MINUTES
SCRIPPS RANCH BUS COMMITTEE
February 26, 2019 @ 6:30pm
Scripps Ranch Library, Seminar Room
Number in audience: 30+
Welcome!
Call to order – T. Philips called the meeting to order at 6:30pm
Modifications to the Agenda – None
Non-Agenda Public Comment – Bob Ilko thanked the committee for their leadership and explained the program has come a long way since he started it 10 years ago. The SRBS has the full support of the SRCA and he encouraged those present to volunteer to ensure the future of this service which is great asset to our community.
A question was raised regarding some families only paying for one-way service and whether this could affect the cost for everyone. T. Philips explained that our busses are not funded by Scripps Ranch families but rather the money goes into the District Transportation budget fund and is then divided among all buses. The committee is not aware of any changes to the cost for next year. Offering registration for one-way travel was again discussed and the board reiterated the issues with District technology being unable to confirm whether a rider was on the correct bus and their concern with issuing too many Z-passes which could lead to overcrowding and safety issues. This is an ongoing topic to be discussed again in the future. It was confirmed that financial agreements are between families and the District and it is up to families to reach out to the District to arrange reduced fees if appropriate. The SRBC does not have any dealings with the financial side of the bus service.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes from January 22, 2019 were not approved as there was insufficient board members present to vote due to parking difficulties experienced by two board members. Will be reviewed at next meeting.
Discussion Items/Presentations:
Update on Communication:
San Diego Unified School District – Eating on the Bus – A serious situation was bought to our attention regarding a child on a bus eating from a container of Peanut Butter. When asked by a student who is highly allergic to put the jar away, he refused and the parent contacted us to see what could be done. P. Mills confirmed with the District that there is a NO EATING POLICY in force on all buses to ensure the safety of all children especially from choking should the bus stop suddenly. The driver was unaware of this situation however if this should happen in the future it is essential that the child speaks with the driver when safe to do so. All families have been reminded of this policy and a copy of the Bus Safety Guidelines issued by the District have also been re sent to families. It was also established that drivers do not have training in using an epi-pen however their protocol is for them to contact dispatch then 911 in the case of a reaction when emergency personnel will guide them through the necessary procedures before Paramedics arrive.
Scripps Ranch Cluster Schools – G. Faber attended the MMS Matriculation Night to highlight the program to incoming 6th grade families. T. Philips attended the last cluster school meeting where later start times were discussed. A pilot program will take place at two High Schools – La Jolla and the San Diego Performing Arts – with a start time after 8:30am. A committee has been formed and will begin meeting in March however there are a lot of hurdles to overcome before this comes to our cluster. Numerous studies have proved that high school students in particular need more sleep and perform better when start times are later which is why the District is looking to make changes.
Action Items:
Elections to the SRBC Board – The board introduced themselves and T. Philips reviewed the role of the committee and the allocation process including the wait list, number of seats available and cost. It is vital to have a full and active board to enable this program to continue and T. Philips mentioned that the board is considering altering the role of At Larger Members so each is responsible for a route. This will hopefully spread the work more evenly between committee members. Positions are for a 1-year term and elections will take place at the next meeting – March 19th, 6pm in the Community Room at the Library. There was also a request to consider giving committee members priority seating on the bus and this will be discussed further during the By Law review.
Registration for 2019-2020
Registration form review – The application form for 2019/20 school year was read aloud and reviewed with minor wording changes to ensure that families knew to select only one route this year. Form proposed by C. Walbridge, seconded by W. Konold and approved unanimously 7-0-0.
While explaining the reason behind changing registration to just one route instead of selecting 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices – to simplify seat allocation from the waitlist - it was suggested from the floor to open up registration to returning families early to help establish the number of available seats on each bus prior to registration to assist families in choosing the best route. This will be a great help in establishing the numbers on each bus including siblings and families wishing to change buses. Proposed by M. Featherling seconded by C. Walbridge. Passed unanimously 7-0-0. P. Mills will draft an e-mail to existing families as soon as possible to send registration link and also confirm that priority sibling registration only applies to families with more than one child on the bus. If a family has an outgoing 8th grader and incoming 6th grader they will not be eligible for priority registration as the 8th grader will no longer be on the bus. At present we do not know whether there will be an issue for families wishing to change buses after being placed on a different bus through the wait list. The committee will do it’s best to seat everyone as requested and this will be reviewed as necessary.
Bob Ilko reviewed how the bus stops were originally chosen and also summarized the sale of the Alliant University property where KB homes wish to build 426 homes. He also confirmed that construction at the Innovations Academy property is slated to begin in June 2020.
Dates – April 10-30 - Subject to a full board being elected on March 19, 2019, registration will take place for new families April 10 –30. P. Mills reminded everyone that accounts must be up to date with District to secure seats for the following year.
SRBC Bylaws Clean Up/Consolidation – Due to a lack of time to review, a Special Meeting will be held March 4, 2019 at the Community Center to review.
Open Discussion - The topic of arranging car pools and/or a walking ‘bus’ were raised. The MMS families Facebook Page was suggested as a resource to arrange car pools and T. Philips confirmed that the school and District will not authorize or support parents assisting children to cross Pomerado due to safety and liability concerns. The board also confirmed that SRBC meeting are usually held once a month on the 4th Tuesday at the Library and, subject to approval at the By Laws Special meeting, the new board would take over in March and be shadowed by the existing board until the end of the school year in June 2019.
Adjournment - Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.
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