Welcome!
We are overjoyed to publish the Pupil Transportation News again after a 4-year hiatus. We will be releasing the newsletter in the spring, fall and winter.
To our directors, drivers, technicians, trainers and anyone with a commercial driver's license (CDL) that have stepped up in the past couple of years, THANK YOU! Your unwavering dedication to the students of Kentucky has not gone unnoticed.
When everyone was at home, you were on the roads delivering meals, homework, supplies, smiles and anything else that was needed. When there were floods and tornados, you assisted with evacuations and provided comfort and safety to your community. When school started back up, you were there to greet the students and let them know that everything was going to be OK. You did not stop; you marched on and provided service like no other.
Welcome to all the new Directors that have joined these past two years. Be sure to reach out to fellow Directors for assistance. The Kentucky Department of Education and your fellow Directors are here to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure to attend as many trainings and conferences as you can.
Available trainings and conferences will be posted in the newsletter and are sent to your district email address. We look forward to meeting you at the various trainings that are being provided this summer.
Director Training Class
There will be a New Transportation Director Training Class on June 28-30. This three-day class will provide a lot of information and give you guidance in various areas. We also will ensure you know where to locate information and documentation for yourself and your staff.
Up to 22.5 hours of Effective Instructional Leadership Act credits will be given. You must be in the class the entire day from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET, with a 1-hour lunch.
The class is currently limited to 75 people. Register for the New Transportation Director training class online.
For more information, email Elisa Hanley or call (502)-564-5279, ext. 4406.
New Driver Trainer Instructor Workshops
Many Driver Trainer Instructor Workshops will be available this summer. Any director who would like to audit the class is welcome to do so. This is a great opportunity to understand a driver trainer's responsibilities.
View the new Driver Trainer Instructor workshop schedule. Sign up early to save your spot.
There is a list of hotels on the SharePoint Driver Training webpage for quick reference of overnight options. Call ahead for rates.
New Inspector Class
Any district that needs to have a new inspector trained will need to submit a training request. Classes will be provided on an as-needed basis.
Inspectors require a minimum of two years of heavy truck or school bus experience and need to have a Class B commercial driver's license. There are two parts to the class: 8 hours of online classroom and hands-on. The online class is broken into two days.
For more information, email Carl Meehan or call (502)-564-5279, ext. 4442.
Monthly Inspection Forms
The monthly inspection forms for Buses, Board Owned Vehicles (BOV) and Privately Owned Vehicles (POV) have been updated.
KDE has incorporated feedback from school districts. The documents use a fillable PDF format for those who use online record keeping. However, if you prefer to print it out, you can still do so. The KDE format for the BOV and POV forms are not required. However, there must be some type of documentation for these vehicles showing they have been inspected.
View the revised inspection forms online.
For more information, email Carl Meehan or call (502)-564-5279, ext. 4442.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
ELDT went live in February and we are rolling with the changes. Many districts are listed as public on the Training Provider Registry (TPR) search page. Directors can change it to private in the “manage locations” tab.
There are a few items of interest while inputting driver information into the TPR. Nothing is uploaded to the TPR. Everything is entered on the TPR website. It’s imperative that you keep your paperwork as required for confirmation that the ELDT curriculum was completed.
Make sure your dates are correct. It will give a notification or flag, if the dates entered are past the two-day period entry requirement. Double check and enter the required information after theory and behind the wheel.
It’s a learning process for everyone. The tutorial from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration didn’t go into much detail on how to enter the information. I want to thank Bell, Floyd and Jefferson counties for communicating the process to us so we could help others.
It’s a busy time at KDE, but if you have issues with the TPR, call or email me and we will get you on track.
Thank you for all you do,
Joe Shepherd
(502) 564-5279 Ext. 4411
Stop Arm Violation Survey
 While school buses remain incredibly safe, we all know that students are most vulnerable when they are outside the bus in the “danger zone.”
