Transportation Department

George Kales
Supervisor of Transportation


Tom Conner
Assistant
Transportation Director

As the sun rises over the horizon, Lakeland's bus drivers start their day by conducting pre-trip inspections of each of their vehicles. It is only 5:30 am, but they are beginning a day that will extend until well after the sun has set.

The first buses pull out shortly before 6:30 am to begin picking up high school students throughout the 44 square miles that make up the Lakeland Central School District. They continue running throughout the day, picking up and delivering children to one of the District's nine schools, a BOCES program, or a private/parochial school. The entire process is then reversed as the students return home.

This is not the end of the day, though, as many students take part in after-school activities and interscholastic and co-curricular events that keep buses running sometimes as late as 11 p.m. Buses may also be used during the day on special education field trips. A few hours after the last bus is parked, it is time to begin the entire process again.

Lakeland buses can be seen on the road on weekends transporting the District's interscholastic and co-curricular teams. In addition, Lakeland buses are routinely used to transport students on special trips during the school day. During summer months, our buses transport special education students who attend school on a 12-month basis.

Given the changing weather, traffic, and road conditions, it is easy to see the complexities that the Transportation Department deals with each year as they safely transport our students.

The Lakeland School District is proud of its Transportation Department. We invite you to read this booklet and to familiarize yourself with the Lakeland Transportation system. Thank you and have a great year!

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GENERAL INFORMATION

THE DISTRICT

The District first opened its doors in 1952 serving 1,282 students. The population grew, peaking at 8,594 in 1973. It is now at approximately 6,200.

Students are educated at five elementary schools (K-5), a middle school (6-8), two comprehensive high schools (9-12), and the Lakeland Alternative High School.

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THE BUS FLEET

A bus replacement program was started in the District several years ago to provide for the replacement of aging buses with safer, fuel-efficient and more reliable new buses. These new buses reflect the continuing efforts of the District to ensure that the school bus is the safest vehicle in the country. The New York State Department of Transportation oversees school bus construction standards and modifications, school bus inspections (every six months or less), school bus accident investigations and school bus labor hours.

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THE SCHOOL DAY

Regular school hours are as follows:

NOTE: Full-day kindergarten in the Lakeland Central School District began in January 31, 2005
 

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ACTIVITY BUSES

HALF DAY SCHEDULE

At various times during the school year, the District holds half-day sessions to provide time for teachers to work on a variety of curriculum improvement matters and for parent/teacher conferences. The individual buildings will notify parents and guardians of those days during the year. When schools are on a half day schedule, elementary students are dismissed at approximately 11:30 am, grades 6-8 at 12:15 pm and grades 9-12 at 11:00 am. It is especially important that parents check the school calendar to make arrangements for students dismissed early on scheduled half-days.

PRIVATE AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS

The Lakeland School District provides for the transportation of students to private and parochial schools if the distance from home to school is within 15 miles. Parents are required to make transportation requests for non-public schools in writing to the Lakeland Transportation Department by April 1st of each year. Failure to do so may result in your request for transportation being denied.

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SAFETY: OUR TOP PRIORITY

Concern for the safety of our children can be found in the construction of the school bus with its high back seats and familiar blinking lights. Lakeland buses include side stop arms that extend out from the driver's side of the bus and combine with the red flashing lights to alert drivers in front and behind the school bus.

All members of the Lakeland community - from drivers and students to parents and teachers - are important parts of a safe transportation system.

Your children have the right to a safe and enjoyable ride to and from school each day. We consider all children as dear as our own when they are in our care. In Lakeland, we have a great deal of respect and pride in all the professionals who maintain the safe operation of the Transportation Department.

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THE ROLE OF THE STUDENT

• Additionally, no animals, reptiles or large items are allowed on the bus.
• Musical instruments are permitted on the bus as long as they can be securely held on the student's lap.
• Bookbags should not be worn on the back while riding on the bus so that the children sit with their backs against the seat.
• Written permission must be obtained from the school office before riding a different bus or getting off at a different stop due to emergency situations.

