ARCHIVES - School Year: 2021-22
Fall 2021 School Bus Advice in 7 parts updated again Feb 2022, please read for changes!
Advice on SCHOOL BUS ROUTE complaints from Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC)
Para consejos en español, llama Comité Timón 347-942-7413
#1 - NEW! - HOW TO GET ROUTE INFORMATION
OPT (Office of Pupil Transportation) HAS STOPPED SHARING ROUTES BY PHONE OR MAIL!
→ Ask your child’s school
→ Log in to NYCSA if possible
→ Bus company or bus crew from the year before
Source: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation
***Before boarding a new bus, confirm that student’s name, pickup and dropoff addresses, school schedule, and medical codes are correct***
#2 - OPT maximum times* (including 10-15 min. grace period)*
Age/grade level
School IN same BORO as home
School OUT OF the home BORO
Early Intervention*
Pre-K
75 minutes !
105 minutes !!
Kindergarten-12
90 minutes :(
115 minutes :((
*Note: EI times are up 15 minutes compared to earlier OPT policy.
Join our fight to make these times shorter, to split up the grades, and to reverse the shortage of skilled school bus workers!
We support Employee Protection Provisions to recruit & retain well-trained, experienced drivers & attendants.
#3 - When the bus route takes much longer or does not show up:
Call OPT Customer Service at 718-392-8855 every time; get a Complaint Number & name; write it down.
Try 311 also.
Contact NYC Public Advocate
Email: reception@advocate.nyc.gov
Phone No: (212)669-7200 Text: (833)933-1692
Ask the school to find their Transportation Liaison at https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/operations/transportation-resources-for-schools
That person can also help arrange temporary car service or reimbursement for certain situations.
Ask families on the route to make their own complaints.
Bus driver/attendant can also file a report at the company.
Another number to try for Special Ed. routes is 718-276-4038
#4 - Getting specialized transportation or accommodations on the IEP is a process!!
Read https://tinyurl.com/y47h28he
for more info and forms
#5 - OPT staff with the ability to address issues are now on teams that receive email collectively. There have been changes in personnel.
If it’s about Special Populations (student with IEP or 504 or in Foster Care), Students in Temporary Housing, or Exceptions (shared custody, variance):
Write to BusingExceptions@schools.nyc.gov
If it’s about Pre-K, 3-K, or Early Intervention:
Write to EarlyChildhoodBusing@schools.nyc.gov
If it’s about general education K-6 busing:
Write to JBenson3@schools.nyc.gov
Eric Weinbaum oversees transportation for non-public schools: eweinba@schools.nyc.gov
#6 - What to include in email complaints:
Route number, company name, school borough
Child´s name & OSIS number
Child’s Busing Accommodations if any
Dates, times, issues, Complaint numbers
If the child has an IEP/504, the fact that busing is a related service and education is their civil right!
In hot weather, bus should be 20℉ cooler than outside
#7 - Who to copy on your most urgent Emails:
If child has an IEP, also ccse@schools.nyc.gov
If District 75, also D75council@schools.nyc.gov
If public school, Your local Community Education Council
School Principal, Parent Coordinator, Transportation Coordinator
NY Lawyers for Public Interest betterbuses@NYLPI.org
City Council Education Committee Chair (Currently rjoseph@council.nyc.gov) & your local CM
Remove student name and forward to Public Advocate’s office gethelp@advocate.nyc.gov
Note: For live feedback from parents and union school bus workers, remove personal info and summarize the issue on https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
Labor donated by pistnyc.org parent volunteers 11/21
This information is being updated regularly at http://pistnyc.org/fall-2021-school-bus-advice-in-7-parts.aspx
And in Spanish at http://pistnyc.org/consejos-para-someter-quejas-sobre-rutas-de-los-autobuses-escolares-.aspx
PARENTS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
PADRES PARA MEJORAR EL TRANSPORTE ESCOLAR
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Sept 2021 Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
As public schools open this week, PIST NYC wishes luck to all our families whether you are waiting patiently for a school bus, using a backup form of transportation at first, or boycotting school to demand a remote option for health and safety reasons with the #Strike4SafeSchools
Even if your child receives services in a non-public setting, please let us know how the routes and the sharing of route information work out. [ OPT said these schools would be added into NYCSA, did it happen?
