News & Insights

As we approach the end of the school year, school bus operators are already planning work that must be done over the summer months. For most operators, the summer months are the best time of the year to review and revise employee handbooks, as well as other employer policies and procedures. One component that should not be overlooked during this review period is language regarding the company’s drug and alcohol policy (or policies).

School buses are by far the safest mode of transportation. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as previously found that school buses are seventy times safety than passenger cars. Notwithstanding this excellent track record, accidents do happen. In the event of an accident with injuries, many school bus operators may wonder who is responsible for the medical bills of any injured passengers. This is addressed in the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law.

​School bus drivers know that nearly every school bus is equipped with audio/video recording equipment. Drivers also know that most students travel with a cell phone that has audio/video recording capability. As a result, drivers often have to deal with students making their own audio/video recordings on the school bus when incidents or accidents occur. How should a driver respond when students are recording a school bus incident, or when students are recording the driver disciplining students?...

As we head into spring, many transportation contractors are working on final details of contract renewals with their school districts. When reviewing terms of a contract, it is easy to glance over the terms that look boilerplate, but can actually have significant ramifications for your operation. One consequential term often found in transportation contracts, as well as many other types of contracts, is indemnity. Although it may seem routine, contractors should understand what indemnity provisi...

As library managers know, managing employees is no easy task. When employee disciplinary issues arise, many employers get stumped on what type of discipline is appropriate. In response to more frequent or severe performance issues or misconduct, employers may feel they have no choice but to terminate the employee; however, some employers may recognize that termination is not always risk-free. In these circumstances, a last chance agreement can be used as an alternative to termination. Continue r...

Whether retirement is five years away or fifteen, succession and exit planning is one of the most important strategic steps a business owner can take to protect the value they’ve created and ensure their transition happens on their terms. Succession and exit planning is just about selling a business. It is a strategic process designed to maximize value, reduce risk, and prepare both the business and the owner for a successful transition, whether that transition involves passing the business to ...

As school bus operators know, managing employees is no easy task. When employee disciplinary issues arise, many school bus operators get stumped on what type of discipline is appropriate. In response to more frequent or severe performance issues or misconduct, school bus operators may feel they have no choice but to terminate the employee; however, some employers may recognize that termination is not always risk-free. In these circumstances, a last chance agreement can be used as an alternative ...