REMEMBER Bus riding is a privilege.
The cooperation of everyone in following these simple rules will make the entire bus riding experience a pleasant and safe one for all.

Any student reported by our Transportation Department to the school administrators for misconduct on the school bus will be held responsible for his/her behavior and may be subject to disciplinary action. Drivers use a "Bus Conduct Report" that identifies the violation committed by the student.

Three of these conduct reports generally result in suspension of the student's riding privileges. The final decision is based on such criteria as Board of Education policy the district's Zero Tolerance for Violence Policy, and the severity of the incident and surrounding circumstances.

Buses are now equipped with video cameras that have proven to be very effective in identifying students who behave inappropriately. Parents may be shown the video tape in the presence of school officials to review their child's behavior.

SCHEDULE OF DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
We are concerned about safety and the well being of all Lakeland students. Riders who violate the School Bus Safety Rules may have their school bus privileges suspended. Because we seek to assure uniform treatment of our students, the following Schedule of Disciplinary Actions will be followed throughout the district.

Note: If an offense, even the first, constitutes a serious danger to any individual, then a conference shall be required as outlined under 2nd offense above, and bus privileges may be suspended immediately for a minimum of five (5) days. Any offense may be referred to the superintendent for a Superintendent's hearing.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VIOLENCE POLICY

It is the policy of the Board of Education that violence in any form will not be tolerated in the School District, including in all school buildings, grounds and facilities, on school buses, and at all school activities and events, whether on campus or off campus.

For purposes of this policy, "Violent Act" shall mean any intentional act by a student involving force or the threatened use of force, or an intentional act by a student that supports or assists the use or the threatened use of force:

1. Against any other person or group of persons with the intent to injure, intimidate, harass, physically intimidate or otherwise harm when the act occurs on school premises, during school hours, on a school vehicle or at any school sponsored program, activity, or event.

2. To prevent, inhibit or otherwise interfere with the conduct or operation of any educational or other school sponsored program, activity or event.

If an incident involving a violent act occurs, the Building Principal may use his/her discretion to assign penalties, such as detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension for up to five days, parent notification and/or conferences, warning letters. The Principal may recommend counseling and/or may refer the student for a Superintendent's disciplinary hearing. Repeated incidences of violent acts will result in referral for a Superintendent's disciplinary hearing.

If a violent act occurs in which there is serious injury inflicted or force used, or a student refuses to take redirection from supervisors, the student will be suspended for five days and referred for a Superintendent's disciplinary hearing.

Any single occurrence of a violent act arising from gang conflict, use of weapons, mental condition as a result of drug or alcohol use, third party participation or physical assault will result in a five-day suspension and referral for a Superintendent's disciplinary hearing, and may also result in notification to the police.

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THE ROLE OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

• Help teach your children the importance of good behavior aboard the bus
• Go over the rules and responsibilities of riding the bus with your children
• Ensure that your children are on time in the morning
• Whenever possible, accompany small children to the bus and meet them on their return home
• Work on reducing the number of loose items your children bring on the bus. New York State safety regulations prohibit the transporting of large objects on the bus. These items should be brought to school in a car. Contact your school or the Transportation Department if you have any question about specific items.
• Be sure your child knows the rules and understands the consequences of breaking them. Information given out in the schools contain a more detailed listing of bus discipline procedures. Please take the time to read those procedures.

PLEASE NOTE: Parents of handicapped students should notify the Transportation Office in writing of any physical or medical needs that are appropriate for the proper transportation and safety of your child.

Parents: Help Us Teach Your Child Bus Safety

When safety rules are ignored, people can get hurt. Unfortunately, some people never stop to think about the harm that breaking a rule can cause.

HERE IS A "BIRD'S -EYE" VIEW OF THE BUS. SEE THE DANGER ZONE ALL AROUND THE BUS? IF YOU CAN TOUCH THE BUS, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE!!!

