Transportation
Christopher Faust
Transportation Director
(217) 668-2392
cfaust@sangamonvalley.org
Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 provides yellow school bus transportation for students who reside within the district’s eligible boundaries. For the safety of all riders, it is essential that students follow bus rules and expectations. Parents are encouraged to review safe bus conduct with their children and to contact school administration with any concerns regarding transportation.
If you need to add busing, make a change, or no longer need transportation, please contact your School Secretary.
If your student is not riding today or has lost an item on the bus please email transportation@sangamonvalley.org
Bus Routes and Times for 2025-2026
Bus Routes & Times will be available by August 8, 2025.
Bus Transportation Eligibility
Bus transportation is provided in accordance with state guidelines to ensure all students have safe and reliable access to school. Students who live 1.5 miles or more from their assigned school are eligible for free transportation. For those living within 1.5 miles, transportation may still be available if the walking route is determined to be a serious safety hazard by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Students with special needs who require transportation as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) are also fully eligible. If you have questions about eligibility or route availability in your area, please contact our Transportation Department.
Walk Zone
Designated Walk Zones have been established for the Intermediate, Middle, and High Schools. Students who reside within these boundaries are expected to walk to and from school unless a transportation exception applies.
Intermediate & Middle School Walk Zone (Grades 3-8, Illiopolis)
The green-shaded area on the map shows the walk zone for Sangamon Valley Intermediate and Middle School in Illiopolis.
Students in grades 3–8 who live within this zone are expected to walk.
This includes residences along Mary St., Matilda St., Louisa St., Miles St., and the surrounding neighborhood within roughly a ½ mile of the school buildings.
High School Walk Zone (Grades 9–12, Niantic)
The purple-shaded area on the map indicates the walk zone for Sangamon Valley High School in Niantic.
Students in grades 9–12 who reside within this boundary are not eligible for daily bus transportation.
This area includes key streets such as Lockhart, Montgomery, Lewis, and Broadway, and extends to homes within approximately a ½ mile of the school.
Walk zone boundaries are based on proximity to school buildings and state safety guidelines.
Families with concerns about walking safety due to traffic, weather, or disability-related needs may contact the Transportation Department for review.
These zones help ensure buses are prioritized for students who live outside walking distance and in rural areas.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Addresses
Each student is permitted one primary pick-up point and one primary drop-off point, which must remain consistent on all school days. These locations may be a home or daycare, as long as they are within the school’s attendance boundary.
Families may designate one alternate address (such as a second home or daycare), provided it is also within the school boundary and used on a consistent schedule. Alternating days can be accommodated.
Please note the following:
Bus stop locations may be up to ¼ mile walking distance from the designated home or daycare.
To help reduce overall ride times, routes may include group stops, and some students may have a longer walk to or from their stop.
Address Changes
Please contact your school office for address changes.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Working Together for Safe & Reliable Student Transportation
To help ensure the safety, efficiency, and success of our student transportation services, we ask that all parents and guardians support the following guidelines:
Before the Bus Arrives
Be Punctual: Have your child ready at the bus stop 5–10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Supervise Young Children: Ensure a responsible adult is present for pickup and drop-off, especially for younger students.
Dress Appropriately: Make sure your child is dressed for the weather.
At the Bus Stop
Ensure Safe Behavior: Teach children to stay away from the road and wait calmly at the stop.
Respect the Neighborhood: Remind children to respect nearby property and remain courteous to others.
On the Bus
Review Bus Rules: Go over basic bus safety expectations with your child (e.g., remain seated, speak quietly, follow directions).
Support the Driver and Monitor: Encourage your child to listen to and respect the bus staff at all times.
Drop-Off Responsibilities
Be Present: For younger students or those requiring assistance, be at the bus stop at the scheduled drop-off time.
Inform the School of Changes: Notify the school and/or transportation office in advance of any changes in address, schedule, or emergency contact information.
Communication is Key
If your child misses the bus, has transportation issues, or experiences something concerning during the ride, please contact our Transportation Department or your child's school immediately at:
Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 Transportation Department
Email: transportation@sangamonvalley.org
Working together, we can make every ride safe and smooth for all students. Thank you for your cooperation!
Parents are expected to provide other transportation to school for students suspended from the privilege of bus use due to misconduct.
Bus Rules
Cooperate with the driver and monitor at all times.
Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
No eating or drinking on the bus.
No screaming, loud talk, or bad language.
No hanging out, reaching out, or putting anything out of bus windows.
Respect the rights and property of others.
Bus Safety Tips
If walking or waiting in the street, always walk in single file, face oncoming traffic, and stay as close to the edge of the road as possible.
Arrive at the bus stop early and be ready before the bus arrives.
Stand back at least 15 feet from the road while waiting for the bus to come to a complete stop.
When crossing in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead. Stop, look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
If you drop or forget something near the bus, do not attempt to retrieve it. Stay away from the bus and inform the driver—never crawl under the bus.
Avoid waiting inside a home or vehicle; it’s important that the bus driver can see students as they approach the stop.
Employment Opportunities
Are you looking for a rewarding job that makes a difference in your community? Become a School Bus Driver or Bus Monitor and help safely transport our most precious passengers — our students! Those interested should contact Christopher Faust, Transportation Director, at (217) 668-2392 or cfaust@sangamonvalley.org.
Now Hiring: School Bus Drivers
Job Hours: Part-Time / Split Shift
Pay: Competitive hourly rate
Qualifications:
Valid Illinois driver’s license (CDL with School Bus & Passenger Endorsements preferred, but not required — we can train you!)
Must pass a background check and physical
Age 21 or older
Commitment to safety and student well-being
Positive attitude and reliable attendance
Now Hiring: Bus Monitor
Job Hours: 4 hours per day (split shift AM & PM)
Pay: $15 hourly rate (Guaranteed 4 hours per day)
Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years old
Ability to pass a background check and physical exam
Reliable, punctual, and patient with children of all ages
Commitment to safety and student well-being
No prior experience necessary—training provided!