East Grand Forks Schools Launch App for Safer Bus Tracking

A bus-tracking app has been introduced by the East Grand Forks Public School District, providing parents with enhanced safety features for monitoring their children’s school bus rides. According to Superintendent Kevin Grover, the app offers parents “peace of mind” by allowing them to track when and where their children are picked up and dropped off.

The EZ A2B app was rolled out in the 2023-2024 school year and enables real-time tracking. Parents receive notifications as the bus approaches their designated stops. Grover emphasized the importance of this technological advancement in today’s world, stating, “We live in a technological world nowadays and so we want to know where people are.”

### Enhanced Safety Measures

With the new system, students are scanned in and out of the bus using a pass attached to their backpack or a mobile phone. This feature not only aids parents in confirming their children’s safe arrival at home but also assists school staff in emergencies. Jenni Oatman, a bus driver with over a decade of experience at East Grand Forks Schools, noted, “I believe that it makes a safer experience for the students because we then have better knowledge of where each student is at any given time.”

In the event of an accident, the scanning data provides a list of students currently on the bus, allowing the school to efficiently communicate with parents if necessary. Oatman highlighted the app’s utility in ensuring that drivers have accurate information about who is on their bus and their intended destinations.

### Cost and Implementation

The initial implementation of the EZ A2B app required an investment of $11,000 for devices, software, and training. The ongoing annual cost of $6,000 will be funded through the district’s general expense budget, covering expenses such as Wi-Fi, contracts, and maintenance.

While the rollout experienced some initial challenges, including confusion among parents and staff, Grover reported that both groups have adapted positively over time. “There’s just some learning curves,” he acknowledged. “But overall, it’s definitely been a plus for the district and community.”

The app also addresses potential issues related to missed or incorrect stops. If a student accidentally gets off at the wrong location, parents are promptly informed of where their child scanned out, enabling them to meet them at the new stop.

As the school year progresses, the East Grand Forks Public School District continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the app, focusing on maintaining a safe and informed environment for students and their families.