District transportation outlines bus safety curriculum, stop‑arm violations and new junior bus captain pilot

The district transportation supervisor presented the district’s bus‑safety program and materials used for National School Bus Safety Week. The program includes age‑appropriate classroom lessons (elementary), auditorium presentations and evacuation drills (middle school), and trip/behavior protocols for high‑school athletics travel.

Transportation staff described an expanded outreach program that includes community events (Simplot Days, Touch‑a‑Truck), joint drills with the fire department, and a pilot “junior bus captain” program for upper elementary and middle‑school students to build leadership and safety responsibility. The transportation team emphasized that prevention and public awareness are central to their work and said the program aligns with district safety and health goals.

Staff reported 18 stop‑arm violations so far this school year; several recent videos shown to the board underscored the potential consequences when drivers ignore stop‑arm laws. Transportation leaders asked for continued community reminders that passing a stopped school bus endangers children and is illegal. They also described seat‑chart and evacuation practices for longer athletic trips and encouraged coaches and sponsors to maintain consistent seating charts to improve accountability during incidents.

The board praised transportation staff for daily operations, training, and a recent ride‑along experience that emphasized drivers’ workload and student compliance. Transportation leaders requested continued support for joint emergency exercises and public education.