1. 2012 State and National Issues Presented to 64 th FAPT Symposium and Trade Show June 26, 2012 Charlie Hood, Director, School Transportation Florida Department of Education

2. School Transportation Management Who Are We, And What Do We Do? Florida Department of Education

3. Our Mission… The School Transportation Management Section provides leadership, assistance, and training for school districts and other clients to ensure safe and efficient transportation of Florida's public school students.

5. Kay Kanupp, Program Specialist Conducts advanced training classes for school district employees who provide training for new school bus drivers and other school personnel. Provides training for school district driver instructors and other supervisors in innovative techniques and current topics and teaching methodologies to use in required annual in- service training programs for school bus drivers, including assisting in development and implementation of annual Driver Trainers/Leadership Workshop. Conducts training of Commercial Driver License master trainers and examiner-trainers. Evaluates effectiveness of course content and methods of instruction used by school districts in their basic and advanced school bus driver training. Manages the School Bus Accident reporting system

6. Terri Egler, Program Specialist Develops, implements, and monitors the state School Bus purchasing contract. Oversees administrative aspects of the School Bus Inspector program. Maintains online inventory database of district school bus information. Notifies districts of vehicle recalls. Manages Profiles data collection for Q-Link annual publication.

7. Jamie Warrington, Program Specialist Joined STMS in February 2007. 13 years in school transportation as a bus operator, dispatcher/supervisor and Sr. Supervisor prior to joining STMS Currently responsible for ESE and Operations technical support and guidance Coordinator for the school district transportation monitoring program Manages the School Bus Driver Motor Vehicle Records System, Hazardous Walking Reporting

8. Katrina Bond, Staff Assistant Joined STMS in 2001 Liaison for leave and property Administer purchase order requisitions Tracks and prepares all aspects of travel Provides customer and staff support

9. 2012 Legislation--Failed HB 19 and SBs 344, 348- To allow districts to sell advertising space on the exterior of school buses; local policies and safeguards required for size, placement, and appropriate content of ads; recent position papers from FAPT and NASDPTS on their websitesHB 19 and SBs 344, 348- To allow districts to sell advertising space on the exterior of school buses; local policies and safeguards required for size, placement, and appropriate content of ads; recent position papers from FAPT and NASDPTS on their websites OPPAGA released report in December assessing national data on advertising and charging fees…OPPAGA released report in December assessing national data on advertising and charging fees…

11. 2012 Legislation--Failed HB 151 and SB 196- To require that all children ages 4 through 7 use a federally approved child safety restraint seat or booster seat in a motor vehicle (school buses exempted)HB 151 and SB 196- To require that all children ages 4 through 7 use a federally approved child safety restraint seat or booster seat in a motor vehicle (school buses exempted)

12. 2012 Legislation--Failed SB 250 and HB 269- Would authorize use by school districts of “school bus traffic infraction detectors” to allow photo enforcement of school bus stop law; contains related provisionsSB 250 and HB 269- Would authorize use by school districts of “school bus traffic infraction detectors” to allow photo enforcement of school bus stop law; contains related provisions HB 187, others- To prohibit motorists, bus operators from using a hand-held cell phone or electronic communications device while driving; to prohibit use of cell phone while driving in a school zoneHB 187, others- To prohibit motorists, bus operators from using a hand-held cell phone or electronic communications device while driving; to prohibit use of cell phone while driving in a school zone

13. 2011 Legislation--Passed HB 1331- Ch. 2011-128 revised Opportunity Scholarship law to allow expansion of parents’ option to choose higher performing schools, with transportation, within the districtHB 1331- Ch. 2011-128 revised Opportunity Scholarship law to allow expansion of parents’ option to choose higher performing schools, with transportation, within the district SB 1546- Established criteria for high performing charter schools; no apparent references to transportationSB 1546- Established criteria for high performing charter schools; no apparent references to transportation

14. 2012 Legislation--Passed HB 1223, now at Chapter 2012-181- Revised Section 316.183 to allow school buses to travel at posted speed limit (removed 55 mph limit for school buses; effective January 1, 2013)HB 1223, now at Chapter 2012-181- Revised Section 316.183 to allow school buses to travel at posted speed limit (removed 55 mph limit for school buses; effective January 1, 2013)

15. Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) Section 1002.38, Florida Statutes

16. Eligible School Criteria School grade of “F” or three consecutive “Ds” as based on the statewide assessments conducted pursuant to s. 1008.22, F.S.

