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Johnston, R.I. — After a chaotic first week marked by hours-long delays, misplaced students, and frustrated parents, Johnston Public Schools is rolling out major changes to its elementary bus system beginning Monday, April 21, 2025. The district will separate bus routes for Johnston Elementary School and Winsor Hills Elementary School, and introduce a digital scanning card system to track students in real time.
The moves come in response to widespread transportation failures that left some families waiting more than three hours for their children, and at least one parent’s daughter was reported as on a bus when she was still at school. The district’s own tracking app contradicted school officials’ statements, further eroding trust.
“It was their end of the world — it felt that way,” said parent Ken Hall, whose daughter was among those affected. Hall recorded video after being told his child had been picked up, only to learn she was still at school. “The incompetence here is at an all-time high,” he said in the footage.
The scanning card system, which will begin Wednesday, April 23, will electronically log when students board and exit buses. District officials say the added layer of accountability will help prevent future location errors. Combined routes between the two schools, which Hall called a “logistical challenge,” will be eliminated.
Superintendent Scott Sutherland was not available for an interview when contacted by NBC 10, but the district’s letter to parents cited the need for “completely separate, dedicated bus routes” as a first step. Hall, however, described the changes as a “temporary fix” that won’t fully address deeper issues.
Parents have also criticized the district’s communication. Hall noted that new bus schedules were not distributed through the Johnston Sunrise newspaper, the traditional channel. “This all could have been avoided if they had just released information and had dialogue with us,” he said.
The district has not yet announced a permanent solution, and the community remains on edge as the new routing takes effect this week. School officials said they will continue to monitor and adjust as needed.
