Back On The Roads: School District Transportation Leaders Prepare To Re-Start School Bus Service in the COVID-19 Era

What will school bus service look like when schools re-open? What will it take to get those yellow buses we all miss back on the roads?

In this episode, two California school transportation experts lead us on an adventure into “Bus World.” We explore how school districts are planning to meet the many challenges posed by COVID-19 so that California students can be safely transported to and from their school campuses.  

Guests Matt Sanchez, Director of Transportation for Elk Grove USD and Kevin Sellstrom, Transportation Specialist in the El Dorado Union High School District, illuminate key issues and considerations for school communities, including: 

• How new safety guidelines could dramatically impact bus service and routes 
• Options and strategies being considered to re-start bus service
• Prioritizing the needs of those who depend most on buses
• Scheduling and routing in a time of uncertainty
• Keeping buses clean and disinfected
• Collaborating with all departments
• Special challenges for rural communities, and
• Navigating the difficult funding crossroads (trying to do more with less).

Bus drivers are the most visible and integral part of the school transportation team. We discuss whether the role of drivers will change during the pandemic. Plus, many districts in the state and nation face a serious school bus driver shortage. Matt describes the training and support drivers may need to help their students adjust to changes in school bus services -- and he offers an impromptu call to those who may be interested in a rewarding career as a school bus driver.

We also explore essential operations that school district transportation departments have carried out during the time of campus closures, including the vital role of mechanics. All along the route, Matt reminds us to embrace a mindset of flexibility during these difficult and uncertain times.

We also include a brief "explainer" to help you gain a better understanding about key elements of California's school bus system, including what school districts are required to provide for students.

Coronavirus Response and School Reopening Guidance from California Department of Education

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Matt Sanchez has led the Elk Grove USD transportation department since 2018; he also served in the district previously between 1988-2002. In addition, he served as a Transportation Consultant for the California Department of Education for 11 years, and also as Director of Transportation for Rocklin USD. Matt is currently the CASBO State Chair for Transportation, and also serves on the Communications, Advocacy and Public Relations Subcommittee for STARTS, the Student Transportation Aligned for Return to School, which includes collaboration between the National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services and the National School Transportation Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in business form CSU Sacramento. ([e-mail])

Kevin Sellstrom began his career in education as a special education instructional assistant. He has also served as a bus driver, scheduling technician, MOT supervisor and transportation specialist in multiple California School districts. ([e-mail])

About CASBO

The California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) is the premier resource for professional development and business best practices for California's school business leaders.

About your series guide
Paul Richman is a public education advocate and consultant. Contact him at [e-mail]. We value your feedb