Statement from Vancouver Public Schools
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VPS is very concerned about what happened to our bus driver on Thursday, May 9.
The health and safety of our employees is a high priority.
We are grateful that our driver was able to safely pull the bus over and call transportation for
help.
A principal from a nearby school and two district resource officers responded.
The student, an elementary student who receives special education services, will be transported
to school by parents until an employee can be assigned to ride with the student.

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A Step II SEIU grievance was settled last year and resulted in several changes:
○ After a student is removed from riding the bus, a re-engagement meeting takes place
with the driver, student and building staff before the student is allowed back on the bus.
○ Student IEP (Individualized Education Plan) teams are consulted when special education
student issues or concerns surface on a bus.

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Drivers go through regular safety trainings.
Specialized training is offered for drivers on how to deal with students with challenging
behaviors.
The last training for all drivers was held in August 2018.
Behavior specialists work with assigned drivers and students at specific schools every Monday.
Training in student management was offered spring 2017; a committee for student
management also was formed.
○ An outcome from the student management committee is an electronic referral process,
which expedites responses and communication to and from schools and drivers.

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The district actively recruits new drivers; all new drivers start as substitutes.
○ The hiring process has been expedited and all associated fees for licensing are refunded
within 90 days.
○ The goal is to have enough substitute bus drivers ride on buses as a second adult to
manage student riders.
○ District leadership is working with SEIU leadership to allow flexibility in hiring additional
support for drivers.

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School upgrades and construction (including new bleachers) are paid for with bond dollars,
which by law can only be used for school and facility improvements.