Also, this press release lists State senators who you can contact if your child had no route when their non public school started before 9/13/21: https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/anna-m-kaplan/senators-demand-nyc-doe-provide-transportation-students?tab=&page=1 ]
RESOURCES
Our “Advice on school bus route complaints” flyer has been brought up to date to reflect changes at OPT which are bad enough but worse if you’re not aware; for example there is so much turnover that it does not pay to write to an individual (borough director) anymore.
Remember we are a volunteer parent group so we can tell each other about the current policies but we also ask that you join the effort to change them!
School bus advice in 7 parts (English**)
#1 HOW TO GET ROUTE INFORMATION
OPT (Office of Pupil Transportation) HAS STOPPED SHARING ROUTES BY PHONE OR MAIL!
→ Ask your child’s school
→ Log in to NYCSA if possible
→ Bus company or bus crew from the year before
Full text is pasted at
Please share widely! Hit "refresh" because new info is added as we receive it.
Also available as pdf and jpeg, **PLEASE write pistnyc@gmail.com if you need the files and if you can assist with much needed TRANSLATION.
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IncludeNYC What Families Should Know About School Busing | is at https://www.includenyc.org/resources/tip-sheet/what-families-should-know-about-school-busing
IMPORTANT: *look within that document for another link to download the form for afterschool dropoff at a site other than home address
*For now, please disregard the tip about calling 311. Parents who have tried report that 311 just tells them to call the school -- as if these schools are not already busy with education and health matters!?! We will update our blog and flyer if this changes.
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Advocates for Children has created slides on how to navigate busing and other aspects of the school system’s special education and Covid prevention in 2021-22.
Please see for yourself at https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/webinar_slides_bts_90921.pdf?pt=1
Longer fact sheet in Spanish about special Ed is at https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/start_of_school_qa_spanish.pdf?pt=1
Same fact sheet in English is at https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/start_of_school_qa.pdf?pt=1
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The campaign for Electric School buses is moving forward, contact nyc-clean-school-bus-coalition@googlegroups.com if interested.
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The DOE site includes a list of school bus companies by age/grade level, with contact numbers and emails (not verified by us!) at the hyperlinks at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/contact-information
NOTE: They are telling parents to direct complaints to the company and school, but you still have every right to call and get an Incident number on record!! See #3 and #6 on flyer
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Letter of intent to keep child off the bus until route is reasonable OPTIONAL - decide if this fits your situation
Friday, September 17, 2021
If you are keeping your child(ren) off the school bus until the route time is shortened to match regulations and their IEP accommodations and/or until the number of children on board is decreased to match the science of physical distancing for Covid-19 prevention and simply intend to notify the school, OPT or the bus company/crew that you want your student to continue having busing services on paper while you wait for circumstances that let them use it safely in real life, below the dotted line is a script for that.
PIST adapted this (with permission, thanks to mom Tajh Sutton of CEC 14) from the format provided by the #Strike4SafeSchools parents who hope to keep their children at home until the city agrees to organize a remote option for unvaccinated and medically fragile (and quarantined) students. Another alternative is to simply inform the bus company each day that the student is not going to ride the bus that day, for whatever reason they accept, but that approach does not automatically give you a paper trail or put your protest on record.
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[Date]
Good morning Ms/Mr/Mx [ name ]
I hope this message finds you well despite a school year unlike any other on the horizon.
I am reaching out because I do not intend to send my child(ren) [ name(s) ] to school on an overcrowded bus route. I will be transporting them by other means until the Office of Pupil Transportation creates and staffs additional routes that are not in violation of the IEP/ the CDC guidelines for distance during Covid-19 / the Office of Pupil Transportation's own maximum route duration rules.
I am not satisfied with the idea of LimoSys and private car services which were obviously thrown together at the last minute as a poor substitute for mandated specialized transportation. I have no confidence in any claims that this profit-making initiative--much less the National Guard--will involve properly vetted and trained safety professionals to supervise my child(ren).
