The Triton School Board heard a short report from the Transportation Director, Laura Baker, during their September 9 meeting. According to Baker, they are in compliance with the new state stop arm/bus law and all routes are door side stops on the state highways. She said rerouting has meant longer route times for some of the drivers; however, all of the drivers understand the need for safety first.
At this time, the school corporation has 15 route driers and four substitutes. Baker said both she and the mechanic are certified to drive buses. Driver Marykay Decrow drives the preschool route and passed a CDL test on September 9.
Baker received approval for the following out of district stops: Mentone-First Baptist Church parking lot, 142 St. Rd 25, and 2828 St Rd. 25; Argos-Parking lot at the corner of St Rd 10 and Old 30; and Inwood-trailer park on Hawthron Road.
Triton School Board member Kevin Boyer questioned the liability factors if a student were to be injured while waiting on the bus in the church parking lot. He said, “Who would be liable?” Baker indicated that she will pursue more formal documents of understanding with the church and any other private property.
Later in the meeting, Superintendent Jeremy Riffle explained that they will be using grant monies that they were awarded to install stop arm cameras in all the buses as well as either use grants or school funds to install three cameras on each bus. The board approved the purchase of two new buses for the 2020-2021 school year and those buses will come factory equipped with cameras.
The board held a public hearing on the Bus Replacement Plan, Capital Project Plan and the 2020 Budget. There were no comments from the audience. The plans and budget can be viewed by the public at www.triton.K12.in.us.
Among items included in the Capital Plan are door knobs for the high school classrooms, replacement of ceiling tiles, and electrical upgrades. Plans are also included to install new flooring in the elementary building cafeteria. It was noted that not every item listed within the Capital Projects Plan would be completed and the listings were part of a “wish” list.
Plans are in place to have every student in the Triton Corporation participate in the Triton Give Back Day on September 20.
Carol Anders Correspondent
