The March Route Report: Next School Year Starts Here
Welcome back to School Bus Logistics’ Route Report.
Last month, we recommended laying the groundwork for the next school year. Now, March is where planning turns into decisions that shape the year ahead. With more numbers and reporting coming in, your team is better prepared to make strategic choices that keep things running smoothly into summer and beyond.
Turn Projections into Budget Requests
By now, transportation leaders should know whether their current funding aligns with next year’s needs. Assess the following criteria with one question in mind: will the current budget support the service level the district expects?
Enrollment projects
Program expansions
Fuel costs
Staffing realities
Fleet conditions
If you need additional funding, start preparing the supporting documentation to support your request. Waiting too long can turn a clear operational request into a last-minute emergency.
The best way to strengthen your case for higher budgets is through clear routing forecasts, capacity analysis, and documented program changes. This gives leadership what they need to greenlight budget allocation.
Start Planning for the 2026/27 School Year
It might feel early, but March is the right moment to begin your school start plan in earnest. Key pieces to tackle this month:
Bell time reviews
School openings or closures
Boundary adjustments
Program relocations
New construction impacts
Starting now allows your team the proper time to test routing scenarios before schedules are locked in.
Route Forecasting: Better to Overestimate than Underestimate
As registration and test results begin arriving, your routing team should get an idea of potential ridership. Prepare the maximum likely ridership rather than the minimum. It’s much easier to remove students from routes later than to add in riders once routes are finalized.
Monitor enrollment and testing indicators and include potential students in early route builds. This prevents late-summer overload that leads to overcrowding and driver stress.
Special Programs: ESY, Summer School, and Student Support Needs
March is also the time to bring your specialized transportation needs into focus. Begin coordination for:
Extended school year (ESY)
Summer school programs
Students requiring additional support or specialized routing
These programs often require smaller vehicles, different routing logic, and more coordination with special education teams. Begin communicating now to prevent last-minute scheduling conflicts.
Fleet Health and Inspection Readiness
Summer maintenance season is around the corner, here’s what to review in order to plan for repairs and procurement before demand peaks:
Inspection schedules
Vehicle replacement timelines
Spare bus availability
Known mechanical concerns
Training and Routing 101
As new staff join and responsibilities change hands, March is a good time to reinforce foundation knowledge and training.
Consider:
Routing 101 refreshers
Training for new dispatch or routing staff
Reviewing current software features and usage with staff
As software updates happen continuously, it’s important to consistently revisit training with staff — they may be missing key features for more seamless operations.
NEED HELP WITH TRAINING? School Bus Logistics regularly helps districts align their teams with the tools they already have, improving operations and reducing daily friction. Read more in our El Dorado County Office of Education case study.
State Reporting and Compliance Check-In
March is also a great checkpoint for revisiting state reporting requirements. Confirm data accuracy, documentation procedures, and readiness for year-end before the time crunch begins.
How SBL Can help
School Bus Logistics supports districts during the planning moments that matter most. From routing software training and implementation to operational reviews and long-range planning, we help teams move forward with clarity and confidence. If your district is getting ready for the busy months ahead, we’re here to help.