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Security screenings expand to middle schools; board approves bus driver incentive program to reduce "double runs"
Summary
District staff reported expanded open-gate security screenings at secondary schools and the board approved a new bus driver incentive program intended to reduce double runs; the incentive replaces the prior double-run stipend and will start in September.
Mister Farrell, subbing for a staff colleague, told the board on Aug. 25 that the district has extended its "open gate" screening sessions and trained middle school staff to run screenings that had previously been conducted at high schools.
"We've now taken it to the middle school and trained all our middle schools," Farrell said, reporting that staff ran open-gate sessions and screenings during the first 10 days of school. He described on-site training at Oak Brook and noted coordination with other staff members.
In the same portion of the meeting, the board considered a new bus driver incentive program. According to presenters, the program replaces a previous stipend for drivers making additional runs and is intended to reduce the number of double runs that occur when drivers are absent or routes are shortened. District staff said double runs cost about $150,000 last year.
"Attendance is the number 1 problems we have for double runs," Farrell said during the discussion of incentive design. The board voted to approve the incentive program; the motion to accept the incentive as presented was made by Mister Farnsworth and seconded by Mister Lee. The board recorded the vote as 7 in favor.
Board materials say the incentive will begin in September and staff will notify bus drivers of the program's details. Transportation staff involved in the plan included Mister Shope, who worked with Farrell on the proposal.
The security update also noted plans for continued school visits and security audits through the fall and winter to identify safety issues on campuses. Presenters asked trustees for support in communicating the new transportation plan to drivers and for patience while the district implements the changes intended to reduce route disruptions.
