WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- It's a state law that sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school -- but what about school bus stops?
A concerned NBC 4 viewer wanted to know if a bus stop in Westerville could be moved, saying, "We recently had a registered sexual offender move into the neighborhood. Although he is outside the limit for schools, the middle school bus stop is right across the street from his house."
NBC 4's Candice Lee investigated and found that Westerville City Schools takes student safety seriously, regularly getting sex offender updates from the Franklin County sheriff and Westerville police.
"Once we have the information, we look at moving stops or working with individuals that have a stop there to find a stop that's suitable for everybody," said Westerville City Schools spokesman Mark Hershiser.
In some situations, the school system has yet to receive notification that the offender has moved into the district. That was the case in the viewer's complaint.
Once school officials have that information or receive a call from an area resident or concerned parent, the district investigates.
The district checks the online sex offender registry and if nothing is found, they call the Franklin County sheriff's office for verification.
Hershiser said that once the information is confirmed, a bus stop can be changed in a day or two.
NBC 4 checked other school districts to see if they had similar policies.
Officials with Columbus, Dublin, Reynoldsburg and Gahanna City schools said they would check with transportation officials for an answer on their policies.
South-Western City Schools officials said they make every effort to change bus stops when parents voice concerns.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
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