Getting kids to and from schools can be tougher than a LSAT logic problem. Moreover, Possip data shows that transportation is consistently a top concern for parents. We also know that the lack of it can be a barrier to student attendance. Once you’ve got your routes mapped out, you need to consider the other needs for staffing your bus plan. Every hand is on deck to ensure safe, efficient, and responsible student transport.
Possip teammates present a customizable step=by-step plan for school leaders to follow when considering how to staff the campus bus plan.
Small aside before we get to the guide – did you know that students were once hired to drive the school bus? This Education Week article, originally published in 1985, reported that the number of student drivers was declining. Who knew?!?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to figure out and distribute your staff resources for different bus-related roles (only adults, no children called for to fill these roles!).
1. Assess Needs
A. Morning Reception:
- Objective: Ensure students are safely received upon arrival and directed to designated areas or classrooms.
- Assessment: Estimate the number of students arriving by bus and the number of entry points to supervise.
B. Afternoon Dispatch:
- Objective: Organize students by bus routes, ensure they board the correct bus, and manage departures efficiently.
- Assessment: Review bus schedules and student rosters for each route to determine the staffing needed at bus loading zones.
C. Bus Monitors:
- Objective: Maintain order and safety on the bus, assist drivers as needed.
- Assessment: Identify routes with high student volumes, younger students, or those requiring additional support (e.g., students with special needs).
D. Field Trips and After-School Activities:
- Objective: Coordinate transportation for off-campus events and after-school programs.
- Assessment: Forecast the number of trips and after-school activities requiring bus transportation and staff supervision.
2. Role Allocation
A. Morning and Afternoon Duties:
- Assign staff members to supervise entry and exit points, considering their availability around school start and end times.
- Create a rotation schedule to distribute responsibilities evenly throughout the academic year.
B. Bus Monitors:
- Consider training volunteers or hiring additional staff as bus monitors, especially for longer routes or those with younger children.
- Implement a training program focusing on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and effective communication with students and drivers.
C. Field Trips and After-School Activities:
- Designate a coordinator for managing transportation logistics, including booking buses, planning routes, and ensuring staff are assigned to each trip or activity.
- Develop checklists for pre-trip preparations and post-trip evaluations to ensure consistent execution and improvement of transportation plans.
3. Train and Communicate
A. Staff Training:
- Conduct training sessions covering safety protocols, student management strategies, emergency response, and effective communication with drivers and parents.
- Provide specific training for handling special needs students during transportation.
B. Communication Plan:
- Develop clear communication channels between transportation staff, school administrators, and bus drivers.
- Establish protocols for reporting and addressing issues, such as delays, behavioral concerns, or emergencies.
- Explore school bus communication system options.
4. Monitoring and Feedback
- Implement a system for monitoring transportation operations, including staff performance and student compliance with bus rules.
- Regularly collect feedback from staff, students, and parents to identify areas for improvement.
- Schedule periodic reviews of staff roles and responsibilities in transportation plans to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the school community.
5. Parental Involvement
- Inform parents about the roles and responsibilities of staff in student transportation plans.
- Encourage parent feedback on their children’s experiences with school transportation and suggestions for improvement.
Schools can ensure safe, efficient transport by assessing needs and allocating roles. Definitely provide training and clear communication. Collect feedback to make sure the system planned serves students, families, bus drivers, and any staff members involved.
