DALLAS — For more than 40,000 students at Dallas ISD, the school bus drivers are often the first and last people students see during their school day.
"We are making a lasting impact on the students from the moment that they get on that bus," said Jazmin Harrison, DISD's interim executive director for student transportation services.
Harrison said their strategy is meant to be intentional, mindful and transparent to help put families at ease as they send their children to school.
Seatbelt Safety
Currently, DISD is in the process of purchasing 200 new vehicles with seatbelts to replace older buses that do not have seatbelts. Harrison confirms the majority of buses are already equipped with safety belts. The new vehicles are arriving in phases and should all be here by the next school year.
Air Conditioner
Harrison also said the air conditioners on all buses are working. Bus drivers are clocking in thirty minutes before they head out to pick up students to make sure the buses are cooled off. They also have arranged for students to get on the buses at the same time to limit the opening and closing of doors. That keeps the air cooler on the bus.
Bus Driver Training
Dallas ISD bus drivers receive training ahead of the school year. It includes CPR and first aid courses. There is also situational awareness training done by the Department of Homeland Security. Harrison said Dallas Police Department also does training with the bus drivers.
Safety Checks
Each bus is equipped with a tablet for the driver where the Samsara app is downloaded. This program provides a checklist for pre- and post-trip inspections. Drivers take photos of the bus before they take off for the day. They also complete a visual inspection by walking the entire bus on the inside and outside. Lights, tires, rails, steps, emergency windows and doors are all tested before each day.
App for Families
Parents also have access to Edulog Parent Portal, an app where they can receive alerts and the location of their child's school bus. There is a GPS tracking system on each vehicle that allows them to know if there are any delays. Messages can also be relayed to parents through this app.
Dallas ISD's school bus system has nearly 900 routes. Since 2018, it has been operated by the school district.
"We have control over the quality of training we provide to the drivers. We have control over the assets that we purchase. We have control over the technology that we use," said Harrison.