Snow and Emergency Bus Routes

There are several reasons, usually weather related, that we may need to make a call of "emergency routes". We will use these routes when we feel it is safer or necessary to limit our bus routes to a few stops rather than do the entire route. As our partner in safety, we ask that you help us out and transport your children to the designated area at your own discretion.

If you do not see your child's bus stop on the list, your bus stop we will be at the normal location. There may be times that we do not call emergency routes for all buses, therefore it is important to know your children's bus number so when we notify media for announcements you will be correctly informed.

Pioneer School District Emergency/Snow Routes 

Weather Related Notices

School closures/late starts are greatly affected by the rural nature of our district that expands North past Lake Cushman, East to Case Inlet, South to the Thurston County line and to the West just outside of Matlock. The elevation the roads are at range from just above sea level up to at least 800 ft above sea level. Due to these factors, this area has many different weather zones and numerous roads that go unmaintained. Main roads are usually cleared early in the day and are passable. However, the back roads our buses travel on are not regularly cleared of snow. When we get freezing temperatures any moisture on the roadways becomes quite hazardous.

Delays and cancellations are based on early morning bus routes and the anticipated conditions on those roads. On a regular day, our first bus routes begin before 6 a.m. On late-start days, those routes would begin two hours later. BusRoutes

The decision for a late start is therefore based on anticipated road conditions at 6 am. On occasion, conditions do not improve as anticipated and it is necessary to change a late start to a full cancellation. The decision for a cancellation is based on anticipated road conditions at 8 am.

Adjustments to bus routes due to weather are posted on the following page.