School Bus Bill of Rights features [May 2022]
A decision-making body that reflects the most affected stakeholders can do a better job of attracting workers, improving routes, training & communication, honoring the physical and neurological needs of the riders, and keeping everyone safe on the bus. [continues below the Update box]
The text spoken aloud, with ASL captioning, is on video at our youtube channel as “May 15 Monica lists the features of the School bus bill of rights” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1ESv_VWEL0&t=18s
Update:
Starting January 1, 2024 we have 6 months to collect 30,000 valid signatures from registered voters as a first step towards placing a referendum on the November ballot to enact a School Bus Bill of Rights.
We are working with legal experts on wording this as a yes-no proposal to change or amend a specific section of the NY City Charter.
The City Council has passed various laws requiring the system to collect data and report on it both to parents and to the Council itself; however the referendum is our chance to change the way the system operates.
School Bus Bill of Rights features [May 2022]
A decision-making body that reflects the most affected stakeholders can do a better job of attracting workers, improving routes, training & communication, honoring the physical and neurological needs of the riders, and keeping everyone safe on the bus.
Routing
One campus per route
Split the age groups
Establish protocols for special situations, such as family with siblings
Staffing/ Inclusion
Recruit and retain enough drivers - EPP, incentive - good contract in 2023
Job opportunities for youth & disabled people {more monitors, more trainers, more dispatch/customer service, recruit bus paraprofessionals}
Safety & health
Vehicles - safe, climate control, sustainable - just transition
No rides > 90 minutes
Mental health support for families who have suffered unstable busing
Communication
Language justice -
Not strictly online
Advance notice of rights, processes and changes in plain language
ADA/Access
Accommodations
Accountability
Tracking system for complaints - standard IT tool, businesses have them
Transportation surveys
How do we report OPT for educational neglect?!
Transparency:
Share the points of contact / organizational chart
Funding - where does it come from, where does it go?
Finance:
Independent Budget Office Audit every 3 years for waste:
Look into de-privatizing [eminent domain???];
What is happening with attendance money when the student misses services due to busing?
Governance
Empower a panel of reps of parents, educators, bus workers, disability advocates to suggest, approve, veto pupil transportation policy decisions
—contact pistnyc@gmail.com for more information—
This is a grassroots parent effort but we look forward to endorsements from others.
We are seeking volunteers, interns and donations.