Legal Focus

Many school transportation contractors continue to look for creative ways to retain drivers. Some contractors may decide to pay their drivers on a per run basis, rather than by the hour. This can be an attractive payment model for drivers, and award efficiency with more pay in less time. However, contractors that pay their drivers on a per run basis should be mindful of their obligations of continued compliance with applicable minimum wage and overtime laws. Continue reading to learn how federal...

The 2022-2023 school year is well underway, and the realities of the driver shortage continue to be apparent to transportation contractors, school districts, and parents of students alike. Prior to the start of this school year, many schools and contractors were left with no choice but to combine bus routes due to lack of drivers. Combined routes means more kids on each bus and longer route times. Continue reading for further discussion of school bus capacity and route duration issues.

Sometimes, disciplinary action must to be taken to address inappropriate student behavior on the school bus. But when the student at issue has special needs or is subject to an IEP or 504 plan, schools are sometimes reluctant to support appropriate and necessary measures, even when those measures may be essential for the safety of the student and others on the bus. Continue reading to learn more about addressing the challenges of special needs student discipline.Click Here to Read More

Back to school season is in high gear and effective driver recruiting and retention are an important part of minimizing the issues that arise. The driver shortage has increased the need to take advantage of every opportunity to hire and retain drivers. So, school bus contractors must consider different strategies when deciding what will best help alleviate the driver shortage for your business. Below, we discuss different strategies that you can try.Click Here to Read More

Back to school season is in high gear and driver clearances are an important part of that process. The driver shortage has increased the need to take advantage of every opportunity to hire a driver, but contractors must also assure their employees are eligible to work with children under applicable laws. It is important for school bus contractors to understand and properly use background check information when making employment decisions. Below, we discuss what you need to know.Click Here to Rea...

For school transportation contractors in Pennsylvania, it is peak hiring season as the start of the new school year is just under a month away. Many contractors are navigating through the nationwide driver shortage to find drivers to fill seats on school buses for the upcoming school year, and are beginning to take a closer look at policies and practices relating to the hiring and training of drivers. As contractors continue to look for creative ways to address the driver shortage while experien...

The application period for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) 2022 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program is open until August 19, 2022. The 2022 CSB Rebate Program will distribute $500 million in grant funds that can be used to replace certain diesel school buses with zero emission (electric) school buses and/or alternative fuel (propane or compressed natural gas (CNG)) school buses. But, some program requirements present challenges that are unique to independent school bu...