1. Safe Rider Program “Safely Transporting Our Future” Presented by: Reginald Rowe CCSD Safe Rider Task Force, Chair

2. What is Safe Rider? The safe rider program is a new approach to student management for school buses. The core of the program is promoting personal accountability as it relates to bus behavior.

3. Why is Safe Rider Needed Poor student behavior is the most reported difficulty by drivers. 46 percent of school bullying happens on the school bus*. Overloading School administrators with countless bus referrals. Misbehavior endangers the safety of all passengers. *Source: Kamaron Institute 2006

4. Parent Concern Six in Ten parents are concerned about having their children ride The School Bus.* Six in Ten parents consider the School Bus to be an important part of the education system.* Source: * American School Bus Council Partner “Tool Kit”

5. Safe Rider Concept Transportation Staff StudentParent Administrator Accountability

6. How is this achieved? Training Communication Education Steadfast Support Partnerships

7. Designed to promote instant accountability. Invites all parties to become members of the Safe Rider Team. Reminds students that riding the School Bus is a Privilege. Safe Rider Program

8. Current Statistics Barber Middle School Safe Rider Pilot Program (Implemented after spring break 2008)

9. Barber SRP A total of 20 students were after school guests of the Safe Rider Program from March 26 th to May 19 th. A Reduction of 86 referrals from the 06-07 figures with only 2 months of the program in 07-08. No complaints from parents. Administration fully behind the program.

10. Current Statistics Garrett Middle School Safe Rider Pilot Program Total Referrals TOTAL 06-075249313068654035370 07-084551292756673515325 SRP Began (Implemented last four weeks of school)

11. Garrett SRP A total of 18 students were after school guests of the Safe Rider Program. A Reduction of 45 referrals from 06-07 figures with only 1 month of the program in 07-08. No complaints from parents. Administration fully behind the program.

12. Our Plans Implement the program county wide in 08-09, improving safety and correcting poor behavior on buses. Conduct presentations at open house to introduce students and parents to the program. Continue to use the allotted funds from the monitor program. Introduce a Safe Rider Contract for student transportation. Introduce a Graduated Discipline Plan.

14. In Conclusion Safe Rider Promotes 360° accountability for bus safety. Empowers drivers with valuable tools. Shares workload reducing stress on all parties. Teaches the valuable lesson of teamwork. Increases retention rate among drivers.