Transportation

How Suburban vehicles are used in Duanesburg

May 9, 2012

Last week, an article in the Albany Times Union about local school districts´ use of Suburban vehicles has raised a few questions from residents about the use of Suburbans in Duanesburg. [READ MORE]

Bus Driver Appreciation Week, May 14-18

May 9, 2012

Take a moment during Bus Driver Appreciation Week to thank your child's bus driver for getting your child to and from school safely throughout the school year.  Did you know that the district’s fleet of 26 buses travel nearly 400,000 miles per year throughout the district’s nearly 60 square mile radius as well as to out-of-district destinations, such as BOCES and private schools.

"Our motto is 'Children first, safety always,'" says Transportation Manager Harry Folckemer. "We have an outstanding team of drivers who truly adhere to our motto and make student safety a top priority. I'm proud to work with them."

Transportation procedures

School bus routes 

Transportation postcards are typically mailed the third week in August, which includes designated pick-up times and locations for the coming school year. Students should arrive at their stop at least five minutes before the scheduled time. The times listed on the cards are only estimates and the actual time can fluctuate until a routine is set.

Transportation requests

The deadline for requests for bus service to non-public schools and other special requests is April 1 of each school year, or within 30 days of moving into the district. Copies of the form are available online or by calling the district office at 518-895-2279. [DOWNLOAD THE FORM]

Non-Idling Policy

State law requires that all school buses turn off their engines when loading or unloading students on school grounds, except when necessary for heating, mechanical, or emergency reasons. The non-idling requirement applies to other school vehicles as well. [VIEW A COPY OF THE LAW AND MEMO]

School bus driver requirements

Did you know that your school bus drivers are family, friends or neighbors in your community? They are not strangers driving our children to school, but people that live right next to you. I say our children because once they get on the school bus; the bus driver is responsible for their safety - to and from school. [LEARN MORE]

District committed to student safety

Bus safety is everyone's concern—drivers, students, parents and school officials. To that end, the district adheres to state laws and participates in a variety of special activities throughout the school year.

Emergency bus evacuation drills

Each year, the Duanesburg Central School District, in compliance with New York State Education law, holds three bus evacuation drills. During the 15-minute drills, drivers explain bus safety rules and regulations, such as proper behavior and crossing procedures as well as how to locate safety equipment and the emergency exits. Students also learn how to secure the bus, operate the two-way radio and safely evacuate the vehicle in the event of an emergency.

Safety reminder for drivers

It is illegal to pass a school bus displaying its flashing red lights—both on and off school property. The lights are displayed for student safety to indicate when students are boarding or exiting a bus. This law is strictly enforced and violators will be reported. Each year, the district participates in Operation Safe Stop. Throughout the day in April, law enforcement officials are in full force aboard school buses and in marked and unmarked vehicles throughout the district and state—issuing tickets to drivers who pass stopped school buses with their red lights flashing.

Bus safety guidelines

The bus is an extension of the classroom therefore students are required to conduct themselves according to standards established in the classroom. [BUS SAFETY GUIDELINES]

National School Bus Safety Week

The district recognizes and participates in National School Bus Safety Week, which is held each year in October.

Inclement weather-related closings and delays

When a storm is being forecast, the superintendent and transportation manager work together to monitor the weather from the National Weather Service paying close attention to the forecasted duration of the storm as well as the severity. They also confer with staff at the town and county highway departments who are monitoring the local road conditions, as well as with transportation staff and superintendents in neighboring school districts.

The transportation manager also gets up at 4 a.m. and typically drives a few of the major and secondary roadways within the district paying close attention to road conditions, visibility of bus stops, etc. The superintendent also works in cooperation with the buildings and grounds staff to ensure that school roads, parking lots and sidewalks can be plowed in time for the start of school.

The superintendent uses all the information gathered, typically throughout the evening and early morning hours, to determine whether or not the district can get students to and from school safely. A decision of whether to close or delay school is typically made by 5:15 a.m.

Cost-saving initiatives

Not only is school bus transportation the safest way for students to travel to and from school, but under a plan to increase shared bus routes among neighboring districts, it will continue to become less expensive and more efficient. [LEARN MORE]

If you have any transportation-related questions or concerns, contact Transportation Manager Harry Folckemer or Head Bus Driver Karen Weiler at 518-895-2511.