[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6570966,"mediaKeyId","3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65","parentId",3181284,"title","Transportation update: staffing shortages, van pilot, remote parking and stop‑arm camera pilot discussed","audioSeconds",3642,"startMs",4300000,"endMs",7942000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65&start=4300&end=7942","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65/thumbnail_4300000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6570966/Florida/Transportation-update-staffing-shortages-van-pilot-remote-parking-and-stoparm-camera-pilot-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570966-75f3964c79405ef1f7d011f927fc77ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1775201364&Signature=Q6lYeAwV4Wksbz4keGzi1wqCHmEfFkZF2KtJcqV08PVQvY1x~DRm6U3wn7y3Anmt6kBWh2fP2HTOnPtYTqMakfOPafjBZ7vblrmqA~Ndb6fx2NUkw9lNp0YTrCXYDuRPYQZttcZ7O7RMdiAadNAXGmOcDvuPBO8BqnWFZWl6F9RyTHjsOPjd7tZzMOQXT70FMR35Xn1CM99onFrSNsWi0edwS~0dKfsVuPql6GECV1eKzfwTaF24TP24R9m1SFBVsUUXM32ZVO1WxffRpGZD~HaViNQ2EtxLuWMeZoRcfhfQrKmtwD8r0hWISiVsvsrvaVXXBsrGIAN5Fm6W69g1EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","School District of Manatee County","date","2025-05-02T16:32:44.41Z","article","District transportation leaders briefed the board on May 2 about staffing, operational trends, recruitment and safety measures. The presentation covered current staffing levels, recruitment initiatives, service innovations and technology pilots intended to improve reliability and student safety.

Staffing and operations: Transportation executives reported 93 active bus drivers against an allocation of about 110 positions; the department said filling the remaining positions would improve efficiency. The mechanics/auto‑technician ranks were notably short: five technicians are on staff with an allocation of 12. Staff attributed technician losses to retirements and strong private‑sector competition for diesel/mechanic skills. The department logged roughly 2,300,000 miles driven during the 2023–24 year—roughly 13,000 miles per day across the fleet—and reported 66 accidents so far in the year.

Recruitment and retention efforts: The department said it runs job fairs monthly or every six weeks and has an \"aide‑to‑driver\" pilot that recruits long‑serving bus attendants into driver training; 12 attendants entered the pipeline and two have completed training and are now on routes. The district said recent collective‑bargaining changes (AFSCME contract) improved its competitive position for hiring.

Service changes and innovations: Staff described an expanded van program that began with one van last year and now operates additional vans to serve geographically isolated students and McKinney‑Vento (homeless) students; staff said vans now serve 21 schools and include the same onboard cameras and parent GPS features as school buses. The department is also exploring remote bus parking/compound options (staff identified an available county site on Dam Road) to reduce \"deadhead\" miles and is using wet‑fueling arrangements to avoid daily returns to the main facility.

Safety and technology pilots: The district plans a pilot in the fall for dedicated stop‑arm cameras mounted on buses and has already equipped new buses with integrated child‑safety seats, internal and external cameras (six internal cameras per bus, multiple external cameras), tablets that provide turn‑by‑turn routing and student scan capabilities, and, on four incoming buses, LED lighted stop arms and illuminated school‑bus insignia to improve visibility in low light conditions. Staff also discussed an annual statewide illegal‑passing survey; statewide the survey recorded 11,224 illegal passes in one day last year, and staff said Manatee’s data shows a rising trend.

Why it matters: The district framed the initiatives as responses to growth, traffic congestion and safety priorities. Staffing shortfalls for technicians and drivers affect service reliability; technology pilots aim to reduce illegal passing and improve monitoring.

Next steps: Staff will continue aggressive recruitment (monthly hiring events and CDL tutoring), expand the van pilot as needed, continue exploring the Dam Road remote compound with county partners, and launch a stop‑arm camera pilot in the fall with possible full implementation in spring.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Workshop - May 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District transportation staff reported driver and technician shortages, a van program for isolated students, plans to explore remote parking sites, and a pilot for stop‑arm cameras and other safety features.","taxTitle","Manatee, School Districts, Florida","taxId",13113,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6570970,"Board weighs exploring federal lobbyist to seek IDEA and behavioral‑policy changes",1278,3186000,4464000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65&start=3186&end=4464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65/thumbnail_3186000.jpg","/articles/6570970/Florida/Board-weighs-exploring-federal-lobbyist-to-seek-IDEA-and-behavioralpolicy-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570970-b95acfde833562bc5de536e7d51ef925/orig.mp4?Expires=1775201364&Signature=Ce8k1auB0zXv3-MM2kfW1IiqiRYhd1wpBtv2bpTZV7OxqjQqKAPMuAOoDlaHkKIc3ZOCIUua5hbQ1SWqi8tDvQwQgsEZB-1S7Kkxdx2Pn9FxfUxVpEO1rFTeCynpwbIfswFlyKzdAgJMr27XXIJFFGMXs~DaEsMBKI4hZ3mEAZxof3EK1rmZu2oULb4ynYXdVnWR5lWnvc2MBItn2EqunfetEJAljENjUPRTtplCy4Yz6U4ggw-Ov2VsspERUrPBsZNMvzgtQV4KukGzIAj6omeeqjZIKydJBRbWK6gt0vvSpH~bRtO0siv045ZziEgq8v84RsYA7LskoTiLTYGAqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board discussed whether to pursue federal lobbying services to support changes to federal policy—particularly provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and federal regulations the board and members said limit options for removing students who threaten the safety of others.