17. Eligible Student Criteria Those students assigned to or in attendance during the previous school year (by way of assignment) at an OSP eligible school

18. District Obligations Offer parents of affected students the option to enroll in a higher performing public school in their district with transportation or in any other district in the state without transportation * higher performing is “C” or better based on performance grade

19. District Obligations All parents of affected students in elementary and middle school assigned to or in attendance during the previous school year (by way of assignment) must be notified of the options within 15 days of notification by the Department

20. District Obligations All parents of affected students in high school assigned to or in attendance during the previous school year (by way of assignment) must be notified of the options no later than 30 days prior to the first day of school the next school year * high school grades are available in late Fall

21. Opportunity Scholarship Program 2011 133,242 eligible students notified statewide 5,904 eligible students requested and given transfers

22. Notice Requirements for Opportunity Scholarship Program Rule 6A-6.0950, F.A.C. adopted by State Board of Education, May 2012

23. Questions about OSP? Contact via email Rachel Somers rachel.somers@fldoe.org or Vicki Maldonado vicki.maldonado@fldoe.org with the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice or via phone at 1-850-245-0502 rachel.somers@fldoe.org vicki.maldonado@fldoe.org

24. 2012 Legislation--Passed Appropriations- Student Transportation was included in overall FEFP again for 2012-13, set at $420,264,335; reduced approx. 15% since 2007-08Appropriations- Student Transportation was included in overall FEFP again for 2012-13, set at $420,264,335; reduced approx. 15% since 2007-08 State (now FEFP) reimbursement for student transportation has steadily declined (as proportion of cost) from 66% in 1995 to 43% today…State (now FEFP) reimbursement for student transportation has steadily declined (as proportion of cost) from 66% in 1995 to 43% today…

25. School Bus Replacement Woes Average Florida bus purchases in last two years about 400 per yearAverage Florida bus purchases in last two years about 400 per year Previous “norm” was about 1,200 per yearPrevious “norm” was about 1,200 per year Average age of Florida buses is about 10 yearsAverage age of Florida buses is about 10 years Buses are being retired at 16-20 years…Buses are being retired at 16-20 years…

26. 2012 Bus Idling Policy Changes State DEP rule prohibiting excessive idling of heavy duty diesel vehicles, including school buses, was repealed in February 2012State DEP rule prohibiting excessive idling of heavy duty diesel vehicles, including school buses, was repealed in February 2012 Rule 6A-3.0171, FAC, however, still requires that districts adopt local idling policies (effective November 25, 2006)Rule 6A-3.0171, FAC, however, still requires that districts adopt local idling policies (effective November 25, 2006)

27. Other Required Local Policies (Chapter 6A-3, FAC): To prohibit cell phone use by drivers while actively operating the busTo prohibit cell phone use by drivers while actively operating the bus Safe driver plans, including which infractions disqualify a driverSafe driver plans, including which infractions disqualify a driver Annual safety instructions/notice for parents and students…Annual safety instructions/notice for parents and students…

28. Parent-Student Safety Instructions Safety instructions must be provided annually, in writing, as required by Rule 6A-3.0121Safety instructions must be provided annually, in writing, as required by Rule 6A-3.0121 DOE’s “Are We There Yet?” brochure can be printed for parents and othersDOE’s “Are We There Yet?” brochure can be printed for parents and others AWTY was updated in 2010AWTY was updated in 2010 Available at www.FAPTFlorida.org, under the Manuals and Publications linkAvailable at www.FAPTFlorida.org, under the Manuals and Publications linkwww.FAPTFlorida.org School startup safety tips on DOE website…School startup safety tips on DOE website…

30. Legislation, Statutes, and Rules www.leg.state.fl.us (Florida legislative bills and statutes)www.leg.state.fl.us (Florida legislative bills and statutes)www.leg.state.fl.us www.flrules.org (Florida rules and statutes, especially Chapter 6A-3, FAC, and Sections 1006.21 to 1006.27, and 1012.45, F.S.)www.flrules.org (Florida rules and statutes, especially Chapter 6A-3, FAC, and Sections 1006.21 to 1006.27, and 1012.45, F.S.)www.flrules.org www.regulations.gov (federal rulemaking— dockets and public comments)www.regulations.gov (federal rulemaking— dockets and public comments)www.regulations.gov

31. Fatalities in 2010-11: Jefferson, 8/30/10- Bus driver killed when bus ran off roadJefferson, 8/30/10- Bus driver killed when bus ran off road Leon, 8/31/10- Pedestrian student killed by car as bus approached stopLeon, 8/31/10- Pedestrian student killed by car as bus approached stop Palm Beach, 9/8/10- Bicyclist student killed by truck (not school bus related)Palm Beach, 9/8/10- Bicyclist student killed by truck (not school bus related) Orange, 11/4/10- Ped student killed by hit and run driver (not school bus related)Orange, 11/4/10- Ped student killed by hit and run driver (not school bus related)

