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Centennial SD 28J transportation staff outline routine checks and drills for School Bus Safety Week
Summary
Centennial SD 28J transportation staff described pre-trip inspections, air-brake testing, emergency-exit checks and student-rider rules during a presentation marking National School Bus Safety Week, and said failed brake tests take buses out of service for repair.
Suzanne, director of transportation for Centennial SD 28J, told attendees during a School Bus Safety Week presentation that the district treats bus safety as an ongoing priority and will hold evacuation drills this week. "Every week is School Bus Safety Week for us here in Centennial," she said.
An unidentified district driver walked through the department's pre-trip inspection routine, saying staff first check vehicles for visible damage, tire abrasions and secure components before moving to the engine. "We check oils. All of the levels in the engine are full," the driver said.
The staff member said the district conducts brake tests on mostly air-brake systems and does not use any vehicle that fails inspection. "If our air brakes do not pass, then we do not use that vehicle," the driver said, adding that mechanics then work on the bus until it meets safety standards.
Staff also check emergency-exit doors for full functionality and verify lights used during student pick-up and drop-off. The driver described amber-light procedures as part of normal pick-up and drop-off operations.
Suzanne said the department's drivers are "trained to the highest standards per Oregon Department of Education," and reminded riders to follow bus rules — listen to the driver, stay seated and use kind words — to help keep everyone safe. She closed by thanking attendees for learning about the transportation department's work.
Students will complete evacuation drills this week as part of the district's safety program.