Board Member Jadim explained he had spoken with congressional staff and that federal lobbying could help the district advocate for policy changes to address persistent behavioral and discipline challenges in some schools. He said federal staff recommended hiring a federal lobbyist to organize the effort and coordinate with other districts and states.

Board members asked staff whether statewide organizations already provide federal representation. A board member cited reporting that a small group of Florida districts have paid federal lobbyists and that the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) maintains a federal presence, describing FSBA’s federal representative as a person who works with the organization in Washington.

District staff told the board they would collect sample contracts and cost estimates from other districts, run a scope and cost analysis through purchasing, and, if the board desires, tentatively set aside funds in the next general‑fund budget. Staff noted an example contract value cited in the meeting: Lee County’s federal contract at about $180,000 per year; other large Florida districts have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars since 2014, according to published reports referenced by a board member.

Why it matters: Board members framed the topic as pursuing federal policy changes (rather than short‑term appropriation wins) to allow districts more discretion in addressing students who present behavior or safety challenges, and to reduce long‑term district costs associated with repetitive behavioral incidents.

Next steps: The board expressed interest in staff exploring costs, sample contracts and a potential scope of work; staff will return with a cost analysis and suggested procurement path. Board members also suggested coordinated approaches with other districts and using existing relationships with the county’s congressional delegation as a parallel strategy.","Board members discussed hiring a federal lobbyist to press for federal policy changes related to student discipline and services for students with behavioral needs; staff will gather cost comparisons and contracts from other districts for the board to consider.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6570974,"Board reviews multiple policy updates, including facility use, food‑service rules and security changes",2289,951000,3240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65&start=951&end=3240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65/thumbnail_951000.jpg","/articles/6570974/Florida/Board-reviews-multiple-policy-updates-including-facility-use-foodservice-rules-and-security-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570974-d8012c2e1c8f292d5d3ce349d2cff91f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775201364&Signature=YDuIwa4SaT28UEEysCW1XQBbuWfPyeWhEYEArS21jafJG5gqO7yODh-kYLGGZJQnUrCUz9xw0mr62bVII8VkKwsWp-5RCNBysr82MGHh0pf4PDenXMyr8PN6lQAQdxcyu~t5xh~lC6gYHPMXswtDFaiEk13R0Dht096AdZgr8-iXq7kEN-VCyZ3Sm4ZGgYOs8AwhvguHTXu25ss5qHhu0cIP-kvff9C6rOZ7LaniLMmcEsoX0Dg7AugnoRIqrcBF91NWYhE12d83YOWQzQhyIAvza9-l2ULM40hSV3XU6yoE8EtoOflqwCWnFklXDliUkNWH4frI02EKDeNKY31YIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Manatee County School Board on May 2 discussed a package of advertised policy changes the board will consider for approval at its June 10 meeting. District staff said 13 policies are in the public comment window and provided a brief overview of the proposed changes.

Staff described two bylaw edits that clean up definitions and a bylaw that would allow technical corrections to policies by the superintendent, provided the superintendent later briefs the board on those corrections. Mr. Chapman, the policy presenter, said the change would reduce minor items being brought to the full board for formal vote.

Separately, staff described a new policy addressing use of bronchodilators and other student health equipment, which the presenter said reflects a statutory change from a recent House bill. Regina Toma, director of food and nutrition, and a colleague named Skye discussed broad USDA‑driven updates to food‑service policies; staff said the changes mainly update terminology and communication requirements for special diets and allergens.

Board members spent more time on proposed revisions to the \"use of district facilities\" policy. The draft adds a statement that district facilities are public property and outlines restrictions on political activities on district property, and it tightens language on insurance and liability requirements for renters. Board members raised community concerns about price and custodial charges for nonprofit groups and asked staff to consider nonprofit fee exemptions or discounts. Several board members expressed interest in a focused workshop on community access to playgrounds, tennis courts and fields, and in partnering with the county on shared‑use agreements.

