FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mecklenburg County Public Schools Launches Stopfinder App to Enhance Student Safety and Real-Time Communication
BOYDTON, VA — January 8, 2025 — Mecklenburg County Public Schools (MCPS) is pleased to announce the launch of Stopfinder, a state-of-the-art parent engagement app that provides families with real-time school bus tracking and secure communication. The implementation of this technology reinforces the district’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the safety of all students.
Stopfinder is a secure, invitation-only app that integrates with the district’s transportation software to provide accurate, live data. Through the app, authorized parents and guardians can monitor their child’s bus location and receive instant updates regarding schedules and route changes.
“Our top priority at MCPS is ensuring the safe and timely arrival of our students every single day,” said Brian Dalton, Executive Director of Facilities and Operations. “By adopting the Stopfinder app, we are providing our families with a powerful tool that eliminates the 'wait and wonder' at the bus stop. We want our parents to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where their child is during their commute.”
The Stopfinder app offers several key benefits to MCPS families:
Real-Time Bus Tracking: View the live location of your student’s bus on a secure map.
Custom GeoAlerts: Create custom "Alert Zones" to receive notifications when the bus enters or leaves your neighborhood or stop area.
Secure Messaging: Receive instant push notifications from the MCPS Transportation Department regarding bus substitutions or unexpected delays.
Shared Access: Primary guardians can securely share their student’s schedule with other caregivers or family members.
“This technology is a significant step forward in how we communicate with our community,” Dalton continued. “It’s not just about tracking a vehicle; it’s about creating a direct, reliable link between our operations and our parents. In the event of a delay or a change in plans, we can now provide information instantly, which is vital for the safety and coordination of our families.”
Access to Stopfinder is exclusive to MCPS parents and guardians. The district will begin sending electronic invitations to the primary email address on file for each student. Once the invitation is accepted, parents can download the free Stopfinder app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to begin tracking.
For more information about the Stopfinder rollout, please visit the MCPS website at www.mcpsweb.org/Transportation or contact the Transportation Department at (434) 738-6771.
About Mecklenburg County Public Schools: Mecklenburg County Public Schools, located in Boydton, Virginia, serves the students of Mecklenburg County with a mission to provide a safe, student-focused learning environment that prepares all students for success.