By Frank L. Cahill
MORRIS COUNTY — After several school bus accidents across the state, the Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco to advance the safe transportation of students. The bill (A2436) requires school district transportation supervisors with less than 11 years experience to complete an extensive Rutgers course on transportation rules and best practices.
“The rash of recent bus accidents, including the heart-breaking fatality involving the Paramus school district, has raised serious concerns about the supervision of the drivers we entrust with the lives of our precious children,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “Creating a culture of safety must be paramount, and it begins at the top. Supervisors will be thoroughly trained to promote safe, reliable, and responsible transportation in order to ensure their drivers and employees are dedicated to safeguarding their young passengers.”
The courses include 138 hours of instruction and are available at several locations across the state. The instruction is mandatory and is split into eight comprehensive sections.
The completion of the course is a condition of employment for newly hired school district supervisors, and those with less than eleven years’ experience.