Once again, Kentucky assisted the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services in conducting a national survey to document illegal passing of school buses. The data is used to help improve safety countermeasures at the state and national level. This data also provides information to legislators as we try to strengthen laws and regulations on illegal passing.
KDE asked for your assistance in gathering data for instances of motorists illegally passing school buses. School districts put volunteers on as many buses as possible on each of their runs for the day and collected the total number of illegal pass-bys. Thank you for your assistance with this endeavor.
As soon as this data is tallied and verified, it will be shared with all Directors. We ask that you share the information with your driver trainers to assist with training topics.
Driver Database Access
As part of an ongoing effort to improve data security, KDE wants to remove any district users who are inactive within the district. Please review your list of district users in the KDE Driver Database and email Monica Napier with any changes.
Driver Records
Over the past year, KDE consultants have visited almost every district in Kentucky. They have seen numerous occasions of uncertified drivers driving students.
DO NOT add uncertified drivers to the KDE Driver Database if they have not completed all required training and documentation is complete. If the information is not entered and the driver has an accident, you are liable. If drivers have not completed their Driver Reviews, they are not certified and can be decertified going forward.
Driver trainers who fail to ensure everything is properly documented and filed may be decertified. It is not just paperwork. If a driver has an accident, this is proof that the proper training was provided and that they are current with all state and federal requirements.
Driver Review II and III
Driver Review II and III have been the most missed items over the past 12 months. KDE knows that COVID-19 had a lot to do with dates being off, however, it is unacceptable to not complete the reviews.
The new driver trainer manual outlines the guidelines that were implemented in 2019. It states that each driver must complete the Driver Review II, "after 30 days and within 45 days of completing the Driver Review I, or after 45 days of the start of school if the driver was trained during the summer.” Remember, the whole purpose of Driver Review II is to make sure drivers are not starting bad habits. This is the best time to break those habits.
Driver Review III must be, “completed within three (3) to six (6) months of the Driver Review II.” There is no reason these should not be done. Drivers will be decertified until complete if they are not done.
It is imperative that driver trainers keep accurate records and know when a driver must complete their training. If training is not completed and a driver is driving, they may be decertified on the spot. Do not take the chance!
Items Added to a School Bus
As a reminder, only items that are in the School Bus Specifications Manual are able to be added to the school bus. If something is in the most current manual and you want to add it to your bus, you must reach out to the OEM to ensure it is installed properly for the year, make and model of your bus.
Trashcans are one of the newest items that have been added. Not all school buses are able to have a trash can due to the way they are designed. You must verify with your OEM/dealer that you are installing it properly.
Per the specifications manual, “No other wording, symbols or signs may be placed on any Kentucky school bus, inside or out, other than what is listed in the Kentucky Minimum Specifications for School Buses.” This includes students’ names above the seats.
If you have questions, email Carl Meehan or call (502)-564-5279, ext. 4442.
NAPT Certification
It has been several years since anyone in Kentucky has received an National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) certification. By becoming certified, you're entitled to use a designation that recognizes your accomplishment and commitment to the profession.
This unique professional status will be shared with the membership of NAPT and with prospective employers, when requested. In addition, your name, certification status and pertinent data will be included in the Register of Certified Pupil Transportation Personnel, which will be available upon request to individuals responsible for recruiting professional talent in the student transportation field.
KDE Consultant Chris Rippy is a certified Director of Pupil Transportation, Certified Pupil Transportation Specialist and Certified Pupil Transportation Driving Instructor. Chris Schadler of Walton-Verona Independent Schools is a certified Director of Pupil Transportation. If you have any questions regarding the program and its value, they will be happy to answer questions.
What better way is there to expand your knowledge and receive recognition than receive a national certification for what you do? Find additional information on the NAPT Education webpage.
