Special Needs Transportation Committee Meeting

October 20th, 2010

Osseo District Office

Meeting called to order at 11:15 am

Round table introductions  and if anyone had a topic to discuss

Caryn Erickson Adam Bus service, Amy tiedens 287, Nikie Ehlen First Student, Ken Stevens Bemidji, Al Cronquist Metro Trns, Rodney Booth Metro Trns, Denna Hans 284, Theresa Globa 279, Bette Bruning 284, Frank Wilke 276, Susan Hoglund 286, Paul Bourgess 1^st Student, Barb Myers Rockford bus, Dave Johnson 624, Eric Schaffhausen, Cynthia Wallin 1^st Student, Renee Lehman Adam bus service, Kristin Johnson 281, Dave Mohr Telin Trns, Dave Delmonico 196, Duane Bartels MN DPS, Leann Livingston 831, Kely Stano 281, Kelly Wosika MDE, Carolyn Oakes Mpls, John Thomas 112, Kala Henkensiefken 181, Brand Lundell.

Updates:

• Brad Lundell gave over view of what is happening at State level and budget short falls.  Nationally looking at foster care and treatment. Brad will keep us posted.
• Congrats to Carolyn Oakes for receiving the 4^th annual Peter J Grandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence. Carolyn shared the information on this award that she received and showed the group the magazine article that was done on her. Congrats Carolyn.
• Kala gave group update regarding the committee and upcoming meeting locations.  November 17 Mankato, December 15^th MDE, January 19^th, February 16^th Cambridge Isanti, March 16^th 287, April 20^th Richfield, May 18^th Pine City. Meeting time will be right after Safety meeting which ends at 11:00 am.

•  National Transporting Students with Special Needs Conference will be in Kansas City Mo, March 11^th thru 16^th, website is www.eduprogroup.com If you are interested in attending the conference and want to carpool down contact Kala
• Kala shared with Group the Yellow is the New Red campaign that the CW county attorney’s office is promoting.
• Kala gave TTT update, there will be a day dedicated to special needs. This past summer the feed back from TTT attendees indicated more sped training. There will be a wheelchair certification class this year, 2 out of 60 attendee’s at the 2010 TTT were installing wheelchairs correctly, request to have certification training at 2011 TTT sessions. TTT will be instructing from the Model SB training Manual.
• School Bus rodeo is scheduled for June 4^th 2011, location TBA.
• Duane gave update from National Standards session.

Discussion topics from round table:

• Eric question are people doing evacuations on sped buses and if so what you are doing. Amy’s district does draw up e-vac. plans. Need to do different scenio for different needs. If have emergency plan for medical condition in school they should have one on bus. Dave D said their district does and e-vac one day @ school with all students.
• Kristin question about safety vests and seat belt use, question is from Tom. Do you use seat belt with safety vest. Answer no.
• Dave D question about if no parent home what do you do. Answers very, some districts have set up with District after school programs to drop the students off with them and the parents are responsible for the cost. Brainerd contacts Law enforcement and they take the child and contact SS.
• Duane has received a call from a foster parent wondering what to do about a long bus ride for a student and the school District is unwilling to work with the family. Kelly said they contact MDE and file a complaint.
• Leigh Ann had a question about WC tie downs do they have to be stored when not in use. Duane said there is a state statute regarding wheelchair tie downs and them having to be removed when they are not being used. He will send the info to Kala for the group to discuss and review.
• Amy asked about bus tokens does any one use them for students that are riding a city bus system. Answer from several Districts that yes they do purchase tokens and use them for students.
• Amy asked about parent reimbursement for ALC student on IEP, can we reimburse. Depends on the situation. If you are offering service and they decline no, if you are asking parents due to other issues, yes.
• Question regarding targeted services. Do you have to transport after hours for sped. Answer yes, if part of IEP.

Discussion regarding Minnesota Statute 125A.15 the resident district is responsible for the transportation. Transportation is somewhat silent in the statute. Question to ask who placed the child. Districts should consider a policy.

Meeting adjourned at 12:45