New App Gives CM Families Real-Time Bus Updates
Canon-McMillan School District is introducing a new tool designed to make student transportation more convenient and provide families with greater peace of mind.
The District plans to launch Stopfinder, a mobile app that lets parents track their child ' s school bus in real time, receive route updates and stay informed about transportation changes. The app will be piloted on select bus routes at the start of the school year, with full implementation planned later in the year.
According to Jurdon Maier, Director of Facilities and Transportation, the app is part of the District ' s ongoing commitment to improving communication with families and adopting innovative technology. The decision to implement the tool follows feedback received through the parent survey distributed during Superintendent Dr. Greg Taranto’ s first year. Rather than wondering whether a bus is running early or late, parents will be able to view estimated arrival times directly from the app.
" There could be traffic, delays or the bus could be ahead or behind schedule. Stopfinder will give you an estimated time of arrival for when the bus will arrive at your pickup or drop-off location,” Maier said.
The app also provides real-time notifications during unexpected situations. If a road is closed because of an accident or construction, families will receive alerts explaining the detour and any temporary changes to pickup locations.
" When it ' s cold or raining, parents want to know exactly when the bus is coming," Maier said. " Instead of waiting outside, they ' ll be able to see when the bus is approaching and head out at the right time."
In addition to benefiting families, Stopfinder will help streamline communication for the Transportation Department. Instead of relying solely on automated phone calls during delays or emergencies, transportation staff can send updates directly through the app while parents monitor the bus ' s location in real time.
" If a bus has to reroute, families can see where the bus is and know their child is safe," Maier said. " It ' s really a
piece of mind for parents, and it helps operationally for the District."
As the District prepares for the launch, Maier emphasized that the initiative reflects Canon-McMillan ' s commitment to continually improving services for students and families.
" We ' re always looking for ways to be better," he said. " We strive to be a flagship school District, and this is something we ' ve heard from our community. We ' re excited to bring this technology to our families and continue working together to provide the best experience for our students." anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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