closure, drivers were required to watch a training video on how to conduct an evacuation. A follow-up quiz was included. The training was incorporated into the dis- trict’s professional development days, when students were learning remotely. With all students now back in traditional classrooms,
Ulrich said her department is working to conduct hands-on evacuation drills. She added that in addition to implementing COVID-19 protocols, Aurora Pub- lic Schools is in the process of installing lap/shoulder seatbelts, which will be a new training element for the students and drivers. Currently, 18 of the district’s 143 buses are equipped with the three-point systems. The district also has assigned seats this year and is running buses at reduced capacity. “I think having reduced ridership numbers will make the evacuations much quicker, just because you don’t have as many kids to get off the bus,” Ulrich explained. While the seating charts are new for general educa-
tion routes due to contact tracing efforts, Ulrich said she doesn’t believe the policy will impact evacuations, as
older students normally sit at the back of the bus any- ways and assist with helping younger students out the rear door. “As far as evacuating the students, the process is the same regardless of who rides, or how many kids are on the bus,” she said. The main difference, Ulrich explained, is that when
students exit the buses they will need to line up and space out at a certain location, while awaiting their re- turn to classes. While Ulrich said the virtual evacuations were a good
backup for meeting the state driver requirements, she said she believes that hands-on training is a better way to conduct the drills, as it reinforces proper student behavior. With an online video, a student wouldn’t be corrected if they happen to do something incorrectly, she concluded. ●
Read an article on mock causality drills and the significance of working with first responders at
stnonline.com/go/8v.
www.stnonline.com 23
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