Joey Butler II, president of the Maries County R-2 Board of Education, asked Nov. 19 if the district could consider initiating a bus route for extremely cold days during the winter.

“We have talked about this the last couple of years — alternative something when it gets really, really cold and there is little kids outside,” said Butler. “I don’t think we have ever come up with a good plan.”

Butler said while it is not super cold yet, he would like to start that discussion. Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham asked what they had talked about before and what exactly it was that the board wanted to do.

“Are we talking about walkers or are we talking the little kids that are waiting for the bus?” Basham asked.

Amy Kiso said all the above.

“Are you wanting to set a temperature that we don’t go to school if it drops below policy?” she asked. “Because I can’t speed up the buses.”

Butler suggested having another bus or two in route to the kids to make pick up faster.

“The only problem with that is then the parents don’t know when they are coming,” Basham said. “Then you’ve got somebody who has to sit.”

Butler said if there is someone there with them, then they probably aren’t waiting outside.

“This could just be for the kids that are outside waiting,” Butler said. “If they are in a house or in a car, normal pick up time.”

Basham asked how they would know who was who, and Butler said he didn’t know.

“Ok, I need to talk with Tony (Gieck, transportation director),” Basham said.

Butler said that would be the only thing he could think of. Director Tom Kinsey II said they have been doing it the same way forever.

“Nobody has had a problem with it yet in the past, we are just adding another expense to the board,” Kinsey said.

Butler said he is ok with that.

“Especially if it gets as cold as some the days did last year,” Butler said.

Director Dawn Hicks asked if they canceled a few days last year because it was too cold for the kids to be outside. Butler said that could be an option.

“One of the things for people and pets is if it is 20 degrees or the windshield is less than 20 degrees, don’t be outside,” Kiso said.

Basham said they would miss a lot of school if they adopted that rule.

“20 degrees still seems —,” Basham began.

Hicks interrupted and said it is Missouri.

“It could change by afternoon,” Hicks said.

Basham asked if the board wanted a say in it or if they just wanted the district to have a plan if something happens.

“I think if you come up with a plan, we will try it this year,” Butler said. “If it doesn’t come work out great — at least we have a plan.”

Basham said she would talk to all the drivers to know who is waiting outside and for how long. Director Kendra Sanders asked if those kids waiting were their primary focus.

“You’ve got kids that drive to school too, and if their car breaks down — there are lots of variables,” Sanders said.

Butler said the walkers and kids that wait on the bus outside are the focus. A student driving is at least in high school and maybe has a cell phone — not a little kid.