LIVERMORE FALLS – Big changes in bus transportation will go into effect in SAD 36 on Nov. 29 as the district shifts to a one-run system, picking up all students at the same time.

According to a listing of approximate pick-up times distributed at a meeting Wednesday night at the high school, some students will be picked up as early at 6:55, although most runs will begin between 7 and 7:15 a.m.

Drop-off times will also vary, with some as early as 2:35 p.m. or as late as 3:25 p.m.

“We may tinker a little in terms of times, but these will be very close so families can plan,” Superintendent Terry Despres said. “We hope this will eliminate a lot of latchkey kids.”

Other benefits Despres sees in the new system are that all schools will operate on a common time; lunch schedules will be better, especially at Livermore Elementary School; transportation will be easier to arrange for field trips and other activities; resources, including employees, will be better utilized; and there will be financial savings.

Because of the savings, which he estimates at $25,000, the district will be able to put on a double run for activities, Despres said. He hopes for more savings as mileage is cut in half, saving on fuel costs and bus depreciation.

If those savings are not realized, or if the district has to go back to double runs, then other savings will have to be made that will mean going into the classroom, he explained.

New state regulations have cut some program support, Despres noted. “The state tells us what they’re going to give us under Essential Programs and Services; funding from the state will be quite different.”

The superintendent reported a good response from 20 educational technicians and parents who wish to be bus monitors, an important part of the new system.

They will begin training Monday to learn what is expected of them and of students so that discipline will be consistent throughout the 14 bus routes. Despres said discipline will be enforced on the buses as a means of teaching good citizenship. Parents of high schoolers will be notified that their students must follow the rules or they will not be welcome on the buses.

In addition to the driver, who is in charge, and the monitors, some high schoolers will be bus mentors, helping the adults but not empowered to discipline.

Transportation Supervisor Dave Brackett plans to have grade school students in the front of the bus and middle schoolers in the rear, with the monitors and high schoolers in the middle.

Administrators will ride buses when the new system goes into effect, Despres said. He told parents they are the most important people in this plan and asked them to report any problems so they can be handled immediately. Parents may ride the buses by contacting Brackett.

One problem raised by parents Wednesday, for an in-town bus pick-up for middle and high schoolers, will be dealt with, he promised. A follow-up meeting will be held 30 days into the new system.