This post was submitted from the VBCPS Office of Transportation Services, which is overseen by David Pace, director.

One of the most important things school bus drivers and school administrators can do to help one another is to have a mutual respect and trust. As we look at the driver and the administrator it is important to look at both and see how each think about their respective jobs.

The school bus driver absolutely must feel he/she has the support of the school administration. It is very important for the driver to understand that administrators have a global view of the school. They do not see a school bus or driver in isolation, but rather as a part of the school as a whole. This gives the administrator a better understanding of why some students behave the way they do. The perspective of the administrator is extremely important. Usually a student who is a problem on the bus is also a problem at the school.

The bus driver needs to quickly establish a good rapport with the school administration.  He/she needs to form a professional relationship with the administrators. This will enable the administrators to know their track record in working with students. The driver who deals with students in a calm, rational manner and the one who makes good decisions will more likely get better support from the school. Drivers should not just dump a problem in the school administrator’s lap but should take the time, when necessary, to meet with the administration and the students when problems arise.  Bus drivers need to make sure they report incidents in a way in which the school administration will know the drivers have already tried to handle the problems on their own.

School bus drivers need to establish clear rules and enforce the rules evenly to all students.  Students will be very resentful of drivers who show favoritism when it comes to discipline.  Drivers should try to deal with problems themselves unless that is not possible due to a severe incident. School Administrators can alert drivers as to what would be considered an immediate disciplinary referral incident. Drivers should try and get help from parents if at all possible.  Many parents are more than willing to help if they know about a problem. Drivers should always seek the school’s help before things get out of hand.

Administrators can help school bus drivers by helping them set fair and reasonable expectations. They must be willing to follow through when a driver comes to them with a problem. The administrator should be willing to take time to meet with the driver and the student in order to help resolve conflicts. Administrators must be willing to call parents and enlist their help with problems.

Administrators have to be willing and able to let students know that school bus drivers must be treated with the same respect afforded to any other school employee, whether it is a teacher, principal, or other support person.

School bus drivers and school administrators must work together as a team.  With mutual respect and understanding, they can help the entire operation run smoothly.  While there will most certainly be problems, the rapport established early in the year will insure prompt action to a problem and hopefully a satisfactory resolution for the school bus driver and the school administration.