All of our past blogs on the subject of stop-arm cameras have been about catching motorists that have passed stopped school buses.  But recently we found an article on motorists complaining about receiving traffic tickets for just that.

The Courthouse News Service has reported that Dallas, TX drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against the city and its schools, claiming they are illegally issuing traffic tickets for passing stopped school buses, using photos taken by cameras on the bus’ stop arms.  The plaintiffs claimed the Texas Transportation Code grants no authority to local authorities to pass ordinances that conflict with it.

“No bill, law, statute or constitutional amendment has ever been passed that would authorize any local government in Texas to enact camera-enforced school bus stop arm ordinances which conflict with statutorily established ‘Rules of the Road’ in Texas,” the 53-page complaint stated.

A motorist was fined $300 after a bench trial in Carrollton Municipal Court for passing a stopped school bus. He said the photographic enforcement and administrative adjudication of school bus stop-arm violations was never authorized by the state: That bills in the legislature that would have allowed it failed in the past four legislative sessions.  A non binding opinion by the Texas Attorney General’s office in 2002 concluded cities could not use automated enforcement equipment to impose a civil penalty for running a school bus.

“The Attorney General noted Texas cities were prohibited from doing this, because making the running of a school bus camera a civil penalty would conflict with state law that makes the running of a school bus camera a crime (a misdemeanor) under Transportation Code,” the complaint stated.

Either way, passing a stopped school bus should have consequences for the motorist.

Keeping children safe on the school bus is not only the role of the bus driver, but also the role of the school district and community.  Here are five tips for school bus safety that provide another way of looking at what’s needed for safety for our students:

1. The importance of a comprehensive training program is a cornerstone for student transportation providers. Whether you choose to self-operate or contract your school bus transportation, a comprehensive training program should include quality classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel skill courses, and road supervisors that periodically monitor driver performance.2. A student transportation provider must demonstrate that a positive safety culture begins at the top level in the organization. The strongest predictor of safety performance is leadership and safety culture. A leader should conduct touchpoints with team members to reinforce safe critical behaviors. Recognizing team members that adhere to safety policies and procedures should be encouraged.3. Recognizing the key role of dispatchers is integral to promoting safety. The dispatcher, along with other safety-minded operations leaders, can administer “Fit for Duty” checks with drivers. Dispatchers should be trained to ensure every driver is physically and mentally prepared to safely operate a school bus. Dispatchers can also provide a calming influence when communicating to drivers, especially in a difficult situation.

   4. School administrators should identify the appropriate technology innovations that support the district’s strategy and financial plan. New technology should be considered once a positive safety culture and the appropriate policies and procedures are in place.

   5. A rock-solid partnership between the school district, parents, and the student transportation provider will strengthen the safety environment, allowing a positive experience of working together, for the shared purpose of keeping all students safe.

Ask any adult who works in or around schools and they will likely tell you that student misbehaviors are a daily problem. It seems like students don’t have the self-discipline or respect for others that we all had in our youth. While there are a variety of factors influencing student behavior, there is strong evidence that adults can affect the probability of positive behavior with a set of basic actions.

Evidence clearly shows that student behavior in the classroom can be predicted by three teacher behaviors:

1. Active supervision, which simply means that the teacher communicates expectations and maintains consistent eye contact with the students.
2. Verbally engaging students in a positive manner. This can be done with personal greetings, questions, comments, and even small tasks that keep the students’ minds focused on positive behavior.
3. Delivery of positive verbal feedback — just letting students know that they are acting appropriately.

Recent research summarizing 12,000 classroom observations has shown that teachers not using these behaviors have students that are 67% more likely to be disruptive during class. These same teacher behaviors can be adapted for drivers to use on the bus.

There’s no sure thing when it comes to strategies to decrease misbehavior on the school bus — or anywhere else. But we do know that some things work better than others, and it’s just logical that we would want our drivers to use those strategies that provide the best chances for success.

School bus driver shortage has been a constant challenge for the industry. As a result, transportation departments are often asking drivers to take on more shifts and recruiting other staff members to complete routes.  While some departments may be able to do more with less and still maintain a commitment to safety, it’s important for drivers not to get lost in the shuffle.

Enhancing driver satisfaction is key to developing a better workplace. Below are some tips for promoting positive driver engagement, from team-building activities to training resources that can help drivers do their job more effectively.

1.  Establish an Open-Door Policy  – Trust and respect and knowing that communication is welcomed is good for the entire organization.

2.  Conduct Engagement Surveys – Checking in with drivers may not always mean having a face-to-face conversation. Sometimes drivers may prefer to reflect on their experiences with a department through a written survey or evaluation.

3.  Perform Driver Evaluations – While receiving feedback from drivers may be helpful in understanding what the department can improve on, giving drivers that same feedback through evaluations can also help driver-staff communication.

