HISD addresses bus driver safety concerns

Concerns raised by the Houston Educational Support Personnel union were addressed by officials with the Houston Independent School District.

According to a press release, the Houston Educational Support Personnel union requested a more specific mechanism for suspending the bus-riding privileges for students with ongoing disciplinary issues.

HISD addressed this issue by requiring all bus drivers to receive four hours of student management training and equipping each bus with a minimum of two security video cameras.

In addition, HISD transportation administrators will conduct monthly roundtable discussions with employees at each bus terminal to give employees a chance to voice their concerns so that they can be addressed.

The press release also said HISD bus drivers are required to report all disciplinary problems to their supervisors. The supervisors will then investigate the incident and review videotape from the bus within 24 hours. Either the school and/or the HISD police will then be informed of the incident and given the opportunity to view the video if necessary. At that point, appropriate action will be taken by the school district or police.

According to the press release, the HISD transportation department is unaware of any unresolved issues involving bus drivers regarding disciplinary problems, but transportation officials have asked union officials to provide a list of any instances in which bus drivers feel appropriate action was not taken.

Visit www.houstonisd.org for more information.