NAPT currently offers four professional certification categories:
- Director of Pupil Transportation
- Supervisor of Pupil Transportation
- Pupil Transportation Specialist
- Certified in Special Needs Transportation
NAPT Professional Development Series
For those who are not quite ready for their certification, NAPT has a Professional Development Series with more than 40 courses that serve as the foundation for the professional certifications. NAPT will maintain a record for you should you ever decide to take your professional development further. Topic areas include: Orientation, Communications, Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Physical Resource Management, Operations/Systems Management, Leadership, Special Education and Emergency Management.
Professional Development Series courses are offered during the Annual NAPT Conference, online or can be brought to Kentucky through the state associations if enough people are interested. For more information, go to the Professional Development Series webpage.
Employee Years of Service Recognitions
 Devonna Driver has worked for Warren County Public Schools for 32 years!
Employee Above & Beyond Recognition
 By Chip Jenkins, Director of Transportation for Warren County Public Schools
Jackie Jordon, our senior driver trainer, has stepped in a couple of times this school year to help run the training department due to the manager being out for personal and family illnesses.
She dug in her heels and contacted potential driver applicants and got them on board during this critical time. Jordon helps her team members become rock stars when they get the job done in our hiring process. This is allows us some breathing room on getting our transportation department closer to operating at full capacity on our routes.
Employee Above & Beyond Recognition
By Rob Richey, Director of Transportation for Lyon County Public Schools
Shanda Melton serves as our transportation coordinator and driver trainer. She has worked in our Transportation Department for 16 years and served in an administrative capacity for the past six years.
Melton regularly goes above and beyond for our students and schools. She is the first person to substitute for a driver when one is needed. She organizes all of our extracurricular trips and coordinates the drivers.
Melton also serves as our driver trainer and handles all of the paperwork and data entry required. She maintains all of our driver records and coordinates driver drug screenings, physicals and background checks. She often works from 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. as she does her normal job and serves as a substitute driver.
Melton monitors our fuel consumption and serves as a liaison between the drivers and the director. She is always working to make sure that our transportation department works efficiently and appropriately. She is the glue that holds all of the pieces together. The Lyon County transportation department owes a great deal of gratitude to Shanda Melton for being such a dedicated employee.
Murray Independent School Bus Drivers Headed To Mayfield After Tornado Hit
 Chris Jones (from left), Jay Bordeaux, Rachelle Jones, Mark Wells and Megan Fisher
By Jay Bordeaux, Director of Transportation for Murray Independent Schools
Early in the morning on Dec. 11, 2021, at around 12:30 a.m., I received a phone call from Alan Jones, Director for Air Lift, asking me if I could get five buses to help transport tornado victims in Mayfield as soon as possible. I immediately made four phone calls and without hesitation, I had four volunteers: Chris Jones, Megan Fisher, Rachelle Jones and Mark Wells who were on the road by 1 a.m.
We drove in pouring, windy rain with no electricity to light the streets, not knowing what to expect. They sent us to Graves County High School. We waited for a while and then we were sent to Mayfield High School. We transported senior citizens to Lone Oak, roughly 20 miles north of Mayfield.
After returning, we stayed at the high school until 6 a.m., when we were told we were no longer needed and returned to Murray. I am so proud of my team to go out in the middle of the night to help our neighbors in need. They are true heroes driving in the middle of the night to help our fellow Kentuckians at a moment’s notice!
The Longest Night
By Angela Bell, Assistant Director of Transportation for Mayfield Independent Schools
This particular December Friday at the Mayfield City School bus garage was like most others. Everyone was excited for the weekend; no one was really concerned about the rain and high winds that had been predicted for later that night. We all said our goodbyes and left to start our weekend.
When the rain first started there was nothing unusual. Then all of a sudden, the wind started whipping in a way that was not “usual” and sirens started blaring in the distance. Panic and fear set in. I gathered my family into our bathroom and started pacing from window to door, door to window, looking for any inkling as to what was to come.
My family was texting each other to make sure each family was all right. With the wind still whipping like crazy, a picture came through that put me in a state of disbelief. Where once stood my brother’s home was nothing but a trace of the foundation.