I want to make it clear I am NOT un-enrolling my child(ren) from school transportation for this school year! However I MUST postpone their participation in busing until such time as the Department of Education provides adequate services.
I’m sure we can agree in these outstanding circumstances, attendance on the school bus should not be held against any child whose family must decide between their traditional manner of getting students to and from school and the students' rights to reach each destination on time and in comparable physical and mental health to when they boarded the bus.
It will also be safer, shorter and less crowded for the bus workers and the other children on the current route -- those whose parents cannot arrange to temporarily transport their child -- for this bus to go ahead without my child until the issue is resolved. Again this is a short term decision based on special education (civil) rights, and public health, and is not a rejection of the vital long term mandated service of school busing as spelled out in our legal contract with New York State.
I wish you well with the impossible task you’ve been dealt and hope that all the students and staff aboard these routes remain safe.
Thank you for your care, compassion and understanding.
(Your name here)
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October 2021 update from PIST NYC Safety+complaint tips, Staffing shortages, Car service?, Accommodation Codes, OPT turnover, "Clean" buses
Ask Questions before child boards bus
Never assume that the right bus with the right info is at your door. Drivers are receiving new route rosters from day to day or week to week, and communication between the systems is shaky. Parent/guardians and School bus workers please confirm with each other the accuracy of the child's full name, school site address and hours, etc. and look for the effective start date of the route. Be ready to fill out a new emergency contact card if needed.
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Complaint process
PIST keeps updating the advice document at http://pistnyc.org/fall-2021-school-bus-advice-in-7-parts.aspx
Please contact pistnyc@gmail.com if you see errors or omissions.
As a reminder, all the OPT Customer service line can do is take a complaint and give you a number, or give you a bus company number (once you get the name from the school or from NYCSA if you have access!).
We know there was a huge and predictable fail in getting NYCSA codes to Turning 5 students and non-public students of all ages.
We still encourage creating a paper trail of complaints. Write pistnyc@Gmail.com if interested in ideas like a class action lawsuit, media exposure, demonstrations.
Please see the next point for context of why promises for route improvements may fall flat.
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Advocating to reverse the Driver, Attendant and Bus Para Shortages
As we tweeted on Sept 18: @NYCMayor @NYCSchools need to come clean about #SchoolBusDriverShortage
Parents & workers talk to each other; we know there are
85 drivers missing at Logan
unknown # missing at Jofaz/Y&M
200 missing from the companies represented by @atu1181 alone
We see the results of this in the late, no-show, merged and doubled-up routes which cause students to miss lessons, therapies, afterschool ‘catchup’ programs, and rest time at home.
This is a statewide problem that was created before the pandemic by the downgrading of the bids, the compensation, etc.
In 2013, NYC started awarding routes to bidders without the security of Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) for the workers.
Former Gov. Cuomo vetoed every bill that would have locked in EPP, even those which would have tied it to enhanced training for drivers & attendants.
During the months of all-remote learning, the City refused to extend busing contracts, even though a coalition of workers and parents proposed using the buses to transport school food, lesson materials, portable wifi hotspots, and medical or other essential personnel.
Instead, parents report that DOE paid DoorDash per meal to drop off lunches to District 75 families and students with Asthma, what a waste! Plus, in the end they had to partly refund the bus companies under the stimulus acts, but the damage was done: vehicles sitting idle for months, and workers leaving for other jobs.
In addition there is a severe shortage of school bus paraprofessionals (bus paras) When a student is mandated to ride with a bus para for health or behavior reasons, but none is present in the morning, that child is not allowed to ride the bus. If there is no other way to get to school, and no remote option, they will miss the school day.
We are in conversation with Education Councils and other activists who support programs to recruit and retain dedicated school bus professionals to serve the riders. Please check https://anchor.fm/new-normal-in-parenting for podcast on this issue with PIST organizers soon.
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4. DOE car service
We share the information below because families are desperate but WE DO NOT ENDORSE a non-union private car service run by a software contractor with a previous breach of contract case https://casetext.com/case/corporate-transp-grp-ltd-v-limosys-llc as a solution to systemic AVOIDABLE problems.
