John Farr, director of transportation for Oceanside (Calif.) Unified School District (OUSD) has always stressed the importance of innovative training strategies to prepare his drivers for the many challenges they face. To that end, the Oceanside district has developed several original strategies through “best practice” observations, input from other school districts and trial and error over the years. Here are two examples: Collaborative efforts OUSD has worked with neighboring school districts and the regional special-education consortium to develop a special-needs training program for new drivers. The training incorporates input from transportation directors, driver trainers, special-education supervisors and myriad other industry personnel. It can be downloaded at http://www.schoolbusfleet.com/train_1.cfm. Accompanying videotapes can be purchased for $20 by calling (760) 433-0040. In-service extravaganza Farr has also weaved the driver route bidding process into an all-day in-service meeting. The staff is divided into two groups, which alternate between route bidding and attending the four in-service training tracks. The system is based on seniority, and the entire session is highlighted by an outdoor cookout. Farr can be contacted at jfarr@oside.k12.ca.us