Transportation Home
Welcome to the Cary School District 26 Transportation Department! Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation to ensure all students arrive at school ready to learn and return home safely each day.
Guidelines & Policies at a Glance
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Eligibility: In accordance with Illinois state law, the Board of Education provides bus transportation for students living more than 1.5 miles from their assigned school.
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Assigned Routes: Students may only ride the bus assigned to their legal residence. Transportation is not provided to childcare arrangements outside of your assigned route.
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Alternative Drop-offs: If a student needs to get off at a different existing stop along their current route, please send a written note to the driver or contact the Transportation Office ahead of time.
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Patience at Start of Year: Please anticipate minor delays and expect potential routing adjustments during the first few days of the school year. We deeply appreciate your patience!
If you have immediate questions regarding a route, delay, or missing item, please contact us directly:
Phone: 224-357-5130
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The Cary 26 Transportation Department uses the Edulog Parent Portal mobile app. This app allows you to see the real-time GPS location of your child’s bus, receive push notifications when the bus is nearing your stop, and get instant updates regarding delays.
How to Get Started:
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Download the App: Search for "Edulog Parent Portal" in the App Store or Google Play Store.
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Create an Account: Use your email address to sign up.
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Link Your Student: You will need your student's legal name, school assignment, birthdate, and District Student ID number.
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Set Alerts: Create a "security zone" around your bus stop to get notified when the bus enters the area.
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Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. To ensure the safety of all children, students must follow the district's code of conduct at the bus stop and on the bus.
At the Bus Stop
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Arrive at the designated stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
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Wait in an orderly line away from the street until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens.
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Never run toward or behind a moving school bus.
On the Bus
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Follow the bus driver’s instructions immediately and respectfully.
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Remain seated facing forward for the entire duration of the ride.
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Keep hands, feet, and objects inside the bus at all times.
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Use quiet, inside voices. Loud shouting or disruptive behavior is strictly prohibited.
Consequences for Misconduct
Drivers report behavioral issues to school administrators. Progressive disciplinary steps may include a formal driver warning, a meeting with the principal, or a temporary/permanent suspension of bus riding privileges.
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When severe winter weather strikes McHenry County, student safety remains our absolute top priority.
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Decision Timing: District administration monitors road conditions overnight. Decisions regarding school closures or delayed starts are typically made and communicated by 6:00 AM.
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How We Notify You: If school is cancelled or delayed, you will receive an automated phone call and email. Alerts will also be posted immediately to the Cary 26 website homepage.
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Route Delays: On severe weather days where schools remain open, please expect buses to run 10–15 minutes behind schedule as drivers prioritize slow, safe travel.
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My child left an item on the bus. How do we get it back?
Drivers check their buses at the end of every morning and afternoon route. Left items are typically kept at the transportation garage or turned into your school’s main office the following morning. Please call us at 224-357-5130 to check.
We are moving. How do I change my child's bus route?
Address changes cannot be processed directly by the Transportation Department. You must first submit proof of residency to your school's main registration office. Once the school updates your address in the system, a new route will automatically be generated for your child within 48 hours.
Can my child ride home on a friend's bus for a playdate?
No. Due to strict capacity limits and state legal requirements, students are only permitted to ride their own assigned neighborhood bus routes.