East Grand Forks Schools Launch Innovative Bus-Tracking App

A new bus-tracking application has been implemented by the East Grand Forks Public School District, providing parents with enhanced visibility regarding their children’s commute. The EZ A2B app, introduced during the 2022-2023 school year, allows parents to monitor the exact locations where their children are picked up and dropped off by school buses. Notifications alert parents when the bus is approaching their designated stop, which Superintendent Kevin Grover described as offering “peace of mind.”

The app utilizes a scanning system where students are scanned on and off the bus using a pass attached to their backpacks or on their mobile phones. This feature not only serves parents by ensuring safe arrivals but also assists school staff in tracking students during emergencies. According to Jenni Oatman, a bus driver with 11 years of experience at East Grand Forks Schools, the app enhances safety by providing immediate knowledge of which students are on the bus.

“Should an accident occur, we automatically have a list of which students are on the bus,” Oatman stated, emphasizing the importance of the app in facilitating communication with parents when necessary.

The app serves additional purposes beyond emergencies. In cases of miscommunication, if a student misses their stop or disembarks at the wrong location, parents receive immediate notifications indicating where their child scanned out. This feature allows parents to meet their children at alternate locations, further enhancing safety and convenience.

The initial cost of implementing the app was approximately $11,000, which covered devices, software, and training for staff. Ongoing expenses, estimated at $6,000 annually, will be funded through the district’s general expense fund, covering Wi-Fi, contracts, and maintenance.

While the rollout of the app did encounter some initial confusion among parents and school staff, Grover noted that familiarity with the system has grown over time. “There’s just some learning curves,” he acknowledged. As adjustments were made, he expressed confidence that the app has positively impacted the district and the community as a whole.

Overall, the introduction of the EZ A2B app reflects a growing trend in educational institutions to leverage technology for enhanced student safety and parental engagement. As Grover concluded, the app aligns with a technological world where constant communication and awareness are essential.