District explains bus tablets, driver certification timeline and limits on volunteer drivers

Michelle Breuder, the district’s transportation supervisor, briefed the board on technology and certification requirements for bus drivers and explained how staffing and testing constraints limit the district’s ability to use occasional volunteer drivers.

Breuder said the district has installed tablets on buses that provide audio navigation and cannot be interacted with while the bus is in motion; the tablets will help substitutes and drivers sent to unfamiliar routes. She also reviewed certification steps: HR clearance, DMV procedures to obtain a commercial learner’s permit, about six to eight weeks of behind-the-wheel and pre-trip training supervised on routes, testing by a certified tester and an additional 9–10 weeks of supervised work before a driver typically operates independently. Drivers must keep first aid and CPR current and receive paid on-the-road training time.

Board members asked about volunteers who have offered to drive for events. Breuder said volunteers must be immediately available for random drug and alcohol testing and present for last-minute route assignments; because volunteers who are not regularly on call may be out of town or otherwise unavailable, the district is limited in how it can rely on volunteers for regular service. She said the Oregon Department of Education permits 3–4 hours per day of supervised training time on route and that the district provides the remainder of required instruction.

Breuder and the board also discussed communications tools for families: the district uses a bus-tracking app (StopFinder) and ParentSquare for route updates and late-notice alerts.

No policy change or vote occurred at the session; board members requested clearer materials in advance of regular meetings and follow-up information about enrollment and staffing comparisons.