The new school year is starting and buses will be rolling through the streets of North Saint Paul, Oakdale and Maplewood.
This year, bus drivers will be monitored by local citizens in an attempt to put them on notice to be more attentive and get them to adhere to District policies and State laws.
An investigation is nearing completion into the reckless driving habits (last school year) at local elementary and middle schools. Several videos have been taken showing bus drivers speeding, running stop signs, near miss accidents and following to close.
I have made contact with the school district and videos will be turned over to them for review. A District source who asked not to be identified said “such tapes will be turned over to the School Districts attorney.
The 622 School District bus drivers are represented by Local Union 70 who zealously protects drivers.
Numerous citations and accidents have happened in as many years with no injuries.
With no seat belts in the buses, it is just a matter of time before someone is hurt.
The time to make remedial actions are now, not after an accident where your kids may be injured or killed.
This staff writer has children in the schools and their is increasing chatter about behavior problems with drivers.
