Frequently Asked Questions

Students receive their District ID at their school location.

If a student leaves an item on the bus, our drivers do their best to help. Clothing and small items are usually kept on the bus near the driver’s area for a few weeks, while larger items—such as backpacks or cell phones—are brought to the transportation terminal for safe keeping. We encourage students to ask their bus driver if they believe something was left behind. Families may also call the transportation terminal at 303-427-1977 between 5:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and our office staff will contact the driver to help locate the item as quickly as possible. If the item is found, it will be brought to the transportation office for pickup.

WPS does not offer bus service for preschoolers, except for special needs students with IEP's that designate transportation as a related service. If an all day kindergarten student is attending their neighborhood school and living outside the one mile area, then bus service is offered. 

As per Board Policy JFBA-R (Intra-District Transfer and Choice Procedure), students requesting and receiving approval to attend school outside of the attendance area in which they reside shall be required to provide their own transportation, except in the case of special education IEP. 

School bus transportation is widely recognized as the safest form of ground transportation for students in the United States. In fact, students are significantly safer riding a school bus than traveling in a private vehicle. Westminster Public Schools understands that families may have questions about seat belts on buses and is committed to providing safe, well-designed transportation for all riders.

Most WPS buses are not equipped with seat belts, as they are not required by federal law. Instead, school buses are specifically designed with built-in safety features such as high seat backs, thick padding, and closely spaced seating that help protect students in the event of a sudden stop or collision. School buses are also built with strong frames and sit higher off the ground than most vehicles, which adds another layer of protection. In addition, WPS drivers receive specialized training, maintain required certifications, and participate in ongoing safety training to ensure students are transported safely each day.

To support safe and efficient transportation, please have your child arrive at the bus stop approximately five minutes before the scheduled pickup time and wait in a location clearly visible to the driver. Drivers remain at the stop until the scheduled time but are unable to wait for late riders, approach homes, or use the bus horn. Buses will continue to operate during inclement weather, and families are encouraged to dress students appropriately in case of brief delays.

Families are also encouraged to establish a contingency plan in the event of a delayed bus due to unforeseen circumstances. If a bus is late, students should be able to safely return home or go to a designated nearby location and contact a parent, guardian, or school staff. While Westminster Public Schools buses and drivers strive to maintain reliable service, having a plan in place helps ensure student safety and peace of mind.

Students are expected to follow the School Bus Code of Conduct to help keep transportation safe for everyone. If a behavior concern occurs, transportation staff use a progressive approach. This typically begins with a verbal warning. If the behavior continues, a written report will be completed, parents will be contacted, and the student may be assigned a seat.

Repeated or serious behavior issues may result in suspension of bus privileges, ranging from a few days to the remainder of the school year, depending on the situation. Consequences are determined by the bus driver, trainers and Transportation Coodinator using district guidelines. Driver observations and bus video or audio recordings may be used when reviewing incidents.

WPS bus drivers have a high school diploma or equivalent, are required to pass a criminal background check with fingerprints, pass a DOT physical, maintain a commercial driver's license including federally mandated endorsements, and have yearly state requirements to adhere to. Transportation staff also maintain a current first aid card. Trainees receive 40 to 60 hours of one to one training along with the continuous in-service trainings with veteran staff throughout the year.