DANGER ZONES

MOST INJURIES AND DEATHS INVOLVING SCHOOL BUSES OCCUR OUTSIDE THE BUS AND BY OWN BUS .

Even though there are mirrors, the driver can't see people close to the bus. Because the bus is so big, car drivers can't see them either. Anyone inside the 'Danger Zone' is in GREAT DANGER! DO YOUR PART TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE GETS ON SAFELY:

1.) ALWAYS STAY OUT OF THE SCHOOL BUS DANGER ZONES. Line up when you see the bus coming. Wait your turn to board the bus. Stand back at least 15 feet to give the bus room to pull over. The tires are the most dangerous part of the bus. Never play near the bus.

2.) USE THE "TEN FOOT RULE" IF YOU HAVE TO CROSS THE STREET WHEN GETTING ON OR OFF THE BUS. Always cross far enough in front of the bus so that you can see the driver's face. Do not cross until the bus driver signals you it is safe. Always look carefully both ways yourself when you have reached the middle of the street. Never return for something you have dropped in the street...get the bus driver's or some other adult's attention..they will help you. And if the bus driver honks the horn while you are crossing, go back to the "safe curb" (the curb you started from) at once. A car could be speeding towards you...remember, not all cars stop for the buses' flashing lights!

3.) ALWAYS STAY IN YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS, UNLESS YOU ARE GETTING OFF THE BUS AND THE BUS IS FULLY STOPPED. Most injuries on a bus are the result of children not being properly seated. Do not sit on your books or your knees. Do not sit with your legs out into the aisle. If the bus has to stop fast, you could be seriously hurt.

4.) KNOW HOW TO EVACUATE THE BUS IN AN EMERGENCY. Your bus driver will explain this to you. Listen closely. In an accident or a fire, you could have to get off the bus quickly, without panicking.

BUS SAFETY IS A TEAM EFFORT OF BUS DRIVER, STUDENT, THE MOTORING PUBLIC, AND THE PARENTS. IF YOU HAVE BUS SAFETY CONCERNS, CALL THE DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION OFFICE AT 528-4445.

Click here to view a larger version of the following crossing information.

Click here for more information on school bus safety zones.

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BUS PASSES

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CHILD CARE

ONE MILLION MILES PLUS!

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ABOUT OUR BUS DRIVERS

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS:

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DRIVER TRAINING

1. Upon completion and acceptance of the above, the new bus driver begins a 80-hour training program with our driver trainers. In addition to behind the wheel driving, the driver takes classroom training in topics such as assertive discipline, school district policies and procedures, NYS Education Dept. and Dept. of Motor Vehicles laws, rules and regulations, driving in inclement weather and special training for students with disabilities.

2. Within their first year of employment, drivers must attend an additional 30-hour Course taught by a certified School Bus Driver Instructor in order to obtain certification by New York State.

3. Every year, school bus drivers must attend two 2-Hour Refresher Courses; one in August and the other in January to review safety concerns, new laws and regulations as well as other pertinent information.

4. Each year every driver must have a medical exam performed by the school physician.

5. Every other year the bus drivers take a written test and a road test. These tests are conducted by our in-house 19A Certified Examiners. Failure of either test requires a driver to enter a re-training program during which time they are not permitted to drive.

6. Every two years all drivers get a Defensive Driving Review.

7. Throughout the year, drivers are subject to random unannounced drug and alcohol testing.

8. Drivers are routinely followed by Supervisory personnel to observe driving skills. We have our own radar equipment and set up our own 'radar traps' to monitor inadvertent speeding.

9. The Transportation Department's open door policy gives the drivers and supervisors an opportunity to discuss problems and safety concerns.

Lakeland drivers all hold a Commercial Drivers License, Class B with a Passenger Endorsement. The CDL program began as a way to sharpen the skills and knowledge of commercial vehicle drivers, including bus drivers, and provide higher standards of safety and training. Under the program, drivers must score at least 80 percent on a 115-question written examination. All new drivers must also take the Commercial Drivers License Road Test conducted by a NY State Department of Motor Vehicles Inspector.

