East Grand Forks Schools Introduce Bus-Tracking App for Safety

Parents in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, can now monitor their children’s bus rides with greater assurance, thanks to a newly implemented bus-tracking app. The East Grand Forks Public School District introduced the EZ A2B app during the 2022-2023 school year, allowing parents to track when their children are picked up and dropped off by school buses. According to Superintendent Kevin Grover, this technology provides significant peace of mind for families.

The app employs a scanning system where students are scanned on and off the bus using a pass attached to their backpacks or on their smartphones. This feature not only helps parents confirm their children’s safe arrival at their stops but also aids school district personnel in tracking students in emergency situations. “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,” said Jenni Oatman, a school bus driver for East Grand Forks Schools.

The app notifies parents when the bus is approaching their stop, enhancing communication and reducing anxiety. If a child misses their stop or gets off at the wrong location, parents are promptly informed of the stop where their child scanned out. This allows parents to adjust their plans and meet their child at the new location.

The initial implementation of the EZ A2B app came with a cost of $11,000, which covered devices, software, and training for staff. Moving forward, the school district anticipates an annual expense of $6,000 for ongoing Wi-Fi, contracts, and maintenance. Grover acknowledged that the rollout faced some initial confusion among parents and staff, but he believes the app has positively impacted the community as users have become more accustomed to it.

“There are just some learning curves,” Grover stated. “But overall, it’s definitely been a plus.” Oatman, who has been driving for East Grand Forks Schools for 11 years, noted that the app has improved the driver’s experience as well. If there is a need for additional routing or if another driver calls out, the app integrates with the GPS system, allowing Oatman to keep track of her passengers efficiently.

As schools continue to navigate the complexities of student transportation, tools like the EZ A2B app represent a significant advancement in ensuring student safety. With its ease of use and real-time updates, the app stands as a valuable asset for both parents and school staff in East Grand Forks.