Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

Meeting notes August 11, 2016

Meeting began at 11:05 AM in the SAU board room.

Present:

Sandy Hodgkins, Co-Chair, Transportation Coordinator

Geoff Dowd, Business Operations Coordinator

Beth Rincon, Director Special Education

JoAnn Freeman, First Student Plaistow Division Manager

Marie Hill, First Student Plaistow Dispatcher/Safety Manager

Meeting notes

  • Update from Provider per letter sent by Chris Taft: ESY went well except need more time between start of programs. Sandy will invite Amy Dailey to the May meeting to discuss start/end times for ESY. Provider is bringing 4 new drivers to Timberlane.
  • Update from First Student: Plaistow Division is now part of a new region with different management. The new AGM is David Fairweather who has replaced Howard Anderson. First Student has substantially raised the pay rate to help with recruiting and retaining drivers. Driver morale is very high. JoAnn reported they anticipate being fully staffed for the upcoming year. 2 drivers testing today, 2 in training and 3 waiting for criminal background checks before training. All sports cannot be covered yet. Sandy has recommended a bus back up plan still be in place using Sandown buses this year, not Danville.
  • Sandy’s updates: New lines painted in parking lot for student drop off at Sandown Central. A shuttle bus will continue from Sandown North to Central. New administrators at Danville & Pollard. Pollard has a new phone system with new extensions. Nash Reddy replaced Sue Lavrich at TRHS.
  • Discussion about how to make sure all kids are picked up at their bus stop. It is not common for drivers to miss bus stops
  • Discussion on updating mission statement for approval by Dr. Metzler. The Transportation Committee is committed to providing each student safe, efficient and timely transportation in order for them to maximize their educational experience. Toward that end, the Committee will make recommendations directly to the Superintendent to improve the efficiency, recruitment of drivers, and overall quality of the transportation experience.
  • Discussion about adding new key members to the committee including Brian O’Connell from TRHS and Kathie Dayotis as alternate elementary Principal; Invite Hampstead administration (Maria or Dillard or both) and special Ed Director (Karen Gallagher).
  • The Committee’s goals this year: Improve communication with parents; Improve recruitment of drivers (working with both bus companies).
  • Discussion about staff liability should coaches transport students for sporting events. The District wants the bus companies to keep student records on transportation such as conduct reports and bus suspensions.
  • Would like some information from technology about new communication system to parents.
  • Geoff Dowd proposed meeting before November; possibly September 15 pending confirmation
  • Meeting adjourned