Board staff noted the legislature has a permissive shared‑use statute (cited in the meeting as Florida statute 1013.101) that encourages districts to allow public use of recreation facilities but does not provide a liability shield; staff suggested that a legislative change would be required for statewide liability protection. The board heard that King Middle School currently operates under a county shared‑use agreement and was given as a local example that has worked.

Why it matters: The package touches operational matters (technical edits), health and safety (bronchodilator policy and security updates), nutrition (USDA guidance and procedures for special diets) and community access (rental rules and shared‑use agreements). Changes could affect school operations, nonprofit access to facilities and the district's legal exposure.

Next steps: The policies remain in the public comment period and are scheduled for board action on June 10. Board members also directed staff to develop a workshop and background materials about facility rental fee structure, nonprofit considerations and shared‑use options.","The board reviewed advertised changes to 13 policies including new food‑nutrition rules tied to USDA guidance, a new bronchodilator policy required by state law, and revisions to the district's use‑of‑facilities policy addressing liability and shared‑use agreements.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6570976,"Charter-school parents urge board to restore half‑penny sales‑tax funds to charter students",723,200000,923000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65&start=200&end=923","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3181284-c90ab8849d8d533a706c8b352657eb65/thumbnail_200000.jpg","/articles/6570976/Florida/Charter-school-parents-urge-board-to-restore-halfpenny-salestax-funds-to-charter-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570976-bb684c9421855d8016e0f623819f707d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775201364&Signature=aper1hpAPyz1ugFDUmB6p8eTKlABYxz7KCOE1s1WBbuiW11Pb62VaZOZFhhIS4RE82YlPN54lsU6DFnXsMyFur2oTBOMJzL2IAlZzCuWjTRiEjzv1LcKQixvW1Y9FOyG4KLc34ggNCzI9AcMQ27JffmDJhL~d4W9R3m~-UBFrzLpPhOafb3tH2E~YdQpIzvJ6NYxfBKTVNOoRD-iVqj~odq323wtImYeLDbDVUIeLoJGAiwB5AAHzQ3OJpZ7P5Qcx9JKr~p7j9KlY4do6JFJE9m4M4oduFDTLoEDnUxXFmHUNVrOIXpb02LELpj7dnZS1deKsebJZ4dEpgjbNC0G2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Steven Zickafoos, a former assistant principal at King Middle School, and three other members of the charter‑school community told the Manatee County School Board on May 2 that charter schools have been excluded from capital outlay sales‑tax funding the speakers said voters expected to be distributed to all public school students.

Danielle Hartley, introduced herself as a teacher and parent affiliated with Rowlett Academy. She recalled that district staff solicited charter‑school communities’ votes for the 2016 half‑penny sales‑tax referendum with an assurance that charter students would receive an equitable share. \"Public charter school administrators were assured that their students would receive a fair share of the funds collected from the sales tax increase because they are public schools,\" Hartley told the board.

Dr. Carol Scholz, who identified herself as an educator and parent of a Manatee School for the Arts student, said charter schools received a small, uneven fraction of the tax revenue in the years immediately after the referendum and that since the 2023–24 school year charter schools have received no money from the sales‑tax revenue. \"The half of a percent sales tax established in 2016 and voted in by the people of Manatee County was meant to support the capital outlay for every public school serving public school students. Charter schools are public schools,\" Scholz said.

Michael Mears, a parent and Palmetto Charter School board member, also urged the district to act, saying the charter community supported the referendum in 2016 and now feels \"betrayed\" that charter students are left out of the funding.

Board Vice Chair (recorded remarks) clarified that staff will present a capital budget update and a related workshop on the topic at a scheduled May 23 meeting, and that the district's attorney, Mr. Dye, has previously opined the district is in compliance with Florida law.

Why it matters: Charter schools enroll a substantial share of the county's students, several speakers said (Dr. Scholz cited 17.6%; Hartley said ‘‘over 20%’’). The commenters asked the board to restore withheld funds and to change future allocations so charter schools receive funding on an equitable basis and in accordance with what speakers said was the voters’ intent in 2016.

Board response and next steps: Board members did not take a vote at the workshop. The chair confirmed a workshop on the sales‑tax allocation and capital budget is scheduled for May 23, when staff will present options and background material to the board.

Ending: Speakers asked the board to honor the 2016 referendum's original intent and to consider adjustments to current budget allocations; the board scheduled staff follow‑up at the May 23 workshop.","Public commenters at the May 2 Manatee County School Board workshop said charter schools were promised a share of the half‑penny sales tax passed in 2016 and asked the district to correct years of unequal distribution.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Transportation update: staffing shortages, van pilot, remote parking and stop‑arm camera pilot discussed

Board weighs exploring federal lobbyist to seek IDEA and behavioral‑policy changes

Board reviews multiple policy updates, including facility use, food‑service rules and security changes

Charter-school parents urge board to restore half‑penny sales‑tax funds to charter students