The 2026-2027 school year begins Monday, Aug. 10 for all students in Martin County, with 12 elementary schools opening at 7:40 a.m., four high schools including Indiantown High School charter school starting at 8:30 a.m., and five middle schools beginning at 9:20 a.m. The earlier elementary school start times mean many students will be walking to bus stops in the dark on a daily basis as the days grow shorter, particularly Jensen Beach Elementary students who meet the bus at the stop at Southeast Aster Lane and Southeast Astorwood Terrace at 6:10 a.m., according to Martin School District bus transportation schedules.
The Martin County School District is urging parents, students and motorists to observe school bus safety rules throughout the 2026-27 school year. Students should arrive at their bus stop 5 to 10 minutes before their scheduled pickup time, remain off the roadway while waiting, and follow the bus driver's instructions when boarding, exiting, or crossing the street, said Kirstie Germaine, coordinator of public information community relations. She encouraged families to review their child's bus stop location and schedule before the first day of school and ensure younger students have appropriate supervision at the bus stop.
Florida law requires drivers to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm on two-lane roads and on multi-lane roads without a raised median or physical barrier. As of May 1, Florida began issuing citations for illegal passing of a stopped school bus with stop arm extended and red lights flashing, with a $225 fine for the offense. For a second or subsequent offense within five years, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may suspend a driver's license for 90 days up to six months.
The Martin County School District's transportation page at www.martinschools.org/page/transportation provides information including links to download bus routes, bus stop rules, and safety guidance. The page also has instructions on downloading MyReaXium app, which gives parents details on the location of the school bus which will pick up and drop off their children. Parents are encouraged to supervise younger children while they wait for the bus, remind children to wait for the driver's signal before crossing the street, and ensure that backpacks, clothing, and drawstrings cannot get caught in bus handrails or doors.