Requests that the Orleans Parish School Board and the Recovery School District collaboratively establish a comprehensive training manual and provide for annual mandatory training for school bus operators
Impact
If adopted, HR183 would likely enhance safety protocols and operating standards for school bus drivers. The establishment of a training manual and mandatory training sessions would serve as an important step toward ensuring that school bus operators adhere to consistent safety measures. Key components would address driver assessments, operational safety practices, and the establishment of clear lines of communication for reporting issues concerning reckless driving or other operational concerns. Such changes could reduce the incidence of accidents and improve community relations regarding school transportation services.
Summary
House Resolution 183, introduced by Representative Jimmy Harris, requests the Orleans Parish School Board and the Recovery School District to collaboratively establish a comprehensive training manual and implement annual mandatory training for school bus operators. The resolution addresses concerns raised by local residents regarding school buses in residential areas, which have been reported as a public nuisance and safety issue. Common complaints include buses blocking public rights-of-way, speeding through neighborhoods, and creating blind spots that could pose risks to pedestrian safety.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR183 appears to be mostly supportive within the community, particularly among residents concerned about safety and nuisance issues linked to school bus operations. The proposed legislation is seen as a necessary response to the ongoing complaints, implying a recognition of the concerns of local residents. However, there may be some contention about how effectively the resolution can be implemented and whether the Orleans Parish School Board and the Recovery School District can indeed collaborate to set these standards effectively.
Contention
Notably, while the resolution requests the establishment of safety protocols, it does not impose any binding regulations or penalties for non-compliance. This has raised questions regarding the enforceability of such initiatives and the extent to which they will lead to tangible improvements. Additionally, the resolution relies on the cooperation of local educational authorities, and there might be challenges in ensuring that all involved parties prioritize the training and comply with the established guidelines.
Creates the Local Schools Commission of Orleans to study the feasibility of returning control of all Recovery Schools District schools located in Orleans Parish back to the Orleans Parish School Board.
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education reconsider its decision to close Benjamin E. Mays Preparatory School and that the Orleans Parish School Board and Recovery School District study working collaboratively to provide education services to this school's students
Requests that BESE and the Recovery School District study jointly the feasibility of building a high school at the site of the former Alfred Lawless High School in New Orleans and account for the use of hurricane recovery funds
Provides relative to the allocation of local funds by the Orleans Parish School Board for schools transferred to the Recovery School District (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Requests that BESE and the Recovery School District study jointly the feasibility of building a high school at the site of the former Alfred Lawless High School in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans
Requests that the La. School Boards Association develop and implement a training program for school board members on harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students