Whenever a school district considers changing bus stops, bus routes, or bell times, the public reaction is often decidedly unequal to the magnitude of the changes proposed. Unfortunately, the severity of continued budget crises has compelled many school districts to make major changes to their transportation systems. While additional cuts in…

The number of children injured in nonfatal school bus accidents annually is more than double the number previously estimated. In Ohio alone, approximately 20,800 children younger than 18 were occupants of school buses that were involved in crashes in 2003 and 2004 (McGeehan 2007). Among those children, most had minor or no injuries. However, there…

The economic crisis has had--and will continue to have--a dramatic effect on tax revenue and education spending throughout the United States and beyond. Yet children still show up for school every day in need of an education. In times like these, educators and school business managers must be as committed as ever to providing it. The economic…

Many school districts in North America have adopted policies to permit cameras on their properties and, when needed, on buses used to transport students. With regard to school buses, the camera is typically a tool for gathering information to monitor behavior or to help investigate a complaint about behavior. If a picture is worth a thousand…

Reviews safety considerations, district responsibilities, and court litigation related to pupil transportation. Highlights litigious issues involving selection of bus stops, driver responsibilities when transporting and disembarking students, and school bus safety requirements. School districts lacking medical emergency and disruptive behavior…

Suggests specific ways for school districts to control rapidly rising transportation costs and assure many years of quality service. (Author/MLF)

An Ohio school district is taking positive action to improve the public image of student transportation. The program attempts to fulfill parents' special needs. Presentations are made to a variety of community groups regarding the transportation operations, inhouse communications are encouraged, and feedback is welcomed. (MLF)

A Connecticut school district initiated a bus monitor program on the elementary bus runs. Monitors are paid $8.50 per run, are subject to the same medical examinations as are drivers, and are given preemployment drug tests. Children show respect toward the monitors. The district has concluded that monitors do help in making bus stops safer for all…

Safety audits were conducted in each of New York State's 750 school districts to help school administrators understand and comply with laws and regulations relating to the safety aspects of pupil transportation. (Author/MLF)

Examines privatization of pupil transportation and suggests that asset ownership may be separated from asset operation. Discusses the advantages of a school district owning its school buses if operation is contracted out. (MLF)

Computerized pupil transportation systems offer promising benefits to school districts. Outlines ways school administrators can select the right product by following some traditional business approaches. (MLF)

School districts experiencing student transportation problems along with limited staff ability and time, and extremely sensitive issues, can benefit from a transportation consultant. A pupil transportation consultant can assist districts in management studies, staff development, and operations. (MLF)

Two bus accidents taught a school district the value of a self-developed plan of response to a school bus accident. Provides a sample school bus accident preparedness plan. (MLF)

Proposed rules by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for drug and alcohol testing of school bus drivers are expected to be implemented by early 1994. DOT regulations are very specific. School districts need to decide whether to establish their own program or contract with a full-service drug-testing firm. Explains the seven major elements…

Outlines what is required of school districts for compliance with new regulations that require employers to test drivers with a commercial driver's license for the illegal use of alcohol and controlled substances. (MLF)