Abstract: An early alert and response system and method for identifying a public health risk stemming from an introduction of a chemical and/or biological contaminant. The system is a real-time attendance tracking software system that monitors attendance information for students. The attendance information is monitored to identify trends that may be indicative of a public health risk. The present invention is also directed to an electronic bus routing system that enables parents of students to monitor bus routes assigned to their students and change the bus routes as necessary.