the office and in the lavatory. Crockett and his team have employed the use of
porta-potties to handle the overflow. “We have five porta-potties to help with the demand,” Crockett said. “In the new facility, believe me I want all the bells and whistles of technology, but in the hierarchy of needs, we need to make sure our basic needs are met before we can get to the next level.” Salem-Keizer has yet to get to the design phase of its new facility, which will actually be a separate structure in addition to the current building. Crockett said he is eyeing August 2022 as a tentative opening date. Ryan Hahn, a former transportation director who now
owns Strategic School Consultants, LLC, and works with school districts on operations efficiency and transporta- tion facilities, also spoke on the importance of keeping staff adequately relieved. “[Adequate restrooms] are absolutely integral,” Hahn said. “We make sure there are plenty of restrooms available. When [drivers] exit their buses, we make sure they have access to restrooms closer to the lot instead of having to walk through the facility. It’s a respect issue. You won’t find that in a school. Schools have adequate facilities for both genders.”
Give Me a Break The throne room isn’t the only sacrosanct space that transportation staff depend on to maintain a positive disposition. Transportation gurus agree that break time can have little or no intended impact without the ade- quate elbow room to spend it in. “The breakroom is very important because staff needs a place to relax at the end of the day,” Hahn said. “It all comes down to leadership. If the department has a good leader that gets the backing of the administration, then you’re able to build and maintain a culture of respect. Transportation people love a family culture. When you have backing and leadership, you will have that healthy culture. Transportation is a support service and how that service is treated has a direct effect on job performance.” Among the praises McClure sings for his new 5,000
square-foot facility and the comparatively spacious breakroom. “The other breakroom had limited space but this one is twice the size,” McClure recalled of the previous 1,200 square-foot building. “Now we have three computer stations so drivers can go online and check their emails for messages. We encourage them to check emails and we worked with them to teach them how.” He added that pay stubs as well as driver contracts are also all online.
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www.stnonline.com 29
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