2021-2022 | CLASS ACT 31
Here Comes the Bus!
Every school day, nearly 30,000 students ride to
and from campus aboard CCSD school buses.
The buses run almost 2,000 routes totaling over
26,000 miles daily-- more than 4 million miles
annually.
The CCSD Transportation Department sets routes and
assigns drivers for those routes, but also oversees extensive
safety training for drivers and operates its own bus
shops with ASE-certified technicians.
“Our bus drivers and technicians are very passionate
about the students they serve,” Transportation Director
Jim Georges said of the 550-person department. “Safety
is of the utmost concern at all times.”
The Department has earned the prestigious National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue
Seal of Excellence, and in 2015 was one of the first school
systems in the State to obtain this level of certification.
This recognition program is the National standard for
outstanding transportation maintenance departments
and companies; ASE is an independent non-profit organization
that since 1972 has worked to improve the quality
of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying
automotive professionals.
In order to earn this recognition, at least 75 percent of
the organization’s service staff must be ASE certified, and
each area of service must be overseen by at least one
ASE-certified professional. In addition to passing an ASE
Certification test, automotive technicians must have two
years of on the job training or one year of on the job
training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to
qualify for certification. To remain ASE certified, professionals
must be retested every five years. Currently 90%
of maintain ASE certification.
Every CCSD school bus is inspected and undergoes
maintenance at least once every 20 days by this staff of
ASE-certified technicians.
CCSD’s school bus drivers are trained in advance of
and throughout the school year to ensure each is prepared
to best serve students and respond to emergencies.
Drivers not only know best practices for operating
their vehicle – which include inspecting it before and after
every trip – but also learn first-aid, bus management and
other tools for success. Students must follow the same
code of conduct on school buses as they do in the classroom,
and drivers study up to ensure adherence.
The State requires drivers complete 12 hours of
instruction, six hours of driving without students, and six
hours of driving with students; but CCSD exceeds the
requirements by providing 50 hours of training.
In the days before the start of the school year, CCSD’s
school buses can be spotted running their routes. One
practice run with their bus is required, but many drivers
practice additional times in their own vehicles.
Other safety requirements include annual bus inspections
and training sessions led by State officials each
summer, which provide an additional layer of safety and
knowledge for the Department.
In April, Mr. Georges completed education and
testing to be Certified Director of Pupil Transportation
(CDPT) through the National Association for Pupil Transportation
(NAPT). He is one of only 204 certified professionals
recognized nationally by the NAPT. “Professional
certification demonstrates a commitment to the requirements
of one’s job, and participation in additional training
to exemplify your dedication to do the best possible
job in the pupil transportation field. After demonstrating
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