At Indian River Central School District, student transportation is defined by a simple but uncompromising goal: no fatalities and no missing children. For Transportation Supervisor Cecil Sisson, that mission guides every decision his department makes, especially when it comes to technology.
Serving more than 3,500 students daily in New York’s North Country, the district’s transportation department manages a complex operation that includes regular routes, athletics, 4-H programs, tutoring, McKinney-Vento services and specialized transportation for students with unique physical needs. Sisson credits his team, including an assistant director, a transportation secretary and three clerks, along with drivers and aides, for delivering consistent service through harsh winters, road closures and ever-changing schedules.
Supporting that effort is a longstanding partnership with Transfinder, a national provider of routing and transportation management solutions. Indian River utilizes Routefinder PLUS as its routing software, synchronizing nightly with student information data to maintain accurate, up-to-date records. The district has also upgraded to Viewfinder, a secure communication platform that provides building-level staff with precise transportation details.
For Sisson, the value of Transfinder lies in both flexibility and accessibility. He describes the platform as highly user-driven, empowering districts to explore features, customize workflows and make adjustments without waiting for permissions or outside intervention.
“Don’t be afraid to get in there,” he advised peers. “Even if you mess something up, there’s always a reset button.”
That flexibility is essential in a district where no two schools operate the same way. Some buildings serve approximately 250 students, while others approach 1,000. Viewfinder allows Indian River to tailor information access based on each building’s daily needs. Transportation operates as the “big umbrella,” distributing relevant pieces of information to administrators and office staff so they can confidently respond to parent inquiries about pickup times, drop-off locations or schedule changes.
Transfinder’s solutions are designed to streamline routing, improve data accuracy and enhance communication between transportation departments, schools and families. At Indian River, those capabilities translate directly into operational efficiency. Nightly data syncs reduce manual entry. Real-time updates help the department adjust to early dismissals, weather disruptions and last-minute modifications. Administrators can access consistent, reliable information without placing additional strain on dispatch.
Yet Sisson was quick to emphasize that technology adoption is as much about people as it is about software. When launching upgrades or new features, he starts by assessing his team’s strengths and areas for growth. Clear timelines and achievable goals are paired with training modules and demos from Transfinder experts. Just as importantly, he encouraged networking with fellow transportation leaders across New York State.
“You don’t know what you don’t know until someone tells you,” he said, noting that neighboring districts may be using the same platform in innovative ways.
Managing stakeholder buy-in, from drivers and dispatchers to principals and parents, requires thoughtful communication. Sisson avoids framing initiatives as “change,” which can trigger resistance. Instead, he focuses on “improving the process.” By listening carefully to concerns and meeting colleagues halfway, he builds baseline confidence in the tools the district deploys.
Ultimately, the most significant impact of Transfinder at Indian River is on safety.
“Knowledge is power and communication is key,” Sisson said.
By providing consistent route timelines, estimated pickup and drop-off windows, and clear notifications when adjustments occur, the platform creates what he describes as a “safety net” for both new and veteran drivers. Parents and guardians know when to expect the bus and can be alerted if plans shift.
Whether navigating snow-covered roads, coordinating midday runs or responding to specialized transportation needs, the department relies on accurate data and open communication channels. The result is a system where drivers can focus on the road, administrators can answer questions confidently and families can trust the process.
For Sisson, technology is simply a tool that supports a larger purpose. At the end of each week, if every child arrives safely and returns home without incident, the mission has been accomplished. Everything else, he said, is a teachable moment.
To learn more about Transfinder’s solutions and expert support, call 800-373-3609, visit transfinder.com/solutions or email solutions@transfinder.com.