New School Bus Technology Uveiled in Wolcott, Cheshire Next

WTNH reports that Wolcott is adopting a new school bus technology that will catch drivers who illegally pass buses. http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/new_haven_cty/wolcott-going-high-tech-to-keep-kids-safe

In May, the BOE Planning Committee discussed streamlining bus routes to reduce the number of stops along bus routes and adopt the same technology being used on Wolcotts' school buses. Some routes have elementary school buses (not kindergarten) pickup/drop off in front of individual homes, multiple times, along the same street! It is estimated that reducing the number of stops on our bus routes would save the school district about $50,000 annually in overtime costs. The study will continue over the summer. I will post details on the bus routes as they are made available.

Regarding the school bus technology, Cheshire is going to pilot it this coming school year. The camera will capture license plates of vehicles illegally passing school buses which is a growing problem in Cheshire. Those passing the bus may find a ticket in the mail.

According to WTNH: "Here's how that works: Violators will be slapped with a 450 dollar ticket. The town will get 85 percent of the money and SmartBus will also get a cut."
While bus drivers have been complaining about drivers illegally passing them along bus routes the Planning Committee was surprised to learn that the problem may be at its' worst in school parking lots. Buses are passed in front of school pick up areas illegally which is a concern considering that some school pickups areas don't allow vehicles other than school buses during drop-off/pick up hours. Parking in handicapped spots, parking in fire lanes and leaving the vehicle unattended were also raised.

CHS Boys Locker Room Open Discussion

Some of you have contacted me to discuss the CHS Boys Locker room situation on the blog and to allow folks to comment/openly discuss the matter. So I started this post to allow folks to have a discussion around what has become a circus of a project. As always please keep the comments civil.

I'll post my thoughts on the matter over the next few days.

1/24 BOE Account Review Meeting #3, Part II

Topics Covered:- Technology Computing Vision & Strategy

Full presentation can be viewed here.

1/24 BOE Budget Account Review Meeting #3, Part 1

Topics Covered:- Support Services
- Maintenance & Operations
- Utilities & Heating
- Related Initiatives
- Conclusions & Recommendations

Full presentation can be viewed here.

1/17 BOE Budget Account Review Meeting #2

Topic Covered:- Fixed/Variable Expenses
- Certified/Non-Certified Salaries
- Union Contract Wage Increases
- Employee Benefit Costs
- Medical Plan Types
- HSA Plan Growth
- Medical Claims Through 2011
- Instructional Expenses

Presentation from this meeting can be viewed here.

1/12 BOE Budget Account Review Meeting #1

Topics Covered:- Enrollment (Actual vs. Projected Class Sizes)
- Mandates
- Special Education
- Transportation
- Student Reporting
- Personnel
- Cost Savings Initiatives
- HSA Plan

Presentation from the 1/12 meeting can be viewed here: