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National School Bus Safety Week: West Orange Public School District’s Commitment to Safety

School Bus Safety Week

Maggie Stone | 10.21.2024

As we mark National School Bus Safety Week from October 21-25, 2024, it's important to recognize the vital role school buses play in ensuring the safe transportation of students. With millions of children nationwide relying on buses every day, the West Orange Public School District is committed to going above and beyond when it comes to student safety. The district has implemented numerous safety measures to protect students and provide peace of mind for families.

According to the NHTSA, school buses are the safest vehicles on the road. They are designed to be highly visible, have protective seating, and include safety features like cross-view mirrors and stop-sign arms. Gregory Cohen, Director of Transportation for West Orange, emphasizes that safety is the district's top priority, and they are continually seeking ways to enhance it.

"We have a dedicated team of 56 staff members, including 31 certified drivers, who safely transport over 4,337 students every morning and afternoon,” said Cohen. “Our department manages 402 daily routes both in the morning and afternoon, and we’ve taken several steps to enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations. This includes the implementation of the MY RIDE K-12 app, which allows parents to track their child’s bus in near real time, and the installation of tablets on buses, which eliminates the need for substitute drivers to rely on paper route sheets."

The MY RIDE K-12 app is a game-changer for both parents and school staff, providing an extra layer of safety and convenience. Parents can monitor the exact location of their child's bus, which not only helps in the event of a delay but also offers peace of mind, knowing that their child is accounted for at all times. Additionally, the district is introducing a scanning system that tracks when students get on and off the bus, further enhancing safety and security measures.

“These upgrades represent a significant leap forward in how we monitor and manage student transportation,” Cohen added. “By using technology, we’re able to make bus rides safer and more efficient for everyone involved.”

Superintendent of Schools Hayden Moore echoed Cohen's sentiments, emphasizing the district's dedication to safety. "At West Orange Public Schools, we view the safety of our students as a collective responsibility. Our transportation team continues to set high standards, ensuring that all students arrive at school and return home safely every day. The new technologies we've implemented are key to keeping our community informed and our students secure."

School buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students, and the district’s proactive approach to upgrading safety protocols underscores its commitment to continuous improvement. In addition to the safety technologies, drivers receive regular training on best practices for road safety, student behavior management, and emergency preparedness.

The West Orange Public School District also manages 18 late bus routes across all levels, providing flexibility for students participating in after-school activities. Despite the challenges of overseeing such a complex transportation network, the district's focus on innovation and training ensures the smooth operation of all routes, day in and day out.

As we observe National School Bus Safety Week, it’s essential for parents/guardians and community members to recognize the collective efforts that go into maintaining the safety of our children. Whether it's through enhanced tracking systems or highly trained drivers, the district remains fully committed to student safety.

For more information on school bus safety, visit the NHTSA’s School Bus Safety Page, and don’t forget to thank your local bus drivers and transportation staff for their continued dedication.

For more information on West Orange transportation, visit www.woboe.org/bus