Transportation Services and Policies Page 7
Nutrition Services Information Page 8-10
August 2017 | Volume 25, Issue 1
Lunch Bunch 2017-18 Entertainment Page 22
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Independent School District 15 Communications Department St. Francis, Minnesota Serving the communities of Andover, Athens Township, Bethel, East Bethel, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis and Stanford Township
ISD 15’s Transportation Department: putting safety first Katrinna Dodge
Staff Writer
Along with teachers, chalkboards and apples, the image of a yellow school bus is a symbol of public schools. A nostalgic memory in photo albums is of a smiling student with an oversized backpack getting on a school bus for the first day of school. For Independent School District 15 (ISD 15), retaining this tradition is about route efficiency, having personable drivers and keeping students safe with stellar transportation service. According to a Minnesota Department of Education 2015-16 pupil transportation study, ISD 15’s Transportation Department is one of 117 elementary and secondary public school districts out of 328 that has a district-owned bus fleet. “Our goal is to take care of the kids,” stated Dean Krause, transportation supervisor. “Unlike contract
buses, our goal is to monetarily break even, which allows us to take better care of our students.” Meeting the needs of ISD 15 students and their families in a district 25 miles wide and 15 miles deep requires a great team. The Transportation Department has 60 drivers, 10 paraprofessionals, five office professionals and three mechanics. The mechanics complete regular maintenance on vehicles and fix submitted repair write-ups from drivers. The drivers manage their own buses and vans and conduct pre-trip safety checks. To become a school bus driver, an individual has to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) license with four permits: Class B, school bus, passenger and air brake. Bus drivers are aided by paraprofessionals, who assist special needs students while riding and getting on and off the bus. Paraprofessionals, bus drivers and mechanics are supported
by office staff consisting of two route specialists, one special education specialist, one office professional and one supervisor. The special education specialist helps schedule trips and drivers for special needs students ensuring bus accessibility and a comfortable atmosphere for students. The office professional handles payroll, billing, trip assignments and bus video archives. The transportation supervisor manages everyone, ensuring staff is on time and providing the tools they need to complete their job. The two route specialists assure bus stops are correct, improve routes and act as a driver direct supervisor. “We work really hard at making the routes efficient,” commented Krause. The transportation staff works closely with schools and other departments to ensure students are safe and at the correct buildings. This includes shuttling students between buildings. “Safety of students
The St. Francis High School Marching Saints performed their final march of the season at the Isanti Rodeo Days parade on July 8. See article on page 3. Photo submitted by Chad Armbruster, SFHS Band Teacher
is important to us,” stressed Krause. “We have emergency safety drills and provide on-site training for K-5 students on how to ride and evacuate the bus and cross the road safely.” At the beginning of each school year, the Transportation Department has a presence at open houses to answer questions from parents about bus safety and routes. Part of Transportation’s safety initiative is to have bus drivers know each of their student’s names and ask how their day is going. Last year, saw the switch over from diesel to propane fueled buses. Propane buses heat-up faster in the winter and provides cleaner air for passengers and drivers. For the 2017-18 school year, the
Transportation Department will be rolling out the Here Comes the Bus® app. Here Comes the Bus® app is available for smartphones and computers and will provide maps, alerts and real time GPS. More information will be available in the coming weeks. “Bus drivers are the first person students see in the day,” smiled Krause. “The morning bus ride can set the tone for their day. Our goal is to keep them safe and provide good bus rides.” Krause, who will be retiring August 1, first started working for ISD 15 in college as a bus driver and had a goal to be transportation supervisor. “I really love my job, but I’m ready for a change.”
ISD 15 School Board moves forward with bond referendum Katrinna Dodge
Staff Writer
The school board held a special session on July 19 to determine whether or not to move forward with a bond referendum in November. Prior to this meeting, the school board and administration of Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) circulated a survey on the district website and social media pages, attended local events, held a community forum and dialogue session to gather community input. The school board decided to move forward with one question to be voted on in November. The question focuses on enhancing learning environments, increasing academic opportunities, addressing critical physical building needs, elimination of portables and improving safety, security and accessibility. The predicted tax impact of a $200,000 home is approximately an additional
$1.74 annually, based on current tax rates. ISD 15 is putting together a community outreach plan concerning the bond and the tax impacts on residents of ISD 15. Residents in Bethel, East Bethel, Oak Grove, St. Francis and portions of Andover, Nowthen, Isanti, Athens Township, Stanford Township, Linwood Township and Spencerbrook Township are the focus of the community outreach between now and November. Please email your questions to bond.questions@isd15.org or call Lisa Rahn at 763-753-7048.
Inside Schools in Action.......................2 School Board Highlights.........11 Community & Business..........13 Community Education............22 Sports & Outdoors...................25 Meetings, Events & Benefits...28 Life..............................................29