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5 Critical Updates For Parents: Navigating The Garland ISD Transportation Department In 2025-2026

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The Garland ISD Transportation Department is the logistical backbone for one of North Texas’s largest school districts, managing a vast fleet of buses and hundreds of daily routes. As of December 2025, the department is heavily focused on leveraging technology and actively addressing operational challenges to ensure the safe and timely transport of thousands of students across the district.

For the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, parents and guardians must be aware of several critical updates concerning bus eligibility, route information access, and the ongoing efforts to mitigate the national bus driver shortage that continues to impact DFW schools.

Essential Contact Information and Department Details

The Garland Independent School District (GISD) Transportation Department is central to the district's operations, managing the daily movement of students to and from 67 campuses, including special trips for extracurricular activities.

  • Location (Mailing Address): P.O. Box 461407, Garland, TX 75046-1407
  • Physical Address: The department is located at 501 S. Jupiter, Garland, TX 75042.
  • Phone: 972-494-8530
  • Fax: 972-494-8993
  • Email: transportation@garlandisd.net
  • Fleet Size: The department houses GISD's entire fleet of buses and other district vehicles.
  • Related Department: The Department of Student Services and School Choice often works closely with Transportation and has recently undergone a location change.

The 5 Critical Transportation Updates for GISD Families

Navigating school bus services requires parents to stay current with the latest district policies and technological tools. The following five points are the most important updates and operational realities for the 2025-2026 school year.

1. Mandatory Registration and Eligibility Requirements

Bus service is not automatically provided to all students in GISD. To receive bus transportation for the 2025-2026 school year, two conditions must be met: eligibility and registration.

  • Eligibility: A student must reside within the designated transportation eligibility area for their specific school campus. These areas are determined by GISD policies and TEA guidelines (Texas Education Agency) and may be adjusted annually.
  • Registration: Even if eligible, parents must register their child for bus service for the upcoming school year. Failure to register can result in a lack of assigned service.
  • Checking Eligibility: Parents are advised to visit the GISD website or the GISD Explore Map tool to view the campuses that provide transportation from their specific address.

2. The StopFinder Parent App is Your Primary Bus Tracking Tool

The days of waiting blindly at the bus stop are over. GISD has fully integrated the StopFinder Parent App as the primary platform for all bus-related information.

  • Real-Time Tracking: The app provides bus tracking functionality, allowing parents to see the location of their child’s school bus.
  • Assignment Details: Crucially, the app also provides bus assignment details, including the specific route number and stop times.
  • Setup Information: Parents should look for an email from `no-reply@stopfinder.com` to set up their password and access the app.
  • Alternative Access: Route Information is also accessible through the Skyward Family Access platform, which parents should check regularly for any updates.

3. Addressing the Ongoing Bus Driver Shortage and Delays

Like many districts in North Texas, GISD continues to grapple with a significant bus driver shortage. This ongoing issue is the primary cause of service delays and necessitates operational adjustments.

  • Expect Delays: Families are advised to "Expect Delays," particularly during peak times or in the event of unexpected driver absences.
  • Recruitment Efforts: The department is actively recruiting new drivers, offering incentives and implementing new training programs to bolster its ranks.
  • Compensation: The 2025-26 salary schedule highlights the district’s commitment to competitive compensation for Bus Driver Pool positions, with salaries ranging from $34,410 to $42,224.
  • Driver Requirements: Prospective drivers must have a High school diploma or equivalent, Texas School Bus Driver Certification, and a valid Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

4. Focus on Student Safety and Bus Conduct

Student safety remains the paramount concern for the GISD Transportation Department. Clear rules and modern technology are used to maintain a secure environment for all riders.

  • Rules and Regulations: Students and parents should be familiar with the Rules and Regulations Governing School Bus Students, which outline expected conduct and consequences for violations.
  • Video Monitoring: Buses are equipped with video camera observation systems to ensure safety, address conduct issues, and verify incidents.
  • Safety Reminders: The district regularly issues Transportation Safety Reminders to reinforce safe practices at bus stops and while on board.

5. The Role of the Transportation Department in School Choice

The department plays a crucial role in supporting the district’s diverse educational options. The Choice of School and magnet program applications for the 2025-26 school year opened in December, and transportation is a key consideration for these programs.

  • Magnet Programs: Transportation services are coordinated to support students attending various magnet programs across the district, ensuring access to specialized education.
  • Student Services: The department works closely with the Student Services and School Choice Department to ensure eligible students in transfer and choice programs receive appropriate bus service.
  • Route Planning: The complexity of hundreds of daily routes is compounded by the need to accommodate students traveling across attendance zones for these specialized opportunities.
5 Critical Updates for Parents: Navigating the Garland ISD Transportation Department in 2025-2026
garland isd transportation department
garland isd transportation department

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