Board hears updates on bus routes, driver shortages and new weapons detectors in high schools
Loading...
Summary
Board discussed ongoing transportation route issues, driver assignments and approval to seek additional weapons-detector sets for high schools to manage morning entry screening.
District staff briefed the board on transportation and safety issues at the Sept. 18 meeting, reporting that several schools are experiencing route timing problems after drivers were placed on transfer and that major route realignment will be pursued in January when drivers are available to be re-assigned.
Superintendent said short-term fixes include possibly adding a bus if one and a willing driver are available; however, changing existing drivers' routes mid-year would require driver consent in writing. The superintendent said one particularly late run at Robert C. Byrd High (transcribed earlier as Seabert/Seaburn) was addressed with adjustments.
On safety, staff reported this is the first year weapons detectors have been deployed in all high schools. Some schools are asking for a second set of detector stations to speed morning entry and increase monitoring; the superintendent said she expects a request for additional sets and is working with each building to ensure they are used properly.
Board members noted that a full route review is planned for January, when feeder-area drivers will be brought in to rework runs. The board did not take additional votes on transportation or safety beyond authorizing staff to pursue necessary short-term equipment and operational fixes and to present longer-term route plans for board review.
