Articles/News with Iowa tag

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2 bus drivers die in Iowa, New Mexico incidents
April 11, 2013
An Iowa school bus driver passes away after suffering a medical emergency during his route, but officials say that he pulled the bus over safely and no students were injured. The incident follows the death of another driver in New Mexico, where a bus went off of a road and down an embankment.
Iowa testing student detection systems for school buses
April 1, 2013
A system from Rostra Precision Controls Inc. and a system from National Patent Analytical Systems Inc. are undergoing evaluation for potential installation on school buses in the state to help prevent danger zone injuries and fatalities. The installation of such a system is a goal of the Smile BIG Foundation, which was founded in honor of Justin Bradfield. Bradfield was killed in a 2011 danger zone accident.
New school bus inspector hired in Iowa
March 15, 2013
Joe Funk takes over duties for inspecting school buses in the western region of the state. He joins inspector Verlan Vos and replaces Owen Freese, who recently retired from the position. A school bus inspection fee increase that is awaiting final approval will allow the Iowa Department of Education to hire one more inspector.
Police: Snowballs lead to two-bus crash
March 5, 2013
Students in Sioux City, Iowa, pelt a school bus with snowballs as it leaves a high school, according to police. The school bus stops suddenly, and a transit bus is unable to stop in time and rear-ends the school bus.
Iowa bus inspection fee to increase, pending governor approval
February 5, 2013
The state Board of Education approves the proposal to increase the fee from $28 to $40, which will enable the state to hire an additional school bus inspector. As the change awaits approval from the office of the governor, state pupil transportation director Max Christensen tells SBF that “the increase is vitally important to keeping a viable school bus inspection process in the state of Iowa.”
Iowa study probes stop-arm safety measures
January 4, 2013
The report, required by last year's "Kadyn's Law," analyzes ways to potentially reduce illegal passing of school buses, including stop-arm cameras. Researchers find that home-side loading should be encouraged as a best practice but not required.
Veteran Iowa school bus inspector retires
January 2, 2013
Owen Freese, a longtime inspector with the Iowa Department of Education, stepped down from his post on Dec. 31. He will now serve as executive director of the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association.
Driver safely stops bus after plywood shatters windshield
November 5, 2012
As Neil Reichenbach is traveling west in his bus on a highway and meets a truck traveling east, he says the plywood “flew off.” It strikes the bus, and the windshield wraps around Reichenbach, who manages to get to the side of the road.
Iowa DOT unveils school bus safety page on website
October 25, 2012
The page includes information on the danger zone around a school bus, the state law and penalties for illegally passing a stopped bus, driver training resources and more.
Iowa district votes against transportation cuts
September 25, 2012
Davenport Community Schools board members vote 4 to 2 against the cuts, which would have expanded walk zones, eliminated paid-conditional busing and ended bus rides to babysitters and child care facilities. The district faces the task of cutting $3 million from its budget next school year.
Iowa adopts increased sanctions for illegal bus passing
August 15, 2012
The emergency administrative rule that took effect on Wednesday provides that a person’s driving privilege in the state will be suspended 30 days for a first conviction, 90 days for a second conviction and 180 days for a third or subsequent conviction. The rule adopted by the Iowa Department of Transportation is in response to the provisions of “Kadyn’s Law,” which was signed by Gov. Terry Branstad earlier this year.
2 school bus inspectors win key Iowa award
August 6, 2012
Owen Freese and Verlan Vos, who have both been inspecting Iowa’s school buses for 13 years, receive the prestigious Tom Horn Memorial Award. Though they initially encountered suspicion and anger when they started scrutinizing fleets, state pupil transportation director Max Christensen says that they persevered and have become "the best delegates of good will" in their agency.
Veteran Iowa director Chris Darling to retire
June 14, 2012
Chris Darling, director of operations at Fort Dodge Community School District, will leave his post next week after 21 years with the district and more than 27 years in the industry. He discusses his career with SBF, including changes he implemented at the district. Friend and colleague Max Christensen, Iowa’s state director of pupil transportation, weighs in on Darling’s contributions to the industry.
Iowa mandates school bus driver background checks
April 10, 2012
Gov. Terry Branstad signs legislation that requires employers to review the Iowa court information system, as well as the sex offender registry and central registries for child abuse and dependent adult abuse, for information regarding applicants. State director Max Christensen shares with SBF his views on the new law, which also requires checks every five years once applicants are hired.
Iowa governor signs illegal bus passing bill
March 19, 2012
Under the legislation, which takes effect immediately, drivers face a fine of up to $675 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. Max Christensen, executive officer of school transportation at the Iowa Department of Education, discusses the provisions of the law with SBF and also provides an update on additional statewide efforts to combat the problem of stop-arm running.
Iowa illegal bus passing bill advances
March 5, 2012
The state Senate unanimously passes legislation that would increase the fine for passing a stopped school bus from $200 to up to $675 and also calls for up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. The bill is named after Kadyn Halverson, who was struck and killed by a pickup truck last year as she was walking across a road to board her school bus.
Iowa governor supports stricter illegal bus passing penalties
January 25, 2012
Loved ones of Kadyn Halverson, who was killed by a pickup truck as she was walking to board her school bus, have been lobbying legislators to pass a bill on the subject. Gov. Terry Branstad has asked the state departments of public safety, education and transportation to work with lawmakers to craft the legislation.
Iowa district purchases school bus company
July 5, 2011
The Ogden Community Schools board approved the purchase of the district's longtime contractor, Stumbo Transportation, for $360,300 after owner Doug Stumbo announced his plan to retire this year. The district took over service on July 1. Superintendent of Schools Bill Roederer tells SBF he believes the district will save money in the long term by running its transportation department and school buses.
Details released on Iowa school bus technician competition
January 24, 2011
The Third Annual “Best of the Best” competition will be held on April 16. Technicians will complete a written exam and a hands-on component; the winner will go on to participate in the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s “America’s Best” competition later this year.
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