New York District’s School Bus Training Targets Diverse Safety Topics

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — A variety of topics were on tap for Shenendehowa Central Schools’ safety meeting last month.

During the Aug. 22 meeting, 278 members of the district’s transportation department trained on issues including distracted driving, dealing with middle school students, seizures, hazard communication, and bloodborne pathogens. Also, Deputy Ken Cooper, school resource and emergency liaison at the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, gave a presentation on what to do in the case of an active shooter on the school bus.

Also during the meeting, the Shenendehowa Central Schools transportation department presented awards for perfect attendance and employee of the year. Another honor that went to a Shenendehowa transportation team member was the Cyr Foundation and New York Association for Pupil Transportation’s (NYAPT’s) School Bus Driver of the Year. The 2018 award went to Shenendehowa school bus driver Gary Patenaude. He also received a proclamation from the New York State Senate recognizing him as the recipient of the award.

The Cyr Foundation and NYAPT School Bus Driver of the Year award is based on multiple criteria, including overall excellence, continuity of service, participation in safety competitions, participation in local school or community events, special involvement with student riders, exemplary or heroic action, and training.

Shenendehowa Central Schools started school on Wednesday. With 187 route buses, the district is ranked No. 97 on this year’s Top 100 School District Fleets list, which will appear in the upcoming October issue of SBF.