4.  Choose a Theme – Picking a theme for the school year helps motivate drivers to build better relationships with their students and their colleagues.

5.  Create a Rewards Program – For larger transportation departments, starting a rewards program to honor high-performing drivers can make them feel pride in what they accomplish.

6.  Offer Professional Development Training – It’s not always about giving rewards; sometimes boosting morale is about offering more opportunities for drivers to enhance their professional skills.

7. Host Team-Building Activities – Not every transportation department may have the budget to present drivers with monetary incentives or conduct frequent training sessions, but departments can be resourceful in finding other low-cost activities to keep driver morale high.8.  Develop Specialized Committees – Having a group of staff members dedicated to promoting positivity can often make it easier for the department to increase driver engagement.9.  Participate in Community-Wide Events – Nationwide, school districts and transportation departments participate in annual events like Love the Bus month in February, and National School Bus Safety Week in October to build connections with those in their communities.

   10.  Celebrate – Holding celebrations for drivers, no matter how big or how small, can go a long way in advancing morale. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday or hosting a staff breakfast or luncheon, drivers want to feel like they are appreciated.

We should not take the school bus driver for granted.  They have a big responsibility in the safety of our children.

A Columbia, SC, school bus driver was able to safely evacuate kindergartners from their bus before it caught fire on Monday.  Richland School District 2 Chief Communications Officer Libby Roof told The State that the students were heading to Camp Discovery in Blythewood for a field trip when the driver noticed smoke and pulled the bus off the road. About 40 kindergarten students were on board at the time of the incident, which was around 10 a.m.

The driver stopped the bus at a gas station, and everyone on board was able to evacuate the bus through the emergency exits.  There was a loud explosion when the driver attempted to turn off the bus, resulting in the bus then catching fire.

Roof told The State that thanks to the bus driver’s quick actions, all of the students, teachers, and adult chaperones on board got off the bus safely, and no injuries were reported. It was then added that the district “did a good job” preparing the driver and teachers for the emergency situation and getting the students away from the burning bus.  A replacement bus picked up the passengers and transported them to Blythewood. The school bus is believed to be a “total loss,” and the cause of the fire has not been determined.

As SBF previously reported in January, the SC State Department of Education (DOE) confirmed that all of the 1995 and 1996 school bus models, which accounted for the majority of the state’s over 100 thermal events, were taken from school districts and sent to the state’s fleet office to be scrapped. The State DOE also announced its plans to replace the state’s 432 aging buses, and its hopes that a share of the state’s Volkswagen settlement funds could help cover the costs.

Macon County School students filled a school bus with supplies as an encouragement to help those who were affected by the tornado that recently swept through the southeastern U.S.

Students, faculty and staff at Macon County Schools in Alabama were asked to donate nonperishable items: Paper towels, toilet paper, soap and clothing. The items were then loaded directly onto a school bus.  On March 13, Superintendent of Macon County Schools Dr. Jaqueline Brooks took the school bus full of essential goods to Lee County, which was in the direct path of two tornadoes last week.

Several schools throughout Alabama closed school for several days after the tornado warning took place. Lee County was reportedly hit the worst. Local Media reported that 23 people there were killed due to the tornadoes. School was closed for a week while students and teachers mourned the lives of those lost.

A benefit concert for victims was held Wednesday by Lee County School District in Opelika, Alabama.

Another example on how school buses not only get students to and from school, but can be used to help those in need.

We have discussed vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses in past blogs.  This week, lawmakers in Ohio and West Virginia are introducing legislation that would double fines for motorists who violate a stop arm.

In Ohio, the bill would amend current legislation to increase the fee for passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended from $500 to $1,000.  It would also change the period of time a motorist has their driver’s license suspended from one year to two years. The bill would appropriate $1 million in grants to school districts to purchase stop-arm cameras in fiscal year 2020.

The bill is set to go to committee before returning to the House floor for a vote.

Meanwhile, in West Virginia, their bill would also increase penalties for a stopped school bus, as well as require exterior cameras on all school buses purchased after July 1, 2019.

The bill doubles the fine for stop-arm violators from $250 to a minimum of $500 and maximum of $1,000 for a first offense, with a 60-day license suspension and the possibility of six months of jail time. A second offense would cost an offending motorist at least $1,000 and no more than $1,500, also with a potential of six months in jail. The motorist’s license would be suspended for 180 days in that case. Passing a stopped school bus a third time would earn the violator a fine of $2,000, loss of their license for one year, and at least 48 hours in jail but no more than six months of jail time.

Moreover, if the violation caused a death, the charge becomes a felony and if convicted, the motorist could spend between one and 10 years in prison, and would be fined a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $10,000.

The bill passed the Senate last week and passed the House Judiciary Committee on Monday. It will receive a first reading in the House on Tuesday.

Hopefully other states will take note of these proposed bills.  This will help remind the public that this is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.

