Transportation Services has updated all bus routes assigned to Kinder High School for Performing and Visual Arts in preparation for their relocation to their new campus in downtown Houston.
The school is moving out of its current campus in Montrose and into a new building located at 790 Austin St. during the upcoming winter break. The new facility, built as part of the 2012 Bond Program, will officially open its doors to students when they return from winter break on Jan. 7, 2019.
The updated routes take effect on Jan. 7, 2019. HSPVA parents and students were notified of the changes via phone and text message earlier this week and will receive reminders again next week.
Parents who are not receiving transportation updates should check to make sure their current contact information is on file with their child’s school and that they are signed up for School Messenger alerts. For text messages, parents must also text “yes” to 68453.
Additionally, the department continues to put a sharp focus on bus driver recruitment in an effort to fill approximately 100 vacant positions.
“We’re working diligently to address our ongoing bus driver shortage, but we need your help,” Wilcots said. “Please help us spread the word. If you know someone who might be interested, encourage them to apply.”
Candidates can apply online at DriveHISD.org. Applicants who are hired will earn a starting hourly wage of $16.65 and be provided free CDL training. Other benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, Teacher Retirement System participation, and special trip pay options.
Also underway is the Student Badge Program, which Wilcots said is now in full swing as an increasing number of students across the district swipe their bus badges as they get on and off the bus each day.
In addition to providing the district with real-time ridership data, the program also allows parents who sign up for the service to receive real-time notifications via text or email. Parents are notified when and where their child gets on and off the bus. To receive these notifications, parents must sign up at ZPassPlus.com.