As my immediate family huddled together staring at our phones, trying to make sense of what had happened, my thoughts suddenly went into panic mode. Was my brother and his family injured? We had seen what the storm had done to the house, but what about them? After what seemed an eternity, they replied that there were no injuries, just very scared from the aftermath of the storm and realizing their home was gone.
I jumped as my phone rang. It was the emergency management team calling to see if we could get school buses and help with evacuations. The courthouse was collapsing and the candle factory already had collapsed, leaving hundreds of workers trapped in the debris. There were mass injuries and they needed to be evacuated to the nearest hospitals and help facilities.
My mind was racing, wondering what to do first. My first priority was to get to my brother and his family and evacuate them to safety. Then I headed from my house in Farmington to my hometown to see if I could get buses to help transport the injured.
My son and I rushed to my car to pick up my brother and his family. He only lived 8 miles from me, but the devastation I witnessed turn after turn was horrifying as roads were blocked by debris, trees, cars and pieces of homes – pieces of family’s lives. I COULDN’T GET TO MY FAMILY!
I started to feel overwhelming feelings of rage and anger, fear and anxiety. I knew I had to push my feeling aside to be able to do what needed to be done. I finally made it to my brother and his family. Everyone was scared but uninjured. My family was safe.
When we arrived home my thoughts became focused on what was to come next. I quickly changed clothes and started to head to the door. My niece said where are you going? Her voice filled with concern. I quickly told her my family is safe now I need to see if I can help anyone else. She gave me a hug that was unlike any other and I headed out.
As I made my way through what used to be my hometown, it became really hard to navigate because all of our landmarks and street signs were gone. I made it to a point where I couldn’t go any farther in my vehicle, so I headed out on foot. The bus garage was just a couple of blocks away, but I could not see it yet. All of the electricity was off and I was utterly unprepared for what I was walking in to.
Using my cell phone for light, I trekked about a mile over trees and debris to finally reach the garage. Complete shock ran through me. Half of our bus garage was gone. Buses were overturned and there was a huge set of power lines draped over the fence and gate. I must have stood there for at least five minutes before my brain kicked in with what I needed to do.
I first made a call to Superintendent Joe Henderson to tell him the news of what I just discovered. My next call, which broke my heart, was to a member of the emergency management team. At this point it all became surreal and we wept together. Telling her what shape our bus garage was in and that we would not be able to get our buses out to help left me feeling devastated. Not being able to help to transport the wounded. Not being able to transport people away from danger as I had for my own family.
After the phone calls, the Transportation Director Randy Smith arrived on foot. He also was not able to drive through town. We had decided the best course of action for us was to make our way to the high school, which had become a shelter.
As we looked around, there were people in the debris trying to get to a safe place, first responders trying to help and people who were just out looking. It was difficult to get anywhere before, now it had become arduous. When we arrived at the high school, there already were a lot of teachers, faculty and staff there to help the survivors. Randy and his wife decided to stay at the high school and help; I headed out to find the emergency management team, which was at the Community Financial Services Bank at 45 and the Dick Castleman Bypass.
When I arrived, there were buses there! The McCracken County school district had arrived with their buses to help transport the wounded and stranded. Their amazing team of drivers helped transport people all night into the next day. The McCracken County bus drivers need to be recognized for their bravery in Mayfield’s time of need. I only saw a few of their faces and I don’t know any of their names, but THANK YOU.
McCracken County helped Mayfield out so much that night, but all our surrounding counties pulled together to help us get through the days that followed. Calloway County, Carlisle County, Dawson Springs Independent, Graves County, Hickman County, Livingston County, Lyon County, Marshall County, Murray Independent and Trigg County provided buses for our day-to-day routes; some are providing transportation for our out-of-district students, some provided parts to repair our buses and others have even donated money or their time. There are no words that can express or convey the gratitude for what they have done for our town and district.
Thank you for helping us in our time of need and showing us what coming together for each other looks like.
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