OPT says "LimoSys" is available in the following cases:
-student is on a route that has not been picked up by a vendor
-student's OPT code or address was wrong and is waiting for busing to begin
-student experienced a substantial delay or no-show
LimoSys requires a DOE staff person to "enter the request" presumably through OPT.
If child is listed at the school as a Student in Temporary Housing, ask the DOE Family Assistant at the shelter or the STH Regional Manager/
For public school student who has an IEP but is not in temp housing, ask whoever handles busing at the school to contact their school's BCO staff whatever that means//
For child in a District 75 school, have school contact D75 administrative staff///
For child in Non Public School, have someone contact their Transportation Support Specialist at OPT
For more information in multiple languages contact Advocates For Children Hotline Mon-Thurs. (866) 427-6033
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Medical codes
In the past 2 years there have been some changes to the codes used for medical accommodations in specialized transportation. For example, C means the child has a bus para, so not one but two seats have to be saved for them.
We have questions about code 5 “Fewer students on route”. Children of our members have this code but 8 or 9 riders. One mom speculated it means 5 riders, while another was told it just means the router has to look at existing routes to the school and choose the one with the lowest number of riders.
In a pandemic every route should have fewer students but this mandate is restricted to people who show documentation from a doctor as to why it will endanger the child or others to be in a typical sized group on the bus.
Often these students have already documented their conditions within the IEP, to justify services that happen in the school building -- but still the parents are given more paperwork!?!
Compare the 2019 and 2021 codes side by side at https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/posts/4357354564343010
Basic instructions for getting accommodations + link to latest DOE HIPAA form are at http://pistnyc.org/how-to-add-or-enhance-special-education-busing-on-the-iep-.aspx
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Turnover at OPT
The former CEO (until October 2018) is accused of corruption schemes that endangered kids:
Meanwhile other names and titles are moving around, and could move again under new mayoral administration. Please return to our advice document: http://pistnyc.org/fall-2021-school-bus-advice-in-7-parts.aspx
before writing to individuals who may or may not have the role they once had at OPT.
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"Clean" bus effort for lowering pollution
September 30 Clean School Bus Coalition rally to support Intro 455 for replacement of expiring diesel buses with relatively environment-friendly buses by the year 2035. For more on this point of view see https://www.nycschoolbus.org/legislation. We hope to share coverage of parent and worker voices on this debate in upcoming emails.
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SCHOOL BUS ACTION ALERT from PIST NYC - October 19, 2021
Contents - New Spanish Complaint flyer and same in English; then:
Upcoming Thursday rallies, starting October 28
PEP meeting and letters, October 20
Resolution on Pupil Transportation Demands - CCSE & councils
Media coverage of school bus driver & para shortage
Busing Webinar by Advocates for Children
Consejos en español aquí: http://pistnyc.org/consejos-para-someter-quejas-sobre-rutas-de-los-autobuses-escolares-.aspx
No respaldamos la forma en que OPT maneja su queja ni prometemos que satisfará a las familias, especialmente porque NYC carece de suficientes conductores para trabajar en las rutas existentes y agregar otras.
Advice in English here: http://pistnyc.org/fall-2021-school-bus-advice-in-7-parts.aspx
We do not endorse how your complaint is handled by OPT nor promise will satisfy families, especially since NYC lacks enough drivers to work the existing routes and add others.
Contact pistnyc@gmail.com if you need these in printable pdf form
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Thursday actions on the crisis of school transportation
PIST, Comite Timon and friends invite you to Haunt OPT for Halloween - save the dates for informational picket lines on the need to recruit and retain long term school bus service providers for all students who need short, safe, stable routes - Follow Covid and flu safety protocols like masks please:
Thursday Oct. 28 QUEENS
11 a.m. to 12 p.m outside Office of Pupil Transportation 44-36 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101 Come hear our horror stories - long routes are scary!
Tentatively Thurs. Nov 4 MANHATTAN 11 a.m. to 12 p.m outside Dept of Education/Tweed, 52 Chambers St. Whoever is elected mayor needs to respond to the crisis in a real way
Tentatively Thurs. Nov 11 BROOKLYN 11 a.m. to 12 p.m outside DOE Contracts Office 65 Court St. 11201
Schools closed for Veterans Day, students, educators, and school bus workers are welcome
RSVP pistnyc@gmail.com & Check in close to each date in case weather changes the plans.
