This is the response received from Mid-Placer Public Schools Transportation Agency, et al regarding Grand Jury Final

R1

The Grand Jury recommends that there be a Board policy requiring formal, written contracts with service providers prior to any use of subletted services in transporting special needs children.

R2

The Grand Jury recommends that background checks be completed before children are transported in the sole custody of any individual, internal or external to Mid-Placer. Furthermore, Mid-Placer should ensure that each of its drivers – whether contracted or not – complies with the provisions of the California Education Code which was amended by the Montoya Law.

R3

School districts, Mid-Placer, and the Placer County Office of Education share responsibility in the matter discussed in this report. The Grand Jury recommends that the Placer County Office of Education be the lead agency to ensure that the requirements of special needs children are met. 2000-2001 Placer County Grand Jury Final Report This is the response received from Mid-Placer Public Schools Transportation Agency, et al regarding Grand Jury Final Report 2 titled, “Transportation of Special Needs Children.” The Board should hold management accountable for transportation [sic] special needs children in accordance with State and Federal laws and agency policies.

R4

The Grand Jury recommends that Mid-Placer, the Placer County Office of Education, and the Mid-Placer Board of Directors prioritize transportation of special needs students in accordance with statutes. The Grand Jury recommends that Mid-Placer review its service policy for special needs children to ensure that these children receive the maximum benefit of transportation in relationship to education. The policy should ensure, among other things, that the transportation of every student with special needs by the same driver and on the same vehicle is given top priority as often as possible.

R5

The Grand Jury recommends that Mid-Placer recognize that the term “special needs” implies that those children who meet the criteria must be given priority 2000-2001 Placer County Grand Jury Final Report This is the response received from Mid-Placer Public Schools Transportation Agency, et al regarding Grand Jury Final Report 2 titled, “Transportation of Special Needs Children.” consideration. The Mid-Placer Board, Placer County of Education, and Mid-Placer management should work together to prioritize resources appropriately, bearing in mind their legal and ethical responsibilities for special needs children.

R6

The Grand Jury recommends that the Mid-Placer Board of Directors, the Placer County Office of Education, and Mid-Placer management develop a policy regarding complaints. The Grand Jury recommends that the policy include but not be limited to the following: (a) A method to ensure that complainants promptly receive responsive information regarding the handling and resolution of complaints. (b) A tracking mechanism for each complaint from receipt to resolution. (c) A method for complainants to escalate their concerns to a higher level if satisfactory resolution is not forthcoming. (d) Reports of the nature and resolution of complaints at each Board meeting. 2000-2001 Placer County Grand Jury Final Report This is the response received from Mid-Placer Public Schools Transportation Agency, et al regarding Grand Jury Final Report 2 titled, “Transportation of Special Needs Children.” (e) A formal mechanism for the Placer County Office of Education to forward complaints to Mid-Placer management.

R7

RESPONSE This recommendation has been implemented in part in that Respondents recognize as a priority and regularly discuss recruitment, training and retention strategies. California and national school bus employers are facing tremendous 2000-2001 Placer County Grand Jury Final Report This is the response received from Mid-Placer Public Schools Transportation Agency, et al regarding Grand Jury Final Report 2 titled, “Transportation of Special Needs Children.” challenges in attracting and retaining adequate numbers of qualified employees. Over the next six months, the Agency will be advertising and recruiting in different forums, including newspaper and internet recruiting. Additionally, the Agency is working with EDD on posting vacancies on the EDD website and will be participating in job fairs. The Agency also will discuss with the employees’ labor union (CSEA) representative ideas for retention, training and programs to reduce the cost of licensing for new applicants. These types of changes must go through the collective bargaining process with the union before they can be implemented. As to providing and training aides, the recommendation that Placer County Office of Education be responsible will not be implemented because it is not reasonable for one member entity to be required to be responsible. The Agency will maintain responsibility over the transportation aides as they are employees of the Agency. Placer County Office of Education is willing to assist the Agency in training the aides.

R8

(a) The Grand Jury recommends that all vehicles used to transport special needs children are outfitted with working radio equipment and some other type of backup communication equipment such as cellular telephones. For those vehicles that currently do not have adequate equipment, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Directors and Mid- Placer budget and obtain required equipment as soon as possible. (b) The Grand Jury recommends that Mid-Placer needs to comply with already established parental notification requirements stated in the 2000-2001 Placer County Grand Jury Final Report This is the response received from Mid-Placer Public Schools Transportation Agency, et al regarding Grand Jury Final Report 2 titled, “Transportation of Special Needs Children.” Mid-Placer Public Schools Transportation Agency, Special Education Parent Handbook. Furthermore, the Grand Jury recommends that management implement procedures to ensure timely notification of any changes affecting special needs children to all other affected parties, i.e., teachers, aides, drivers, etc. (c) The Grand Jury recommends that Mid-Placer and the Board of Directors develop, implement, and follow procedures to ensure timely and responsive communication during the transportation of special needs children.

R9

The Grand Jury recommends that Mid-Placer ensure that all relevant information, including IEP protocols, is current and available for internal or external drivers. Such information should not breach confidentiality, but should be adequate to ensure the safety of the special needs children.

R10

The Grand Jury recommends that the 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury follow-up and monitor Mid-Placer Transportation Agency.