32. Fatalities in 2010-11: Pasco, 2/21/11- SUV driver killed in crash with school busPasco, 2/21/11- SUV driver killed in crash with school bus Monroe, 4/13/11- Moped driver killed in crash with school busMonroe, 4/13/11- Moped driver killed in crash with school bus Lake, 5/10/11- Student hit, killed at bus stop (bus not present)Lake, 5/10/11- Student hit, killed at bus stop (bus not present) Hillsborough, 5/31/11- Sleeping adult backed over and killed by school busHillsborough, 5/31/11- Sleeping adult backed over and killed by school bus

33. Fatalities in 2011-12: Baker, 7/11/11- Pedestrian student killed by car (not school bus related)Baker, 7/11/11- Pedestrian student killed by car (not school bus related) Santa Rosa, 11/10/11- Adult SUV driver killed in crash with school busSanta Rosa, 11/10/11- Adult SUV driver killed in crash with school bus Polk, 1/17/12- High school freshman girl died when run over by school bus while walkingPolk, 1/17/12- High school freshman girl died when run over by school bus while walking Volusia, 2/2/12- High school boy hit by car (not school bus related)Volusia, 2/2/12- High school boy hit by car (not school bus related)

34. Fatalities in 2011-12: St. Lucie, 3/26/12- 9-year old, Aaron Beauchamp, died on board bus that was hit by semi-truckSt. Lucie, 3/26/12- 9-year old, Aaron Beauchamp, died on board bus that was hit by semi-truck Duval, 5/4/12- 16-year old male student, Jessie Herr, exited emergency door of bus traveling about 40 mph and died laterDuval, 5/4/12- 16-year old male student, Jessie Herr, exited emergency door of bus traveling about 40 mph and died later Duval, 5/11/12- 30-year old bicyclist ran into bus and was killedDuval, 5/11/12- 30-year old bicyclist ran into bus and was killed

35. Summary (2010-11) 2 motorists or passengers killed in other vehicles colliding with bus2 motorists or passengers killed in other vehicles colliding with bus 1 school bus driver fatality in bus crash1 school bus driver fatality in bus crash 1 non-student pedestrian fatality when struck by bus1 non-student pedestrian fatality when struck by bus 3 pedestrian and one bicyclist student fatalities (that we were made aware of) where school bus was not involved3 pedestrian and one bicyclist student fatalities (that we were made aware of) where school bus was not involved

36. Summary (2011-12) 1 SUV driver killed in crash with bus1 SUV driver killed in crash with bus 1 pedestrian student killed when hit by school bus1 pedestrian student killed when hit by school bus 1 adult bicyclist fatality when struck by bus1 adult bicyclist fatality when struck by bus 2 students killed while riding in school bus (1 jumped from the bus exit door)2 students killed while riding in school bus (1 jumped from the bus exit door) 2 pedestrian student fatalities (that we were made aware of) where school bus was not involved2 pedestrian student fatalities (that we were made aware of) where school bus was not involved

37. Crash Reporting Reminders: Reporting threshold is $1,000, started 07-08Reporting threshold is $1,000, started 07-08 DOE is continuing to require that districts reconcile district-reported numbers (DOE system) with police reports (DHSMV system)DOE is continuing to require that districts reconcile district-reported numbers (DOE system) with police reports (DHSMV system) DOE receives daily clippings from DHSMV of ALL fatal crashes in FloridaDOE receives daily clippings from DHSMV of ALL fatal crashes in Florida

38. FATAL Crash Reporting Districts must provide immediate notice of any fatal crash to FDOE as soon as practicalDistricts must provide immediate notice of any fatal crash to FDOE as soon as practical Report by phone call and/or e-mailReport by phone call and/or e-mail Helps district and FDOE answer immediate questions from administrators, mediaHelps district and FDOE answer immediate questions from administrators, media Info is always treated as preliminaryInfo is always treated as preliminary Not meant as substitute for regular FDOE and police crash reportingNot meant as substitute for regular FDOE and police crash reporting

39. Charter Schools Now about 500 in Florida; 180K students, and continuing to growNow about 500 in Florida; 180K students, and continuing to grow Districts must ensure charter schools are following laws and rules relating to health and safetyDistricts must ensure charter schools are following laws and rules relating to health and safety Currently revising Charter Schools Transportation Resource GuideCurrently revising Charter Schools Transportation Resource Guide Spring training for new charter schools and districts held in May, 2012 in three locationsSpring training for new charter schools and districts held in May, 2012 in three locations Charter schools transporting 44K students (about 27% of enrollment, vs. 38% for other schools)Charter schools transporting 44K students (about 27% of enrollment, vs. 38% for other schools)

