Transportation in Lee County Schools

Bus transportation is the bedrock of any public school system. Lee County Schools is fortunate to have a dedicated group of bus drivers and transportation staff to ensure that students arrive at school safely and with minimal delay to the school day as possible.

If you live more than 1.5 miles from your child's school, free school bus transportation is provided. Buses are routed so that the bus passes within one mile of the residence of each student assigned to the bus. Buses may be routed to pick up students who live closer than 1.5 miles from campus if they would have to walk through dangerous conditions to reach school.

How are bus stops determined?

By state law, buses can travel only on state-maintained highways, municipal streets or streets with publicly dedicated right-of-way. Buses are routed on main or primary roads. Stops must be 0.2 of a mile apart unless there are safety problems. Bus routes are announced at the first of each year. Parents should check with their child's school during open house for a location and time of the bus stop.

Teach Bus Safety

  • Look both ways before crossing the street.

  • Obey the bus driver.

  • Once seated, remain quietly in your seat.

  • Do not eat or drink on the bus.

  • Keep your arms, legs, and head inside the bus.

  • Do not throw things out of the window.

For more information on School Bus Safety in North Carolina, visit the NC Department of Public Instruction's Bus Safety Page.

Lee County Schools uses "Here Comes the Bus" app to help students & parents know when the bus will arrive

Tracking Features

  • The "Here Comes the Bus" App shows the real-time location of your child's bus on a map.

  • It gives scheduled and actual arrival times at home and school for all bus routes.

  • The app also provides push and email notifications when the bus is near.

Sign Up Instructions for Parents

  1. Download "Here Comes the Bus" app or visit www.herecomesthebus.com.

  2. Click the "Sign Up" button.

  3. Enter school code "85822" and click "Next" followed by "Confirm"

  4. Complete the "User Profile" box.

  5. Under "My Students," click "Add." Enter your child's last name and student ID number.

  6. Once you confirm your information, you are ready to begin.

Bus Transportation Guidelines for Lee County Schools

If your child has transportation provided by Lee County Schools (LCS) to and from school from your residence or predetermined approved location (by school administration), the following rules and procedures shall apply:

  1. Your child will be transported to and from your residence or preapproved location to the school in the district in which you reside each school day. (Grades PreK-12)

  2. Students who attend school out of district at the parent's request do not qualify for transportation (Grades PreK-12)

  3. You or a responsible adult shall be available at the bus stop to receive your child at the end of the school day from the school bus if your child requires assistance. (Grades PreK-2 only)

  4. If you or the approved responsible adult is not at the bus stop to receive your child, the bus driver will continue his/her route and may attempt a second delivery at or near the end of his/her route. (Grades PreK-2 only)

  5. If when this second attempt to deliver your child no one is available to receive your child, the driver will transport your child back to school. (Grades PreK-2 only)

  6. On the second occasion that this situation occurs, the principal will schedule a mandatory conference with the parent(s). (Grades PreK-2 only)

  7. On the third occasion that this situation occurs, LCS will notify the Lee County Department of Social Services (LCDSS) and immediately schedule a meeting involving LCS, LCDSS and you to address this concern. (Grades PreK-2 only)

  8. If an emergency situation occurs in your home beyond your control and it becomes necessary for your child to be discharged at a location other than one previously approved, a written request must be provided to the child's principal in advance. The request must contain the following information to be considered: (Grades PreK-12)

    • Address of temporary discharge/pickup location

    • Name of responsible adult receiving your child

    • Telephone number of temporary address

    • Your telephone number during the emergency

    • The length of time the request is to be honored

  9. Bus drivers (and administrators) have the authority to return students to the school in the event of safety or disciplinary circumstances. The parent or legal guardian is then responsible for picking up their student(s).

Meet the Team

Justin Covert - Director of Transportation for Lee County Schools

Justin Covert - Director of Transportation

Email Justin Covert

P: (919) 776-3112

Renee Wilder - Transportation Office Support

Email Renee Wilder

P: (919) 774-6226 (ext. 0203)

Joy Dowdy - Transportation Office Support

Email Joy Dowdy

P: (919) 774-6226 (ext. 0202)