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PEP meeting and letters, October 20
Please submit comments on systemic school bus problems to Panel for Educational Policy members in writing BEFORE and/or orally DURING their Weds, Oct. 20 evening meeting.
Contracts agenda items 15 and 16 are emergency contracts related to busing (Reliant extension, vehicle insurance)
They hear public comments on Contract agenda items before voting on each, and before the general comment section. So, if you attend you might get to speak about busing before 8 p.m. You only have a couple minutes to speak so prepare well. This will go into the public record.
Click on 10/20 for how to participate - virtual or in person https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/leadership/panel-for-education-policy
Please note you can only register for the Wednesday meeting from 5:30 - 6:15 pm on Wednesday https://learndoe.org/pep/oct20/ has registration in 3 languages.
Emails to copy and paste:
vleung@schools.nyc.gov, lpodvesker@schools.nyc.gov, ICarmignani@schools.nyc.gov,GChacon@schools.nyc.gov, MKraft2@schools.nyc.gov, GLinnen@schools.nyc.gov, Achapman7@schools.nyc.gov, DDillingham@schools.nyc.gov, kparkprice@schools.nyc.gov, TSheppard5@schools.nyc.gov,
NGreenGiles@schools.nyc.gov, JTacoronte@schools.nyc.gov, EHenry16@schools.nyc.gov, LAngelo2@schools.nyc.gov
***Some in our community are calling for a NO vote - No Confidence in OPT - as a way to call attention to the crisis of bad busing! Sample letter follows. Write your own or Sign & send if you agree:
To send as an individual message
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GY0cTWB7WtRstjNDNOcvN3-QKckqDU2PIBckr3CvLBI/edit?usp=drivesdk
To send as an organization or Council
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dBEtEoRtUASjjvrJH5qmzuMGz-cwmvWhuXGeEa3bAvQ/edit?usp=sharing
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Resolution on Pupil Transportation Demands
This month the Citywide Council on Special Education -- which advocates for every NYC student with an IEP regardless of district, including non-public schools -- passed this resolution recognizing the roots of the worker shortages, and other school transportation fails such as the missing Metrocards and the lack of routes for half of the Summer 2021 session.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BncJymOuQV1_X88EgJUKel3kKce8uVV1/view
Contact pistnyc@gmail.com or paulletteccse@gmail.com if you need the resolution in pdf form
Please read and share your thoughts on this with the other Community Education Councils (CEC) that may represent you (Districts 1-32, 75, Citywide Council on High School, Citywide Council on English Language Learners), so they can also vote to approve or amend.
You can also encourage your CEC to form a transportation committee such as CEC75 and CEC17 have done, to collaborate on these issues that affect most general and special education students.
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4. PIST in Media coverage of school bus driver & para shortage
Podcast of Bilingual Spanish/English conversation between mother Ms. Ebony Lea and Flora Huang and two PIST leaders, 60 minutes:
https://anchor.fm/new-normal-in-parenting/episodes/We-are-PIST-at-School-Bus-Service-Episode-e186mj7
WINS radio segment with a bus parent, PiST and ATU, 45 seconds after the ads:
https://omny.fm/shows/winsam-on-demand/nyc-school-bus-driver-shortage-worsened-by-pandemi
PIX-TV coverage of bus paraprofessional shortage, 2 minutes:
Note that while DOE is talking about a paraprofessional in the school building, the parent and PIST NYC were talking about lack of a paraprofessional on the #schoolbus.
These are not necessarily the same person and sadly, having one doesn't automatically make a student eligible for the other.
Mom reports that after all of this a para was provided today ( 5 weeks into the school year!!! ).
Business Insider national magazine article. This is focused on special education route riders & pandemic so they dropped what we said about the lack of Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) in bus company contracts, and the impact on ALL routes.
60% to 66% of riders in NYC do NOT have an IEP.
