October Route Report: Get the Numbers Right Before Budget Season
Now’s the time to confirm accurate student counts, prepare for state reporting, and get the right data in place for upcoming budget talks.
Welcome back to the School Bus Logistics’ Route Report. It might feel like the school year has only just begun, but October is here, which means reporting and budget talks for next year are beginning. Now’s the time to make sure your data is accurate and complete for reporting. Here are our recommendations for how to present a clear picture of your department’s needs.
Start with Student Counts
By now, you should have a database of reliable routing information. Getting student counts is essential — by stop is preferred but even a district-wide total can be effective. These numbers form the foundation for everything else: state reimbursement, budget projections, and route efficiency. Without them, it’s difficult to spot inefficiencies or find areas where resources can be better allocated.
Key actions this month:
Confirm all students are accurately located in your routing software
Validate counts by stop if possible
Check that walk boundaries and hazard areas are properly defined
Prepare for State Reporting
Many states require transportation reports in October. As your department is likely aware, these reports determine reimbursement, so accuracy is critical. Errors in boundaries, hazard areas, or eligibility rules can mean lost funding — and every dollar counts.
Before reports are due, make sure:
Enrollment boundaries are correct
Walk and hazard zones are updated
Home-to-school mileage and eligibility rules are applied correctly
Get Ready for Budget Season
October also marks the start of the budget cycle. Districts will begin drafting proposals based on preliminary state funding numbers for K-8, which arrive in October/November. That means boards want departments to come forward with clear, defensible data by December, so they can wrap budgets up by the new year. With accurate counts and efficiency insights, your team will be in the best position to make the case for the resources you need.
As budget talks begin, consider:
How this year’s student counts affect costs and service
Anticipated changes for the new school year (optimization, bell time shifts, software updates)
How to present data that connects directly to board priorities
How SBL Can Help
School Bus Logistics works with districts to make sure their data is clean, their reports are accurate, and their budgets are built on solid ground. From verifying eligibility rules to preparing for board presentations, our team helps transportation leaders put numbers to work — ensuring funding is protected and future needs are clearly communicated. If your district needs assistance, we can help.
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Stay tuned for November’s Route Report. We’ll be back next month with more tips for successful routing!