Bus Driver Management and Investigations

By John T. Morrison Investigator West Virginia Department of Education (304)

WV Department of Education Office of School Transportation The Office of School Transportation acts as the agency for the Department of Education is charged with providing safe and efficient school transportation for all public students in West Virginia. – Responsible for issuing annual certification of school bus operators. – Provides technical assistance to the counties’ transportation offices – Drafts State Board regulations and standards for school buses, school bus operators and student transportation – Inspects school buses. – Promote school bus safety programs.

WV Department of Education Office of School Transportation Drivers are hired by local county board of education. – Physical required annually – Criminal background check required for first time hired – DMV Report annually – Request for issuance of license to WV DOE, Office of School Transportation – Commercial drivers license required – 52 hours for trainees; 12 hours annual in- service training for re-certification

WV Department of Education Office of School Transportation Applicant completes a Bus Operator Disclosure Form –..\Bus Operators Disclosure Form.docx..\Bus Operators Disclosure Form.docx If there’s criminal history – Applicant is required to produce court documents detailing disposition of charges. – Required to write a narrative explaining the criminal charges.

WV Department of Education Office of School Transportation Criminal History cont. – Failure to provide court documents or submitted a narrative, result in license being denied as incomplete. No hearing – If license is denied for cause, then entitled to a hearing before a review panel. Review panel makes recommendation to State Superintendent

WV Department of Education Office of Legal Services Involved if there are issues with background of applicant for bus operator’s license. – Investigator involvement Involved if there is a denial of licensure and hearing requested – Attorney involvement

Investigations of Bus Operators Investigations are conducted on Bus Operators when there’s – A criminal arrest Applicant arrested for sexual assault of a 4 year old Arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs – Complaint regarding safe operation of bus Operator causing students in rear of bus to fly off seat..\Bus Drivers\bus 48.avi..\Bus Drivers\bus 48.avi

Investigations of Bus Operators – Traffic Accidents – Complaint regarding inappropriate conduct Operator attempting to have sexual relations with student..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 1.pdf..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 1.pdf Operator attempting a romantic relationship..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 2.pdf,..\Bus Drivers\Keith the bus driver.pdf..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 2.pdf..\Bus Drivers\Keith the bus driver.pdf – Operator not following safety procedures..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 5.pdf..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 5.pdf

Rationale for Investigations To provide a safe environment for students and employees To comply with Federal and State mandates and policies To avoid civil liability To have a process to determine the merits of a complaint It is the “Right Thing To Do”!