NORMAL -- Unit 5 School District has opened a transportation call center to address busing issues.

"We just got started," Superintendent Gary Niehaus said Monday, noting it was too soon to comment on the number or nature of calls handled.

Parents were notified Sunday through the district's automated phone system and on Monday with general flyers.

"The goal is to provide a timely response to each inquiry or concern and to be sure that a resolution has been reached," he said.

The move follows recent incidents in which a sleeping child was left on a bus; students fought on a bus; and a bus monitor reacted to a reportedly unruly. Some parents weren't satisfied with the speed or reaction to their concerns.

The call center will "streamline calls and provide a timely response regarding transportation issues," Niehaus said, routing them to the appropriate individual to handle each concern.

Data will be collected on the type on calls received, how they were handled and any needed follow-up.

The call center concept came from the district's technology department, which uses a similar system for technology problems, Niehaus said.

The center is open 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. After-hours messages will be checked at 6:30 a.m. the next work day. Call 309-557-4BUS (4287).