structure for hiring and recruiting employees. Jackson added that the district is working with its local associa- tions in order to increase the benefits given to his drivers. However, Jeffco is also struggling with maintaining a full cadre of mechanics. The district is down 12.5 percent in mechanics for this school year. The mountain roads are also not ideal for the propane school buses that the district has purchased. However, at this time, Jackson said the fleet is 9 percent propane and many drivers are enjoying the quietness of their buses. A fueling station was constructed at the South Ter-
minal, and Director Cathy Nelson reported the fuel is being used quickly. Jackson said propane buses are best on routes where there are short turnarounds. Jeffco is in year four of a five-year contract with Blue Bird that includes adding more alternative fuel options to its fleet. When looking at the options, the best choice for Jeffco
was going with propane instead of electric, Jackson said. Electric is currently too expensive for the district, he com- mented, especially since his goal is to the reduce the age of his fleet by purchasing as many buses as he can every year. “We are given a certain amount, $2.1 million a year, to
purchase buses,” Jackson explained. “The age of my fleet [is] currently around 11.2 years old. When I first inherited this fleet, we were around 14 … We are trying to stay on track to purchase as many buses as we can every year for the purpose of maintaining them and to reduce the impact of our age.” Jackson added, “In our fleet, we purchase roughly 20 buses a year. Part of that is that we are trying to make sure we are ahead of [that pace]. … We are always trying to find ways to get our fleet younger.” Jeffco is also focusing its financial resources on up- grading technology. While Jackson is in the process of adding security cameras to all of the buildings, he said he is also reviewing the costs of upgrading school bus cameras and installing a student tracking system. Jeffco uses Zonar for its GPS, which offers student tracking. But Jackson said he wants to consider all of the latest tech- nology that is available. Jeffco also provides each student with either a tablet or
a Chromebook for an equal opportunity to work off the same tools and resources for their own academic success. Jackson said the district’s strategic plan includes Wi-Fi
Congratulations, Greg
the pride of Jefferson County Public Schools (Colorado)
An honor you richly deserve. Your friends at
58 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2019 Congratulatory
GJ_Fractional-ads.indd 1 10/21/19 10:15 AM
CONGRATULATIONS Greg Jackson
Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado STN is honored to
present you with the 2019 Transportation Director of the Year Award
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
