Standard 3.

0 Develop the capacity for shared leadership

Element 3.2, 3.3

Artifact 1.1.1

8/8/17 (3 Hours)

Hello, Ms. Barbara,

I am currently a grad student working on my principal certificate. I have an assignment where I
need to gather information from the director of transportation. I am hopeful that you will be
able to take the time to answer the following questions. If it would be easier I would also be
willing to talk over the phone.

1. What are the current issues regarding transportation?

The biggest issue in transportation right now is bus driver shortage. Human Resources and our
department have recruited aggressively over the last year by way of job fairs, banners, visits to fire
stations, radio and newspaper ads. We continue to face a shortage of substitute drivers and enough
drivers to fill all vacant routes. The requirements that must be met to become a school bus driver are
significant and from application to full certification takes approximately 6 weeks of unpaid
training. Individuals must have a good driving history and cannot have more than 2 current points to be
considered. They must pass a Department of Transportation physical, participate in pre-employment,
random, post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing, be fingerprinted (local and
FBI), maintain a good driving record, not have more than 3 accidents with appreciable damage of
$3,000.00 within 2 years, have the ability to work with children, administration, parents and other
drivers, and they must pass 4 written tests and a skills test to obtain their license.

1. What are the needs regarding transportation?

Drivers, drivers, drivers and a community effort. By this I mean a total team approach to providing safe
and efficient transportation to students. Responsibility on the part of parents, support from all
administration at schools in regard to unsafe and inappropriate student behavior on the school bus, and
support for the drivers by providing continual training and reinforcement regarding State, Federal, local
and school system rules and regulations.
We also need the funding to advance our technology to operate as efficiently and as economically as
possible.

1. Could you give me additional information on these issues/needs;

1. the cost I have an $11,874,108.00 total budget to operate transportation
services
 2. the maintenance County owned bus maintenance budget is approximately
$1,500,000 minus fuel costs. Buses are inspected 3 times per year for
mechanical safety.
3. personnel issues Personnel issues range from attendance issues, non-
compliance with rules and regulations to negative interaction with students,
parents, public, and/or school administrators.
4. training and safety Drivers must complete 25 hours of classroom, 30-40 hours
of behind the wheel training, minimum of 6 hours of in-service training and
numerous Safe Schools training modules. Drivers receive a quarterly newsletter
with reminders and tips for success as well as any written directives throughout
the school year.
5. student problems Student behavior is a growing concern. There are students
who demonstrate no respect for authority and act out in an unsafe manner on
the bus. Foul language, name calling of the driver and other students, fighting,
and total disregard for the rules for safe riding make it very difficult for drivers to
operate the bus safely. Substitute driving is particularly challenging because the
driver is unfamiliar with the students and they take advantage of that. Even
knowing there are cameras are on the bus, some students do not care if their
actions are recorded.
Certainly not all students are disrespectful and many of them have very positive
relationships with drivers. We have many amazing drivers who have been with us for a
very long time. Some of them transport the children of students they transported in
years past. It is a very challenging job and the expectations from all stakeholders are
very high. I will conclude with saying that a school bus driver is expected to see
everything, hear everything, say the right thing and drive that large vehicle in heavy
traffic on tight streets and winding roads and drive in ice, snow and pouring rain, with
safety as the number one priority.
I thank you for your time and assistance in completing my assignment,
Stacey

The job that the transportation department provides is commendable. I totally agree with
Ms. Scotto when she stated that driving a bus is a very challenging job. It would be very
difficult to drive a large vehicle around and safely get students to and from school. The
behaviors of the students are also increasing as well. As she stated many students have a
wonderful rapport with the bus drivers but there are those few students that make it unsafe. Our
school is always getting referrals from the bus that need immediate attention. It always seems to
be certain buses as well that have more behavior problems. Having to work with such a large
budget would also be challenging to make sure that all services are being utilized. It would also
be disheartening to have such a large budget but yet not have sufficient funding to advance
technology. I would also have to say that having audio and video recordings on the buses has
helped deter some behaviors because it does document what happens while the students are on
the bus. The largest need that I see is to have more drivers to meet the needs of the
county. Having a larger budget could help increase salary and get better equipment.