STUDENT TRAINING

The Lakeland Transportation Department has school bus driver student instructors. These instructors go into the schools to teach the students about school bus safety. Students are taught both in the classroom and through hands-on instruction on a school bus.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. What should I do if my child misses the school bus?
If your child misses the bus because of an error on our part, call the Transportation Office and explain the situation to the dispatcher. We will do everything possible to get your child to school. If your child misses the bus because he/she was not at the bus stop on time, you will be responsible for transporting your child. DO NOT FOLLOW THE BUS AND ATTEMPT TO GET THE BUS TO PULL OVER WHILE IT IS ON ITS ROUTE! It is extremely unsafe for the bus to stop along the roadway to board your child. Children walking close to the side of the bus are in danger of getting seriously hurt.

Q. There is a different bus and or driver for my child today, why?
Due to the scheduling of bus repairs and inspections, a spare bus will fill in for your regular bus when it is in the garage. The driver should put a sign in the bus window to indicate the bus number he/she is representing. If your driver is absent there will be a substitute driver to drive your children's bus route. At times you will see a different bus number and a different bus driver. Don't be concerned, this is just a combination of events.

Q. Why don't you pick my children up in front of our house?
The Board of Education has adopted the following policy:
The administration shall be authorized to make changes or extensions in the bus schedules without further action by the Board of Education in situations where the request meets the following criteria:

1. Roads are town accepted and maintained

2. Buses are not required to turn around or there is a satisfactory turn-around point clear of parked cars

3. Mileage from a main route is at least 1/4 mile in the case of elementary pupils and 1/2 mile for secondary pupils

4. No unusual safety hazard exists

 

In the case of handicapped pupils, the administration may make exceptions to those criteria when feasible.

 

Q. What is the transportation policy regarding children let off at the bus stop without a parent or guardian present?
Students in grades 1 through 12 will be let off at the bus stop without a parent or guardian present. Kindergarten students will not be let off the bus unless a parent of guardian is at the stop to meet them. Your child will be returned to the school if a parent or guardian is not at the stop to receive the kindergarten child. You will be responsible for picking your child up from the school. If you do not want to meet your child at the bus stop you must submit a letter directly to the Transportation Supervisor advising of this.

Q. Who is allowed to ride the school bus during the bus route?
For the safety of the students and the bus driver, only students assigned to the bus route are allowed on the bus. Parents, guardians, friends etc. are not allowed to board the bus. If necessary, law enforcement personnel will be called to the bus stop to enforce this policy.

Q. Do I have to stop for a stopped school bus with the red lights flashing on school grounds?
YES! The most dangerous violation of passing a stopped school bus occurs on school grounds while parents and guardians are picking up or dropping off children. The law states you must come to a complete stop when approaching a stopped school bus with it's red lights flashing. This includes when on school property. The fines for passing a stopped school bus were dramatically increased. For a first offense, the penalty is a minimum of $250.00 to a maximum of $500.00 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both and five points on your license. Passing a stopped school bus can cost you a lot of money. But, of course, it can cost much, much more than that.

Q. Am I allowed to take my child off the bus at the school after they board the bus at dismissal time?
No. For the protection of the child, you must get permission from the school's main office. A school official will escort you to the bus and tell the driver that it is all right to release the child to your custody. This may seem extreme, but given the climate of our society, we cannot be too careful when it comes to the welfare of your child.

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THE PRINCIPAL

Together with the Transportation Department, the principal helps resolve any issues regarding the transportation of students. This includes discipline, loading and unloading students, after-school visits, and transportation to special events or field trips during and after school.

The principal's responsibilities also include coordinating and conducting bus safety drills with the drivers during the school year. Education Law requires a minimum of three school bus safety drills to be conducted during the school year. By law these are held during the first week of school in September, between November 1 and December 31, and the final mandatory drill between March 1 and April 30. The drills help emphasize proper bus safety and practices to follow in an emergency, including the use of emergency doors and windows.

