In these tough economic times, most school bus drivers consistently show up for work — but some still don’t. After monetary incentives failed to tackle absenteeism, one district learned that some employees need another kind of support.

Topics of debate included a revision that would have made crossing arms mandatory on school buses — delegates rejected the change.

A 2007 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 66 percent of Americans could name their governor.

It’s easy to get mired down in all the bad economic news these days. It’s everywhere and affects nearly everyone. As bad as it seems, there are actually choices for school bus professionals trying to deal with the new economic realities. Acknowledge that the “good ol’ days” have been replaced with a new reality requiring a more energized professional advocacy.

Two school bus operations have been able to secure funding for bus replacements and have managed to expand their transportation service in spite of the current cuts that are being made in pupil transportation.

Even when you can’t afford to pay each employee to sit in a monthly safety meeting, you can look for cracks and crevices in the day where you can insert that safety mantra.

Although the 2013 deadline is a few years away, now is the time to begin planning and budgeting. Here’s an overview of the mandate and how it
may affect your radio system.

Thinking about operating buses powered by these fuels? Take into consideration the possible financial benefits, the space necessary for refueling infrastructure and what type of dispensing equipment suits the fleet, as well as employee safety and training.

If transportation administrators pose these questions before entering into an agreement to share or combine their services, they will avoid a number of problems, including miscommunication among bus drivers, scheduling conflicts and disagreements about student discipline procedures.

Putting an excellent driver behind the wheel of a school bus is the end result of a long search, from putting the call out for qualified candidates to background checks and interviews. Experts weigh in on fine-tuning the process.

Along with details on the latest Type C and D models, we spotlight three exemplary school bus dealerships. Read about their interesting histories, their commitment to the customer and their insights on the 2010 engine technology.

Sixty-five percent of Utah residents surveyed believe that advertising definitely or probably should be allowed on the sides of school buses.

In the February issue, Executive Editor Thomas McMahon described an incident in which a school bus driver was charged with illegally passing another school bus. He asked readers to tell us how they would respond to such an incident at their operation, and what offenses lead to immediate termination.

If a bus catches fire, it can spread quickly. Ohio-based SAS Rubber Co. offers door edges, window and escape-hatch gaskets, and other parts that meet stringent flame and smoke specifications for transit vehicles.

Drivers can help fire and medical services personnel and enhance the safety of their passengers during accidents or other serious incidents by being certified in CPR and first aid. Knowing when a bus evacuation is necessary and establishing a system for identifying the students on the bus are also important.

Although the bombing failed, it brings back to the spotlight the fact that terrorists are seeking to carry out attacks on U.S. soil.

School bus operators use video surveillance systems to resolve disputes and as sources of evidence in accidents or onboard incidents. Some are also using video in training drivers and recovering the costs of vandalism.

After finding that many school bus yards are lacking preventive measures, a security expert details ways to deter would-be vandals and terrorists, from barbed-wired fencing to automated lighting to surveillance systems.

Keeping weapons off of a school bus or defusing the situation if they are brought on board requires ensuring that drivers are in tune with the students they transport, offering a comprehensive training program, and establishing specific policies and procedures for drivers to follow.

I now live far from the Washington, D.C., pressure cooker of my working years. Folks here are not as immersed in the minutia of public policy as those in and around the nation's capital.