41. National Congress on School Transportation, May 16-19, 2010 Purpose was to update the National School Transportation Specifications and ProceduresPurpose was to update the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures Florida’s delegation: Mike Connors, Greg Akin, Fred Murphy, Jerry Klein, Tad Kledzik, Bill SchroyerFlorida’s delegation: Mike Connors, Greg Akin, Fred Murphy, Jerry Klein, Tad Kledzik, Bill Schroyer NSTSP and other info at www.NCSTOnline.orgNSTSP and other info at www.NCSTOnline.org www.NCSTOnline.org

43. www.FloridaSchoolBusSafety.gov

44. National Poster Contest Winner, German Salazar Seminole County

45. SESPTC Scholarships SESPTC awarded two $1,000 scholarships again this year for 2012 -13 college expenses to two graduating Florida high school seniorsSESPTC awarded two $1,000 scholarships again this year for 2012 -13 college expenses to two graduating Florida high school seniors Students receiving awards were from Gilchrist and DeSoto (daughter of Charlotte driver)Students receiving awards were from Gilchrist and DeSoto (daughter of Charlotte driver) For next year’s opportunity, contact Charlie.Hood@fldoe.orgFor next year’s opportunity, contact Charlie.Hood@fldoe.org

46. Missing Children’s Issue Florida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse Advisory Board continues to coordinate effortsFlorida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse Advisory Board continues to coordinate efforts Florida Missing Children’s Day event (fmcdf.org) will be held Monday, September 10, 2012 at the Florida CapitolFlorida Missing Children’s Day event (fmcdf.org) will be held Monday, September 10, 2012 at the Florida Capitol An award presentation will be made to Florida’s School Bus Operator of the YearAn award presentation will be made to Florida’s School Bus Operator of the Year FAPT is one of the event sponsorsFAPT is one of the event sponsors

47. Issues on the National Radar NTSB- Recent crash investigation reports on motorcoaches (NTSB cited fatigue, faulty maintenance in several crashes); Gray Summit, Missouri crashNTSB- Recent crash investigation reports on motorcoaches (NTSB cited fatigue, faulty maintenance in several crashes); Gray Summit, Missouri crash Bullying prevention- USED curriculum; release of movie, “Bully”; news reportsBullying prevention- USED curriculum; release of movie, “Bully”; news reports School buses exempted from electronic stability control (ESC)School buses exempted from electronic stability control (ESC) Bus thermal eventsBus thermal events

48. Issues on the National Radar NTSB-NTSB- Gray Summit, Missouri- two persons killed (one in school bus); caused by teen pickup driver texting; several findings relating to lax bus maintenance; need for electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs); changes to school bus emergency window design; driver operational training and procedures; recommended complete ban on use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) by motorists while drivingGray Summit, Missouri- two persons killed (one in school bus); caused by teen pickup driver texting; several findings relating to lax bus maintenance; need for electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs); changes to school bus emergency window design; driver operational training and procedures; recommended complete ban on use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) by motorists while driving

49. “Hot Topics” in Yellow World Transportation SecurityTransportation Security Distracted DrivingDistracted Driving Drive-bysDrive-bys FUNDING challenges, service cutbacks, threats to ridership, OLD busesFUNDING challenges, service cutbacks, threats to ridership, OLD buses Records checks; MECs, NRCMERecords checks; MECs, NRCME

50. FAPT Website and ListServe www.FAPTFlorida.orgwww.FAPTFlorida.orgwww.FAPTFlorida.org Calendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of Events faptgroup@faptflorida.org- Use this address if you want to send email to all FAPT General Membersfaptgroup@faptflorida.org- Use this address if you want to send email to all FAPT General Members faptsuppliers@faptflorida.org- for FAPT Supplier Membersfaptsuppliers@faptflorida.org- for FAPT Supplier Members

52. Contact FAPT at: (407) GRO-FAPT (476-3278); new FAPT central phone number(407) GRO-FAPT (476-3278); new FAPT central phone number ExecDir@FAPTFlorida.orgExecDir@FAPTFlorida.orgExecDir@FAPTFlorida.org www.FAPTFlorida.orgwww.FAPTFlorida.orgwww.FAPTFlorida.org

53. Resources and Links: www.flrules.org/default.aspwww.flrules.org/default.aspwww.flrules.org/default.asp www.leg.state.fl.uswww.leg.state.fl.uswww.leg.state.fl.us www.fldoe.org/transportationwww.fldoe.org/transportationwww.fldoe.org/transportation www.FAPTFlorida.orgwww.FAPTFlorida.orgwww.FAPTFlorida.org www.NASDPTS.orgwww.NASDPTS.org www.AmericanSchoolBusCouncil.orgwww.AmericanSchoolBusCouncil.org

54. Questions and Comments? www.fldoe.org/transportation Charlie.Hood@fldoe.org or Schtrans@fldoe.org www.fldoe.org/transportation Charlie.Hood@fldoe.org www.fldoe.org/transportation Charlie.Hood@fldoe.org