Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Medford examines tiered plan for bus monitors; district to rotate paraprofessionals as interim measure
Summary
After reviewing a tiered needs assessment, the committee heard a plan to prioritize bus-monitor coverage on four Tier 1 runs and to use rotating Schedule A paraprofessionals and intermittent stipends rather than an outside vendor at $250/day per bus.
The Medford School Committee reviewed a district plan to address student conduct and safety on school buses through a tiered prioritization of routes and interim staffing measures.
Superintendent Dr. Gallucci and staff described a needs assessment that assigned each of the district’s 17 buses a priority tier: Tier 1 (immediate priority), Tier 2 (emerging priority), Tier 3 (monitor ongoing) and Tier 4 (stable). Staff identified four Tier 1 runs — primarily afternoon routes tied to elementary and middle-school dismissals and after-school programs — that will be the first focus for additional adult coverage.
Eastern Bus (the district’s transportation vendor) provided a quote of $250 per bus per day to supply bus monitors for full-day coverage; at that rate for 180 school days, covering all buses would cost about $765,000. District staff said that cost is not fiscally prudent. The administration proposed instead:
- Rotating Schedule A paraprofessionals to provide intermittent coverage and modeling of expected bus behavior on Tier 1 routes; and - Considering small stipends for staff who cover Tier 1 needs and for any Tier 2 escalations.
Staff also noted that cameras are installed on buses (video evidence is reviewed as needed) and that many reported issues cluster around afternoon runs and boarding at middle school. The district plans to document incidents and coverages and to monitor whether intermittent coverage reduces incidents.
Committee members asked about reporting, training, supervision and liability. The superintendent said the district has hired a transportation manager, Evan Schwartz, whose first day is next Tuesday; the district will post contact information and centralize transportation reporting. Principals will remain the chain of communication for reports, and staff said training plans will be coordinated with the new transportation manager and Eastern Bus.
Why it matters: The plan aims to improve student safety and bus conduct while limiting new operating costs. Using existing paraprofessional hours and intermittent stipends is designed to provide modeling and de-escalation on routes of concern while the district tracks outcomes.
What’s next: The district will implement rotating paraprofessional coverage on identified Tier 1 routes, document outcomes and provide periodic updates; once the transportation manager is on board, the district will publish contact and reporting information for caregivers and staff.
