SALEM, Ore. — Safety and efficiency have increased at Salem-Keizer Public Schools, which had numerous transportation-related developments over the past year.

Michael Shields, the district’s director of transportation, took on an additional area of responsibility: auxiliary services, which is a new department that covers warehouse, reprographics, mail and delivery services.

The transportation department revised all school bell times, which Shields said reduced the number of routes without causing problems or service interruptions.

The district now has 100% of its fleet equipped with digital video recorders. Also, Shields said that students figured out a gap in bus camera coverage, so a fourth interior camera is being added to buses.

Salem-Keizer is also adding route identification numbers on the exterior of buses, and website access was added for parents to find route information.

Three Salem-Keizer transportation team members were elected to Oregon Pupil Transportation Association state and chapter boards: Operations Manager Janet Mauldin, Head Mechanic David Farley and Secretary Kris Freeman.

Finally, a couple of positive statistics: Salem-Keizer reduced accidents by 23% over the past two years, and road calls were reduced for all vehicles by 38.4% compared to the previous year.

Other recent articles related to efficiency:

• Minn. district targets efficiency, saves $500K per year

• Districts join forces, cut costs