Violence on a school bus: What should a driver do?

In Anchorage, AL early this year, a 13-year-old boy stabbed a classmate on a school bus. The driver who failed to notice the attack was taken off his route. What should the driver have done?

According to an article in American School & University magazine, drivers should:

* If a student is observed carrying a weapon prior to boarding a bus, the driver shouldn’t let him enter. Tell the student he is violating the law and will be reported.
* If a student is observed carrying a weapon leaving a bus, notify the authorities.
* If a weapon is observed on a moving bus, avoid conflict and stay calm. Drive to a police station, fire house or the nearest school and try to get the weapon off the bus.
* If there is a conflict on the bus, stop it in a safe place and evacuate non-involved students.
* The driver should intervene in the conflict by talking in a firm manner, but not threatening the weapon holder.
* The driver must always use common sense to react quickly to an unpredictable and possibly violent situation.

Custodial safety

School custodians play an important role in the school environment for students and staff and their responsibilities grow as new technology and equipment require new skills. With proper training, custodians can stay up to date with their new responsibilities that will help them protect the health and safety of the school community.

Custodial training should include:

* Bloodborne pathogen training, including the potential risks of blood and human waste cleanups.
* Hazardous equipment, including how to operate all machinery.
* Hazardous chemicals, including training in the use, storage and disposal of cleaning chemicals.
* Ergonomics, including how to properly lift to avoid back injury.
* How to identify and use different types of fire extinguishers.
* Fall safety, avoiding accidents on stairways and ladders.
* Wearing sturdy shoes and proper PPE.