October 22nd, 2025
West Irondequoit Central School District to start program in 2026
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On National School Bus Safety Week, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the West Irondequoit Central School District (WICSD) as the newest district to join the Monroe County School Bus Safety program. This partnership with stop-arm enforcement technology provider, BusPatrol, and WICSD transportation provider, First Student, Inc., will equip school buses with stop-arm cameras to capture and enforce violations when motorists illegally pass stopped school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing red lights.
“No parent, child, or school bus staff should ever feel anxious or worried when a child is boarding or leaving a school bus,” said County Executive Bello. “This partnership with BusPatrol and the West Irondequoit Central School District strengthens our countywide initiative to promote school bus safety, hold dangerous drivers accountable and prevent tragedies before they happen. I thank Superintendent Dr. Aaron Johnson and the Board of Education for prioritizing student safety, and as we recognize School Bus Safety Week, I encourage every district in Monroe County to join us in making safety and accountability a daily commitment.”
This year’s theme for National School Bus Safety Week is Safe Stops. Stronger Communities. According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), drivers illegally passed stopped school buses more than 39 million times a year in the United States.
So far this school year, the Monroe County School Bus Safety Program issued over 1,200 citations to vehicle owners in participating school districts. In total, more than 14,000 citations have been issued since the program’s inception in October 2023.
Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers must stop for school buses that display flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm, regardless of whether they are approaching from the front or rear, and regardless of the type of roadway.
West Irondequoit joins Spencerport, Hilton, East Irondequoit, Webster, and Greece Central School Districts in the program. All suburban districts in Monroe County are eligible to participate with Board of Education approval.
"Partnering with Monroe County and our transportation team to add stop-arm cameras to our buses is really about one priority: keeping our kids safe. Too many drivers take risks around school buses, and these cameras will help hold them accountable as a deterrent. I’m grateful to our Board of Education for standing behind this effort and for always putting student safety first,” said Dr. Aaron R. Johnson, Superintendent of West Irondequoit Central School District.
“Every time a new district joins the School Bus Safety Program, we take another step toward making Monroe County’s roads safer for children and families,” said Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Román. “As a mother, I know the relief of seeing your child’s bus pull up safely at the end of the day. Also, as the daughter of a longtime bus driver, I know how much care and responsibility goes into getting our kids to and from school. During National School Bus Safety Week, we’re reminded that safety is everyone’s responsibility, and expanding this program to West Irondequoit strengthens our shared commitment to protecting students and supporting the people who keep them safe.”
"I'm honored to stand with fellow local leaders as we observe National School Bus Safety Week, and I truly appreciate the commitment from both the county and the West Irondequoit school district to prioritize our children's well-being," said Public Safety Committee Chair, Legislator Dave Long. "By implementing the School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program, we are delivering a critical, technology-driven tool to ensure accountability and deter the illegal passing that endangers our students."
“Protecting our children is one of our most important responsibilities, and these stop-arm cameras are a proven way to help keep them safe,” said Legislator Sean McCabe. “No driver should ever endanger a child by passing a stopped school bus. This program sends a clear message: if you break the law, you will be held accountable. Together, we can make our roads safer and ensure every student gets to and from school safely each day.”
Once the bus program begins, there will be a 30-day “warning period”. During this time, violators will receive warning letters without fines. After the warning period, drivers caught illegally passing a stopped school bus will face a $250 fine for a first offense, with escalating penalties for repeat violations within 18 months.
All suburban school districts in the county are eligible to participate in the School Bus Safety Program, at no cost to the district. The City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District School Board approved their own program in partnership with BusPatrol in March and will begin their program later this fall.
The West Irondequoit Central School District is expected to start the Bus Patrol program by 2026.
More information about Monroe County’s stop-arm camera safety program can be found at www.monroecounty.gov/school-bus-safety.
