Board adopts local policy allowing in‑house bus‑driver training under new state rules

The board adopted a new local policy authorizing in‑house annual training for district bus drivers, in response to a state change that allows districts to waive state classroom training only if a local board policy exists and is renewed annually.

Speaker 9 (identified in the meeting as Jason and representing transportation) described how DMACC’s scheduling and limited class offerings have complicated driver training; the local policy will permit the district to run an in‑house training program based on the state’s materials and to sign a district waiver where appropriate. Speaker 9 said the policy is not a substitute for CDL requirements, DOT physicals or other federal/state licensing; it covers only the department’s annual training requirement.

Board members asked who can serve as a trainer and whether staff will be paid for training time; Speaker 9 said trainer requirements are minimal under the current state rule and the district pays drivers for the three hours of annual training. The board discussed operational benefits and potential liability considerations; the motion to adopt the policy was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Speaker 3 noted a wording change (replace “shall” with wording reflecting options) that Speaker 9 agreed to incorporate for the second reading, and the board confirmed this is a new policy that will follow the normal second‑reading process.

The district will post the policy and procedures and bring any editorial changes for second reading as required.