Board adopts transportation safety plan and approves longer bus driver shifts

The Los Banos Unified School District board unanimously adopted its transportation safety plan for 2024–25 and approved increasing bus driver positions from six to eight hours beginning July 1, 2024 (contingent on available Expanded Learning Opportunity funding).

David, who presented the transportation safety plan, said the plan outlines procedures for safe pupil transportation and must be retained at each school site and be available to the California Department of Highway Patrol on request. The presenter referenced a statutory citation during the presentation, read in the transcript as “California Department of Ed code 339831.3,” and recommended board adoption. The board opened a public hearing, heard no public comment, and closed the hearing before voting to adopt the plan.

Trustees asked operational questions about seat belts and rider safety. Member Valadao asked how many buses have seat belts; David said six special‑education (SDC) buses and about 10 general‑education buses currently have seat belts and noted vehicles manufactured after 2006 tend to include belts. Board members and staff discussed the practical challenge of ensuring students remain buckled during routes; the presenter and other speakers described limited driver visibility and possible buzzer/readout options at the manufacturer level.

On staffing, Dr. Lee recommended converting existing 6‑hour driver positions to 8‑hour positions using Expanded Learning Opportunity funding, effective July 1 if funds are available. The board approved that change unanimously. Member Munoz raised follow‑up about whether a mechanism exists to prevent drivers from leaving if students are unbuckled; staff said they will investigate manufacturer solutions and bring suggestions from conferences with major bus manufacturers.

Why it matters: The safety plan adoption formalizes district procedures and public availability of safety information; the increase in driver hours is a staffing and labor change meant to support extended programs and preserve drivers’ employment.

Next steps: The district will post the approved plan on its website, provide excerpts for school orientations, and explore seat‑belt monitoring solutions with bus manufacturers. The board approved both measures without dissent.