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5. Busing Webinar by Advocates for Children
Thu, October 28, 2021
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
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2 REMINDERS FOR 10/28 + SAVE THE DATE + NEWS COVERAGE + PEP video
1 In person event - flyers attached - volantes adjuntos
Thurs October 28 at 11:00 am
Picket at Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) in Queens
Descripción en español aquí http://pistnyc.org/persigue-a-opt-para-halloween.aspx
Description in English here http://pistnyc.org/haunt-opt-for-halloween.aspx
Facebook event here https://www.facebook.com/events/416985339973146
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pistnyc/status/1452102400836259849
2 Virtual training:
Also on Thursday at 4:00 pm, webinar on how to approach busing issues for your child(ren) presented by Advocates for Children - register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/busing-issues-101-troubleshooting-nyc-school-transportation-issues-registration-192344967977
3 Virtual organizing:
Please save the date Friday Nov 5 at 6PM for a Citywide Forum on Pupil Transportation. Learn your rights and context of the problems; build the movement for systemwide solutions.
If your organization or Community Education Council wants to co-sponsor this event, please send the logo to paulletteccse@gmail.com before Friday 10/29
Our next email will have the flyer and registration.
4 Read or listen:
We're hoping this Daily News piece brings some more attention to our cause. Many advocates contributed the data that shows the seriousness of the school bus driver shortage. https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/ny-nyc-parents-struggle-ongoing-school-bus-woes-20211025-xxchpblporba3p74se6ixhusyi-story.html
5 Video of Panel for Education Policy dialogue about busing contracts/system:
https://learndoe.org/pep/archive-pep-oct20-2021/
0:34 to hear DOE Contract office's prefacing remarks
Parents start at 0:46
Back and forth with OPT leadership and the panel member -- one of whom reflects on the emails they received and another with her own busing saga -- continues to about 1:30.
We salute everyone who participated in writing or with your voices on that night.
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Citywide Pupil Transportation Forum Online Friday November 5 at 6 PM
[En español a continuación]
This week, please join parents citywide for a forum on pupil transportation!
Know your rights and fight to expand them for everyone.
Friday, Nov 5 2021 at 6pm
Register in advance here:
https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArcOiuqz8pEtQIklLgs9NGensBQe_Dpey0
Write pistnyc@gmail.com for large PDF that has a live link to register, and/or photo for social media and texting where you also include the link above.
Please note that this event replaces the picket line we had projected for Thursday Nov 4. The next date for an outdoor activity in support of better busing will be announced.
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Esta semana, ¡únase a los padres de toda la ciudad para un foro sobre el transporte de alumnos!
Conoce tus derechos y lucha por expandirlos para todos.
Viernes, 5 de noviembre de 2021 a las 6 p.m.
Regístrese con anticipación aquí:
https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArcOiuqz8pEtQIklLgs9NGensBQe_Dpey0
Escriba pistnyc@gmail.com para obtener un PDF grande que tenga un enlace en vivo para registrarse y / o una foto para las redes sociales y mensajes de texto donde también incluya el enlace anterior.
Tenga en cuenta que este evento reemplaza la línea de piquete que habíamos proyectado para el jueves 4 de noviembre. La próxima fecha para una actividad al aire libre en apoyo de un mejor transporte en autobús se anunciará pronto.
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What we know about the car service program Currently known as LimoSys
On the 3rd day of school OPT proposed patchwork measures -- like car service (untrained, unsupervised) -- to stand in for what we need: Real busing on fully staffed routes of reasonable length.
We share the information below because many families have no bus and cannot pay for travel out of pocket, but WE DO NOT ENDORSE a non-union private car service run by a software contractor as a fair solution to systemic AVOIDABLE problems.
Be warned:
There needs to be an adult who has time to ride with the student both ways.
Further, some parents have reported (a) problems requesting car to a typical Queens address that contains a dash (-), and (b) services being ended after one week with no renewal, despite continued lack of a bus.
OPT says "LimoSys" is available at no cost to the family in the following cases:
-student is on a route that has not been picked up by a vendor [code word for suffering due to the driver shortage!]
-student's OPT code or address was wrong and is waiting for busing to begin
-student experienced a substantial delay or no-show [code word for suffering due to the driver shortage!]
