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Bus Driver Management and Investigations. By. John T. Morrison Investigator West Virginia Department of Education (304) 558-3667 jtmorris@access.k12.wv.us. WV Department of Education Office of School Transportation.
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By John T. Morrison Investigator West Virginia Department of Education (304) 558-3667 jtmorris@access.k12.wv.us
WV Department of EducationOffice 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 EducationOffice 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 EducationOffice of School Transportation • Applicant completes a Bus Operator Disclosure Form • ..\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 EducationOffice 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 EducationOffice 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
Investigations of Bus Operators • Traffic Accidents • Complaint regarding inappropriate conduct • Operator attempting to have sexual relations with student ..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 1.pdf • Operator attempting a romantic relationship..\Bus Drivers\Bus Driver 2.pdf, ..\Bus Drivers\Keith the bus driver.pdf • Operator not following safety procedures ..\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”!