The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education approved and adopted a new policy for student conduct on transportation, giving administrative staff the authority to suspend bussing privileges after one discipline referral. The conversation about updating the policy came to light after board members brainstormed with administrative staff and the transportation department on ways to recruit and retain drivers for the district. Board members were shocked to discover that it took up to four infractions, per the old policy, for administrative staff to be able to suspend a student off the bus. Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau says the new policy decreases the number of infractions from four to two for a suspension to be implemented.
Berlau is referring to the new language adopted in the policy, stating that riding privileges can be revoked up to the remainder of the year, depending on the severity of the infraction. Old policy had the third infraction set at a 5-day suspension, regardless of the severity, and the fourth infraction privileges revoked for up to the remainder of the year. Director of Student Services Crystal Boes, also serving as interim middle school principal, says transportation policy aligns more with building policies to keep it consistent across the board.
The first infraction will result in a behavior referral logged into Infinite Campus, and parents will be notified to keep communication open between the driver, the respective principal, and the parents. Berlau says the district is also looking to create a bus monitor position that would assist the driver by supervising the students.
Right now, the district is looking to add a bus monitor position for individuals already employed at CCSD who were or are able to add a few additional hours to their work day. It was motioned to approve the policy update and waive the second and third readings, adopting and implementing the resolution. Parents will receive information about the updates soon. Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to contact Transportation Director Jen Dentlinger or Berlau. Contact information is included below.
Jen Dentlinger: JDentlinger@carrolltigers.org
712-792-8050
Casey Berlau: CBerlau@carrolltigers.org
712-792-8001