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CENTRAL OFFICE

The Central Office also provides an important link to the Board of Education in maintaining policy regarding our Transportation Department.

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THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Each spring voters in the District vote on a budget and elect members to the nine-person Board of Education. Under current state law, if a budget is defeated and the District adopts an austerity budget, the District must limit the transportation of students. Under an austerity budget, the state mandates transportation be provided only for elementary school students living beyond two miles of their school and secondary students living beyond three miles of his/her buildings.

The Board is also responsible for approving the annual bus replacement proposition to be placed before the voters each spring along with the budget.

TRUSTEES 2007-2008
Karen C. Bobay, Vice President
Dr. James B. Carroll, Jr.
Scott P. Carey
Michael Cherchia
Carol Ann Dobson, President
Brian Hugick
Elizabeth Kogler
Steve Korn
Glen P. Malia

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The Superintendent of Schools is notified of the approach of potentially hazardous weather as early as information becomes available, sometimes the day before a storm is to arrive.

Beginning very early in the morning when inclement weather is forecast, the Superintendent is in close contact with the Supervisor of Lakeland's Transportation Department. The supervisor remains in close contact with an area weather service, highway departments and police and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, discussions are held with other school districts to assess conditions in their areas.

The Transportation Supervisor makes recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools who then makes the final decision. The decision to delay or close school is always made with the entire district in mind. The safety of our children is the primary consideration.

If possible, the initial decision is made by 5:30 am and radio stations are notified. The objective is to have the message on the air by 6:00 am. A delayed opening often is the first step taken when hazardous weather conditions threaten while the weather situation continues to be monitored.

In some cases, the weather service may indicate a storm is expected to stop or road conditions improve later in the morning and the District may choose a delayed opening rather than immediate closing. If conditions don't improve, a further delay or closing become necessary and that message is immediately communicated to the radio stations.

STAY TUNED DURING BAD WEATHER

When a delayed opening or a school closing becomes necessary, the District begins a notification process that includes a number of avenues. For parents and guardians, the primary method of notification is the area radio stations. The stations are notified as soon as decisions are made and then make the announcements promptly.

Listen to these following stations for information:

WLNA-AM (1420), WHUD-FM (100.7), WVIP-AM (1310),
WVIP-FM (106.3), WFAS-AM (1230), WBNR-AM(1260) WPUT (1510)

Parents and guardians are urged to listen to the radio. Please do not call the Transportation Department or radio stations directly. It is important that the phone lines remain open to provide efficient communications.

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During delayed openings, bus schedules are delayed as follows; elementary school grades Kindergarten-5 arrive at 9:30 am.

TWO-HOUR DELAY-High schools, 9:30 am; Lakeland Alternative High School, 9:40 am; middle school, 11:10 am; grades Kindergarten-5, 10:30 am.

THREE-HOUR DELAY-High schools, 10:30 am; Lakeland Alternative High School, 10:40 am; middle school, 12:10 p.m.; grades 1-5, 11:30 am.

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It is important that you establish with your child the procedures you would like followed if he or she comes home and finds no one there. Your child should know in advance about telephoning you, using a hidden key, or staying with an approved friend or neighbor.

Check with your individual school to determine the specific procedures (phone chains, etc.) used to notify parents and guardians in case of an emergency. Please cooperate with your schools in providing emergency information at the beginning of each school year and whenever your information changes.

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CLOSINGS AND DELAYS

When winter weather conditions cause delays or school closings, announcements are made over radio stations WLNA-AM (1420), WHUD-FM (100.7), WFAS-AM (1230), WBNR-AM (1260), and WCBS-AM (880) and on the News Channel 12 television channel. Radio and television stations are notified as soon as decisions are made and they make announcements promptly. Listen to these stations for information. Please do not call the stations or the Transportation Department directly.

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Date Last Revised - January 2, 2008