CCSD Board Of Education Reviewed And Discussed Students’ Behavior On Busses

After hearing a presentation from the Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Transportation Director on current challenges being seen with the department, the Board of Education reviewed the student conduct policy during Monday night’s meeting. Board members questioned whether behaviors seen by students contributed to the shortage of bus drivers and were looking to do their part to change that. The policy now states that the first infraction receives a verbal warning from the bus driver, the second is a discipline referral and a conference with students and parents, the third infraction is a five-school day suspension from riding the bus, and the fourth is privileges revoked for the remainder of the school year. Board member Jill Johnston says the district needs to tighten the reigns up on this policy.

Johnston asked for clarification on what happens during and after the second infraction with a conference with the students. Answers varied among school administrators, saying some reviewed camera footage with the student but allowed them to go back onto the bus. In contrast, others were assigned seats right behind the bus driver until further notice and were escorted by the principals out onto the bus. Board member Duane Horsley asked if the language could be changed on the fourth infraction to revoke privileges up to the rest of the school year to give more leeway for the not-as-serious behaviors. Board member Jim Friel questioned if they could align with the sports behavior conduct and change it to per semester. Johnston says she believes behaviors on the bus need stricter and longer consequences.

Discussions were had about hiring a bus monitor position or asking teaching assistants to ride to help supervise. Many administrators say that would be a lot to ask of the T.A.s as they would be putting in almost 12 hours days, from starting on a bus route at 6:30 a.m., working the school day, then a p.m. bus route until 5:30 p.m. While no action was taken at Monday night’s meeting, the board of education will review the policy again at future meetings, hoping to have a new procedure ready to be implemented at the beginning of next semester.