All Students K-12

Transportation is an essential part of the school district services to students and parents/guardians. Along with Benjamin Bus, Inc., we welcome all community members to play a part in keeping our students safe. Every person can make a difference in the safety of students as they board, ride and exit school buses. Questions regarding transportation should be directed to Benjamin Bus, Inc. at 507-645-5720.

Routes

Bus routes and times are determined in coordination with scheduled school start and stop times. Routes are planned for safe and efficient use of school buses. Generally, school buses will not travel down dead-end roads or cul-de-sacs due to resulting added ride times and turn-around issues. However, there may be some things that cannot be anticipated and routes may need to be adjusted after the school year begins. Parents/Guardians will be advised of any significant changes.

Attendance Areas: District resident students shall be eligible for transportation to the school in their attendance area provided that they live beyond the walk boundary.

Walk Zone: The walk boundary for students in grades K through 5 is approximately 0.75 mile, and approximately 1.0 mile for secondary students. State statute requires districts to transport students who live two miles or more from their school. Effective the 2025-26 school year, Northfield Public Schools will begin charging a fee for transportation between our current transportable boundary up to two miles from school. The fee will be $250 per year per student, with a family cap of $500. Elementary students are considered in the fee area if they live 0.75 to 1.99 miles from school, and secondary students are considered in the fee area if they live 1.0 to 1.99 miles from school. Distances are calculated from the school property, using streets and paved pedestrian paths. If you are unsure whether your child is eligible for bus transportation, call Benjamin Bus.

Non-Resident Students (Open-Enrolled): The district will provide transportation to open enrolled (non-resident) students who are attending Northfield Public Schools, using the closest safe pick-up/drop-off point on an existing route that serves the school that the student attends.

After School Activities: Transportation is not provided on regular route buses for non-school activities such as work, music or dance lessons, scouts, church activities, etc.

Pick Up and Drop Off Locations

School bus service is between home and school. Based on their address, students are assigned to a specific bus stop and bus route. Students must ride to and from school on the bus(es) to which they have been assigned.  Students are assigned to one pick up location and one drop off location. A student’s daycare facility may be regarded as their home residence for the purpose of transportation, but the request must be consistent every day.  A student’s daycare facility must be located in the same attendance area as the student’s school. Students are not allowed to alternate between bus stops. Although this policy is not always convenient for parents/guardians, it is the safest for students. If a child lives at two different addresses due to shared custody arrangements, please contact Benjamin Bus.

Students should be at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled bus arrival time. They should stay out of the street so that they do not become a traffic hazard. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to wait with their child at the bus stop.

Bus Safety

All elementary students in kindergarten through grade 5 are required to complete bus safety training at the beginning of every school year. Parents/Guardians should review the following safety rules with their children.

• Bus doors will not be opened until students form an orderly line ready for boarding.
• When crossing the road to get on or off the bus, students must wait until the bus has stopped, the stop arm is out with red lights flashing, and the driver has indicated to the student to cross. Students must cross in front of the bus only; never behind the bus.
• Students should follow the directions of the driver.
• Students are to remain seated while the bus is in motion. Share the seat with others. Keep arms, legs, and belongings to yourself.
• Students will not be allowed to extend any part of their body or place objects outside the windows. Windows may be opened halfway only, with permission of the bus driver.
• Students should talk quietly and act courteously at the bus stop and on the bus. No swearing, fighting, teasing, harassing, or horseplay. Be respectful of property at the bus stop.
• Students must not throw any object inside the bus or out of the bus.
• No eating on the bus. No beverages other than water on the bus. Use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, lighters, matches, or vaping products on the bus or at the bus stop is prohibited.
• No weapons or hazardous objects on the bus.
• No animals, insects, or pets on the bus or at the bus stop.
• Students must not damage the bus or tamper with emergency exit devices.
• Students should help to keep their bus clean and safe.

Behavior, Bus Incident Reports: If a student is involved in a behavioral incident on a school bus or at a school bus stop or transfer point, a bus incident report form is issued by a driver, the bus company safety director, or school employee. The purpose is to provide communication to parents/guardians regarding the incident. A copy goes to the student’s school, and corrective action may be initiated by the school district. When a student receives a bus incident report, the parent/guardian must sign the form and the student must present the signed form to the bus driver when boarding in the morning on the following day, or the next time the student rides the bus, whichever comes first. If a child is suspended from the bus, parents/guardians will be notified by school district administration.

Suspension of Riding Privileges: Transportation is a privilege and not a right for an eligible student. A student’s eligibility to ride a school bus may be revoked for a violation of school bus safety or conduct policies, or violation of any other law governing student conduct on a school bus pursuant to the school district’s discipline policy. Revocation of a student’s bus riding privilege is not an exclusion, expulsion, or suspension under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act. Revocation procedures for a student who is an individual with a disability under 20 U.S.C. §1415 (Individuals with Disabilities Act), 29 U.S.C. § 794 (the Rehabilitation Act), and 42 U.S.C. § 12132, (Americans with Disabilities Act) are governed by these provisions. (Minn. Stat. § 121A.59)

Repayment for Damage to School Buses: Students and/or parents/guardians shall repay the bus owners for damages due to vandalism of school buses.

Associated policies

• Policy 707 – Transportation of Public School Students
• Policy 708 – Transportation of Nonpublic School Students
• Policy 709 – Student Transportation Safety

Last modified:  July 17, 2025