Trustees discuss bus-safety steps for activity trips; staff to explore route mapping and driver protocols

Board member Matt raised concerns about activity-trip safety during the Nov. 5 meeting and urged clearer pre-trip planning and route mapping for away events. "I would just like to see a planned route, you know, thought out before, you know, our our kids are taken off," he said.

Facilities Director Lance described current driver training and supervision practices and said the district tries to match less-experienced drivers with lead drivers for early trips; he added that he trusts staff to manage routine routes but agreed the district should formalize some steps. "I put a little trust in my people," Lance said, describing a culture that has worked but recognizing room for process improvements after a recent problem.

Board members suggested using consumer or commercial mapping systems to plan routes, asking activity drivers to coordinate with coaches and staff, and documenting pre-trip checks. Trustees asked staff to gather practices from larger bus providers and present options that balance oversight with driver autonomy. The group also discussed the role of MPVs (SUVs) that travel with buses to carry equipment or coaches and whether those vehicles should be required to remain with the bus.

Why it matters: activity trips involve student transport across long distances and multiple jurisdictions. Clear pre-trip plans, route selection and driver pairing can reduce the risk of delays or safety incidents during events.

Next steps: Lance and athletics/activity staff will gather examples of routing and safety protocols used by larger carriers, identify mapping and route-planning tools, and suggest a pre-trip checklist or procedure for board review.