Transportation Department  Members of the Springfield High School P.E.A.C.E. Team visited recently with Transportation staff to present silk roses as a token of their appreciation for the work, support, and smiles freely given by our drivers, aides, mechanics and administrators! Ron Smith, Director 419.867.5600 Heather Hawk, Secretary 419.867.5615 Switchboard Operator 419.867.5600 Endings . . . and beginnings! Another school year has past and we are proud to say that again this year, our dedicated team safely transported children to and from school. Although our fleet of buses is not the newest in the area, I compliment our mechanics for bringing their knowledge and experience to our district and limiting the number of times that any bus was taken out of service. We would also like to bring attention that at this time, the fleet is undergoing its annual inspection by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This is required each year, and we welcome their efforts, both with these annual inspections and intermittent spot checks throughout the school year to insure the buses continue to be safe. I know that it may seem early to talk about "back to school," however we can't remind readers enough that perhaps the biggest safety concerns that leaders at Springfield Local Schools, those at our neighboring school districts, and throughout the nation must address is the propensity of motorists who make poor choices when they travel near our buses. The greatest frustration that we endure are those who disregard the flashing yellow and red lights used during the morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off to protect our students from harm. Please remember that when approaching a school bus, the sight of flashing yellow lights indicates that the vehicle is nearing a bus stop. Once the driver activates the vehicle's red lights motorists are required to stop at least 10-feet from the bus. (Ohio Revised Code 4511.75) We invite any motorist or community member who sees a vehicle disregard any bus rules to assist us by noting the location of the incident, a description of the car, its driver (if possible), and the vehicle's license plate number. That information can be shared with our transportation staff by calling 419.867.5615 or 419.867.5629 and we will report the violations to the Highway Patrol. We hope everyone has a great summer! It won't be too long until you again see our vehicles back on the road as we prepare for our next school year. Click here for the In Lieu of Transportation Form Those seeking payments in lieu of transportation should download, complete, and submit required documentation no later than November 1, 2017. Click here for the School/Street Directory - this guideline was prepared to assist Realtors, new residents, and other guests in identifying the elementary school that students should attend by apartment complex and/or street address. Those with questions are asked to contact a member of our Transportation Department team at 419.867.5600. |