The June Route Report: Your School-Start-Readiness Checklist

May 30

Welcome to the June Edition of the Route Report, SBL’s monthly recommendations to keep your department on track. This month, we’re focused on how to close out the year cleanly and set the stage for a smoother school start.

June is when things start to shift. While summer school might be in motion, your team is also in deep prep mode for the upcoming school year. From software cleanup to staff training, there’s a lot to juggle — but we’ve got you covered.

This month’s Route Report offers targeted guidance to help your department finish the year strong and get ahead on preparations for the upcoming school year.

Goodbye, 2024–25: Cleanup and Closeout

Before you can fully move on to prepping for the next school year, you’ve got to close the books on last year. Here’s what to focus on that really matters this month.

1. Year-End Wrap-Up

Before you can look ahead, you’ve got to get last year’s data in order.

Finalize time, mileage, and passenger reports
Separate general-ed and Sped riders for clean funding records
Archive operational data that might be needed for audits or board reviews

This step isn't just about recordkeeping — it sets the stage for accurate reporting and better forecasting for next year.

2. Software and Systems Clean-Up

Your routing software needs attention long before school starts.

Verify student data, school locations, and bell times
Clean out outdated contacts and student assignments
Be sure new programs or contracts are reflected in the system

If your team is short-staffed or behind on updates, now’s the time to bring in support — before the pressure’s on.

3. Fleet Readiness: Preventative Maintenance Pays Off

Don’t wait until August to find out something’s broken.

Schedule inspections, repairs, and equipment replacements for any body damage
Coordinate with your shop on license plates, stickers, and PM schedules
Double-check that Sped equipment is complete and ready to go

Staying proactive here keeps routes on time and surprises to a minimum.

4. Training and Staffing: Invest in Your People

June is prime time for onboarding and retraining.

Schedule ELDT programs, safety refreshers, and route tours
Mandate reviews of policies, procedures, and handbooks
Track compliance and annual training requirements
Set a tone of preparedness, not panic

Need help staffing up or designing a custom training plan? That’s what we’re here for.

5. Don’t Forget Morale

Amid all the logistics, don’t overlook your team’s well-being.

Consider adjusted summer hours or wellness events
Recognize hard work and encourage time off
Invite leadership to connect with frontline staff

Departments that prioritize morale in the summer show up stronger in the fall.

Why It’s Worth Getting Outside Help

June is when the smartest departments pause to ask: Are we truly ready — or are we just rushing?

School Bus Logistics partners with districts across the country to audit, prepare, and streamline every aspect of routing and operations. Whether you need to verify your data, prep for a rollover, or design a full training calendar, our team knows what it takes to get it right.

Let us help you spot the gaps, fill them, and get ahead of the chaos.

Get Help

Stay Tuned for July’s Route Report

We hope this checklist helps you stay ahead — and a little more at ease. We’ll be back next month with more tips for successful routing!