Right now the only policy for safeguarding our junior kindergarten & senior kindergarten children getting off the bus is Policy#TR03 & TR04 which is not a board mandate but is the Policy from the Consortium.

http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/sites/default/files/TR04_0.pdf

This policy states that the bus driver is not to let our JK's, SK's or French Immersion (SCDSB only) off the bus without supervision there to receive. If this happens they are obligated to take our children back to the school and following the procedures outlined in the policy link above.

I am here to tell you first hand that this does not always happen! My 4 year old was let off the bus without supervision over a 1 km away from my house to wander the streets by a forest alone. If it can happen to me it can happen to any of your children.

The 1st issue is to implement a system where this cannot happen. Whether we use bus monitors, colour coding on our children or dictate where they sit. There needs to be change to protect our children.

The change that is needed should start with the schools, who need to take a more proactive role with our children that take the bus, the bus drivers working in conjunction with our schools so there is a better communication system for all of us involved.

There should also be a standard form that is required when a child MISSES the bus at school, is PUT ON THE WRONG bus or is LET OFF AT THE WRONG STOP that is shared and circulated between all three parties. Right now there is none of this!!!

Right now there is no standard policy that mandates how bus drivers are supposed to release students from the bus eg; by name calling, colour coding, segregation etc... We need to get a policy that is uniform across both the boards so that the there are a set of rules mandated to the transportation consortium that drivers follow when our children are in their care.

The 2nd issue surrounding this is the age. At what age do you think it is safe to let your child get off the bus without supervision? Right now based on the policy that age would be 6 years old if your child is in grade one.

We need to come together as a community to better protect our children, improve communication at ALL levels and ensure the proper safeguards are put in place.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES FROM BOTH BOARDS & OTHER GOVERNING BODIES

Ontario School Bus Association: http://www.osba.on.ca/page.aspx?menu=51&app=195&cat1=511&tp=2&lk=no

Ministry of Education Policy: http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/publications/buspolicy.pdf

SCDSB Policy# 2410: http://scdsb.on.ca/Board/Policies%20Documents/Policy-2410_Transportation-of-Students.pdf

SMCDSB Policy#GP-13: (This is it)

More Safety That Should Be Addressed!