My answer will be short: Definitely an app.
I'll be more than happy to discuss details further.

who is the consumer of this information, the parents, the school system or the bus drivers? Keep in mind that schools won't adopt technology if a large percentage of their families won't be able to use it (i.e. smart phone apps) so maybe sms alerts would have greatest reach.

Hi.

The solution is definitely developing a well-defined App. Call center are always an indirect way of connection between the driver/the responsible people and the parents. However, in an emergency or urgent situation, both sides want the most direct means to convey the information.

We recently developed a similar closed-circuit App to be used in some of the international schools in Asia, so I can help you to provide the initial guidance on UI/UX related issues.

Thanks,

veyis

It depends on the age of the students and the safety of the neighborhoods involved. For example, it would not be wise to have kindergartners handling smart phones.

If you could provide additional information, I could give you a more educated answer.

This is a very interesting question. I take my children to school by car, they do not ride the bus. Also, my children often have problems with writing essays. I had to solve it quickly and efficiently. I read a cool article https://www.abcactionnews.com/sponsor-generated-content/10-best-college-essay-writing-services-top-paper-writing-sites which contains the best educational services. It helped my children a lot, now they get only the best marks for their essays.

So my sons school uses the campus app and there’s a parent and student version. I’d use the app to let parents know to be present at the door during drop off or to let you know if they won’t be home.