Memo Text
Superintendents, please provide a copy of this memo and the attachments to the transportation managers/directors and request they sign up for Commissioner's Memo notifications for all future messages.
This Commissioner’s Memo is to provide advance information regarding the upcoming illegal passing of school buses survey which will be conducted on April 24, 2018.
At the request of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), the Arkansas Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation will be conducting a one-day survey of illegal passing incidents involving school district buses. The results of the survey will be compiled by NASDPTS to determine the prevalence of illegal passing of school buses. That data will help improve safety countermeasures at the state and national level.
It is extremely important that all school districts ensure all their drivers participate in the one-day survey. Each Arkansas school district’s submissions will be published in the report submitted at the next meeting of the Commission for Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation and forwarded to the appropriate State of Arkansas agencies.
On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, each district’s school bus operators should observe any instances of motorists illegally passing the school bus and report the incidents to his/her supervisor. Drivers will use a reporting form that will be sent in an upcoming Commissioner’s Memo. The drivers should remember to pay particular attention to all safety precautions. As always, the driver’s primary duty is to the safety of the students.