Transportation Protocols

Lynbrook UFSD Protocol for Transportation

The school bus is an extension of the classroom; therefore, many of the recommendations that apply to school buildings (like social distancing and frequent cleaning) will be applied to the school bus, as well. Consistent with New York State issued public transit guidance; the Lynbrook School District Plan identifies the safety actions necessary to provide transportation for children on school buses.

 

Safe and effective transportation will be provided for qualifying students in the Lynbrook School District:

  • The Lynbrook School District will continue to provide transportation for students who are homeless (McKinney-Vento), in foster care, have disabilities and attend non-public schools and charter schools.

  • If the district is in session remotely or otherwise, transportation will be provided to nonpublic, parochial, private, charter schools or students whose Individualized Education Plans have placed them out of district whose schools are meeting in conducting in-person sessions when/ if the district is not.

  • All students are entitled to transportation by the Lynbrook School District to the extent required by law. Parents who may have missed the due date to request out of district transportation due to a reasonable excuse can apply in writing following the transportation procedures and may file a 310 appeal with the Commissioner of Education.

 

Social distancing practices between children on school buses will be implemented using the following bus seating criteria:

Boarding and Disembarking Protocols for Students

  • Students will wear a face mask (if physically able) prior to boarding the bus.

  • Students will use the main student passenger door to enter the bus.

  • Students will board the bus from the back row to the front row and disembark from the bus starting from the first row and continuing to the back to help minimize passing.

  • Students will be reminded to limit bringing non-school related items (ex. Stuffed animals, toys, electronics, etc.) and refrain from eating or drinking on the bus.

  • Students will sit in an assigned seat.

  • Students will follow social distancing protocols when boarding and disembarking from the bus.

Seating

  • Buses will operate at a reduced capacity by allowing one student per seat.

  • Siblings may be assigned to sit together with only one student sitting in the seat in the opposite row.

  • Seats may be marked to show students where to sit.

  • A seating chart may be developed which will include the number assigned to each seat.

  • The seat behind the driver will remain vacant.

  • Configure wheelchair placement on wheelchair school buses to ensure social distancing.

Routing Procedures

  • The number of students on the bus route will be modified to allow for social distancing.

  • Additional routes when possible will be established which may include adding buses or conducting double runs with split routes.

 

Pandemic related safeguards and preventative health measures will be implemented when providing transportation using the following criteria:

Students

  • In keeping with the Health and Safety section of this plan, all parents/guardians will be required to ensure their child/children are not experiencing any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a fever of 100 degrees or more prior to them boarding their method of transportation to school.

  • Students must wear a mask on a school bus if they are physically able. Students who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering, including students where such covering would impair their physical health or mental health are not subject to the required use of a face covering.

  • Students with a disability which would prevent them from wearing a mask will not be forced to do so or denied transportation.

  • Students must social distance (six feet separation) on the bus.

  • Students who do not have a mask will NOT be denied transportation.

  • Students who do not have masks will be provided one by the Lynbrook School District.

  • In keeping with the Health and safety section of this plan, students will be trained and provided periodic reminders on the proper use of personal protective equipment and the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

  • In keeping with the Health and safety section of this plan, students will be trained and provided periodic reminders on the proper use of personal protective equipment and the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

School Bus Staff

  • The bus company will be required to follow guidelines to self-screen employees before arriving to work. If personnel are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 they should notify their employer and seek medical attention.

  • School bus drivers, monitors, attendants and mechanics must wear a face covering along with an optional face shield.

  • Transportation staff (drivers, monitors, attendants, mechanics and cleaners) will be trained and provided periodic refreshers on the proper use of personal protective equipment and the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

  • Transportation carriers will need to provide Personal Protective Equipment such as masks and gloves for drivers, monitors and attendants in buses. Hand sanitizers will be provided for all staff in their transportation locations such as dispatch offices, employee/lunch break rooms and/or bus garages.

  • Drivers, monitors and attendants who must have direct physical contact with a child must wear gloves.

  • Make hand wipes available (Buses will not be equipped with hand sanitizer due to its combustible composition and potential liability to the carrier or district.)

  • Require the driver to maintain a record of daily attendance or daily passenger log when students board the bus

  • Follow the current CDC guidance with regards to the completion of daily temperature checks and the completion of a screening questionnaire

 

Cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be implemented for the buses using the following criteria:

  • The bus company will identify the supplies needed to clean the buses.

  • The bus company will clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces after each bus run (steering wheel, handles, seatbacks, etc.) depending upon the disinfection schedule.

  • The bus company will clean and disinfect entire bus daily.

  • The bus company will complete and maintain a checklist after each cleaning.

 

Communicate information pertaining to transportation to the Lynbrook families:

  • The Lynbrook School District created and administered surveys to identify the need for transportation.

  • The Lynbrook School District will prepare parent communication to explain the safety protocols and expectations for students to ride the bus.

  • The Lynbrook School District will create a video to demonstrate transportation procedures which will be posted on the district’s webpage.