When transporting students with special needs, there are many things to consider.  Some students are intimidated by the giant school bus that comes to pick them up for school. Because of its size, they refuse to board. This can create frustration for the driver and the other students on board, not to mention the parents. It can also heighten anxiety for the special needs student, which can lead to behavioral problems once they get to school.

Once they’re on the bus, some students will get up and roam the aisle, which is clearly unsafe. Not only does this pose a risk to their own safety, but it distracts the driver and invites other students to do the same. Roaming students can be injured and distracted driving can lead to accidents.

Children thrive on consistency and routine, and those with special needs are no exception. If getting them on a bus is such a challenge, why not try a vehicle that’s just like mom’s or dad’s instead? The student is familiar with how the vehicle works, how it feels, and how it looks, both on the inside and the outside. They’re familiar with where they sit, how they sit, and how they’re buckled in. It’s one less thing for them to be stressed or anxious about.

The driver should be familiar with more than just the technical qualifications required by the federal, state, and local governments. Individuals who successfully help transport students with special needs are extraordinary. They know how to make children feel comfortable. They care about “their” students and show both compassion and respect for the student and for their families.

When you put a student in a vehicle they’re familiar with, and have a warm hearted driver who is with that student every day, you’ve created a comfortable, inviting and consistent ride for them to and from school every day.

Staying with the subject of the weather we have had in the past few weeks, today we discuss the training that our school bus drivers receive regarding inclement weather.

State transportation directors often leave it up to the individual school districts to decide their own training and procedures for winter weather driving conditions.  Many school districts train their drivers at the start of each school year and also ensure they only hire local drivers who are used to the terrain and weather.

“Our local school districts here in Montana are used to harsh winters. There are policies in place at the local level to ensure safe and consistent transportation of students during poor winter conditions,” stressed Dylan Klapmeier, director of communications and federal relations for the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

New bus drivers for Durango Public Schools and across Colorado are required to watch two videos, one on mountainous driving and the other on driving in adverse weather.

The transportation directors in Watauga Public Schools, meanwhile, meet with their drivers at the start of each school year to give a refresher course on installing snow chains. The Department of Motor Vehicles in North Carolina also provides driver trainings and instructions on how to drive in bad weather.

However, not only do the drivers have to be prepared for the weather conditions, the buses must also be specially equipped. Lee said buses in his area have heated steps to help melt the snow and avoid icy surfaces that could cause children to slip.

“In some winter weather situations, it is not just the roads that are the issue,” noted Steve Abbott, North Carolina Department of Transportation communications director. “The school districts are responsible for clearing their driveways, parking lots and sidewalks. In larger school districts with dozens of schools, that takes time, especially after a larger snowstorm, or if there are ice conditions.

Several states have seen severe weather this past month. That is causing schools to cancel classes, field trips and update their routes, to adhere to the driving conditions.  School transportation departments nationwide take different approaches to combat the various weather conditions in their regions.

California saw a downpour of rain last month, causing flooding in various cities. Malibu Unified School District closed Jan. 15 and 16 as a precaution against mudslides and debris flow made worse by recent fires.

Watauga Schools in North Carolina was hit with a sudden change in forecast.  The Transportation Director Jeff Lyons said the school district dismissed early on Wednesday last week because the weather forecast was for rain and snow.  “The forecast was completely wrong, and we started getting a lot of snow, with white-out conditions in some areas of the county,” Lyons explained. “I would say for some places, depending on where we were in the county, we got one to three inches in a span of about an hour and a half. The roads turned pretty treacherous, pretty quick.”

While the forecast didn’t turn out the way Lyons was expecting, the transportation department was able to adapt to the weather and make adjustments as needed. The transportation personnel started contacting parents right away to make arrangements and altered routes on the spot, Lyons said.  “All the children got home and were taken home safely and that’s our goal,” Lyons added.

Usually with anticipated bad weather, the school district will change its transportation routes. Lyons said they run a normal route, as well as Limited Route A and Limited Route B, depending on the severity of the storm and the road conditions. The routes are given to parents at the start of each school year, and parents are notified of the route change by phone call, social media and website updates.

San Bernardino School District in Southern California also had to cancel its field trip into the mountains last week, due to snow.  While all of their buses are equipped with snow chains, Eric Vetere, the district’s safety and emergency manager said that the district must also consider the activities the children are doing while they are out.

Many school districts are allocated so many days per year for weather cancellations. Stephen Lee, a school bus driver for six years at the Durango School District in Colorado, said usually it is up to the local school districts to decide on snow days, but last week an official for the county called it, because the storm had approached too fast.  “We have what they call, automatic snow chains on our buses,” Lee said. “They are air actuated, there’s a switch on our dashboard. And if you get into an area that requires a snow chain, you can hit that and it’s a wheel with chains spread out from it.”