Transportation

Did you know that riding in a school bus is much safer than using any other form of transportation - including personal vehicles, railroad and airline travel?  The color and size of school buses make them easily visible and identifiable, their height provides good driver visibility and raises the bus passenger compartment above car impact height.  The flashing red lights require drivers to stop, a stop sign arm swings out during boarding, cross view mirrors help drivers see children around the bus and reinforced sides resist side impacts.

In support of teaching and learning the Transportation Department provides approximately 2,000 students with safe and efficient school bus transportation.  This helps to ensure student access to the educational program, promote regular attendance and reduce tardiness.  We also provide busing for field trips and other school-related activities.

Our Safety and Training personnel provide mobility and transportation training for students, as well as an extensive training program for bus drivers.  All drivers have thorough background checks and they receive specialized training.  This includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training driving a school bus, student loading/unloading procedures, student evacuation, student behavior and security management, and emergency medical procedures.  Also, all school bus drivers are required to participate in random drug and alcohol testing, undergo frequent driving record checks, and pass periodic medical exams.

The Fleet Maintenance Mechanics maintain all school buses and district vehicles to the highest safety and service standards according to the regulations set forth by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Department of Transportation (DOT).  This includes a vehicle safety inspection and service every 45 days, and regular terminal inspections by the CHP.  The Mechanics are also required to participate in all Bus Driver safety training and testing to ensure that the Transportation Department can provide the safest and most efficient service for our students.