are also made via television, radio, FlashAlert, and various social media (see Inclement Weather Plan below).  In the event that internet is not available, we also update our District Information Line at 360-501-1990 each morning and afternoon with closures, delays and buses that are on snow routes (see list below).

We are sensitive to the inconvenience to parents who must make arrangements for their children if school is delayed, dismissed early or closed but safety must take precedence over all other considerations.

• Inclement Weather Plan 

• Flash Alert

• AM Snow Routes

• PM Snow Routes               

• 2020-21 Flood Routes - AM & PM

Kelso School District Transportation Department is always looking for Bus Drivers, whether you want to work as a Substitute, or a Bid Route Driver. We offer paid training, competitive wages and a flexible schedule. No experience necessary and a school-days work schedule!! Classes starting soon!!

If you are interested in joining our team, click on the Application Checklist below for information on what you need to apply and a copy of the job posting. If you have questions, please contact our Driver Trainer in the Dispatch Office. To apply, go to the Job Openings page and create an account.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST & JOB POSTING INFORMATION

JOB OPENINGS - CLICK HERE TO APPLY

• 20-21 Trip Request Form

• 20-21 Van Request Form - Pending Update

Please contact your child's school to obtain busing information based on your route area. Specific transportation inquiries should be directed to our Dispatch Office. Students riding the bus must be at their bus stop no later than 5 minutes prior to their pick-up time, and Kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop each day. The District has standard bell times throughout the schools, and each school is out early every Wednesday: Secondary at 1:00 pm and Elementary at 1:55 pm. Please contact your child's school to obtain busing information based on your route area. Specific transportation inquiries should be directed to our Dispatch Office. Students riding the bus must be at their bus stop no later than 5 minutes prior to their pick-up time, and Kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop each day. The District has standard bell times throughout the schools, and each school is out early every Wednesday: Secondary at 1:00 pm and Elementary at 1:55 pm.

** NOTE:  THESE ROUTES REFLECT THE "STANDARD" SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND NOT A HYBRID MODE