LimoSys requires a DOE staff person to "enter the request" for authorization codes to use this service for free.
If child is listed at the school as a Student in Temporary Housing, ask the DOE Family Assistant at the shelter or the STH Regional Manager/ see https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14JQH00iEndvbX2m2DIJwqXUQD-zryS_y5HKFBy0bdg4/edit#gid=1259174505 third tab for list of RMs by family residence site.
Advocates for Children Education Helpline at (866) 427-6033 will support cases where this does not go smoothly.
For public school student who has an IEP but is not in District 75 nor in temporary housing, ask whoever handles busing at the school to contact their school's Borough/Citywide Office staff listed here https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/operations/transportation-resources-for-schools
For child in a District 75 school, have school contact D75 administrative staff
For child in Non Public School, have someone contact their Transportation Support Specialist at OPT
Reminder Eric Weinbaum oversees transportation for non-public schools: eweinba@schools.nyc.gov
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Families march for student transportation Press release
NYC families and allies march for safe and fair student transportation
For Immediate Release NOVEMBER 11, 2021
Contact: pistnyc@gmail.com
Interviews in Spanish: chaptertimon@gmail.com
Chanting “Safety for the Children, Justice for the Workers” and “Get the Kids to School on Time,” a cross-section of the parent movement in New York City gathered today at the Department of Education headquarters and circled City Hall park. Their stated goal was to force the administration to acknowledge and correct the shortages of school bus drivers and bus paraprofessionals, flawed communication at the DOE’s Office of Pupil Transportation, and the resulting delays and mental/financial hardship for hundreds of families. Some in attendance also drew attention to related issues such as crowded MTA buses near schools, the need to replace vehicles which pollute, and the suspension of Travel Training.
Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST) co-founder Sara Catalinotto said the volunteer organization has been helping people navigate the “well kept secrets” of busing realities for ten years, while fighting to enact a School Bus Bill of Rights. “With all the tax money that goes to enrich private bus vendors, there should be no reason why riders, drivers, and attendants can’t have a good experience” on the familiar yellow vehicles.
Mom and teacher Robin Bacigalupo added, “Studies show that the inequities among schools in different neighborhoods extend to the longer, more difficult commutes by Black and Brown students, those who are unhoused, and those with disabilities.” How Far Do NYC Students Travel to Get to School?
Johnnie Stevens of PIST said, “Words like ‘learning loss for students of color’ are thrown around to justify killing the remote learning option - to boost the economy in this pandemic - but where is the outcry when our communities’ children are literally left behind for lack of a dedicated school bus route?”
Catalinotto added, “We hear tell of Andrew Cuomo’s attitudes towards women in State government. But what about the school bus workforce, which is sixty percent women? Year after year, he vetoed their Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) that would grant them wages and benefits to support themselves.”
Blame for this was also applied to local policy choices. “School bus workers’ livelihood, and the quality of our children’s services, were undermined when the City decided to award bus routes to the lowest bidders without the EPP. This has had a ripple effect since 2013, decreasing the number of people willing to take on this very demanding work.”
A recently retired school bus driver commented, “I loved my job, but the disregard for us and the attendants and mechanics is too much--including the way all 15,000 were laid off in May 2020. Until school bus jobs are turned back into careers, there will be shortages.” She added, “Three or four times lately, my own child had no bus, so I had to drive her to and from school.”
Milagros Cancel, president of Comité Timón People and Families NYC Chapter, a co-sponsor of today’s event, stated, “Spanish speaking families face obstacles to finding out their rights around special education and transportation,” which is a related service under the IDEA that took effect seventeen years ago this month. “However, we know about fighting for change. We’re here and we plan to be back in bigger numbers next month.”
Parent advocate and CEC member for Citywide Council for District 75 Amy Ming Tsai agreed that “We need all information in all home languages, and not just online! The DOE owes our children reasonable busing, metrocards, and the travel training program for youth with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.” Tsai, who also participates in the Clean School Bus Coalition, added, “For environmental justice, we need non-diesel school buses to replace expired diesel buses as soon as possible,” referencing Intro 455A.
Today’s protesters denounced the DOE’s gig car service and travel reimbursement as inadequate substitutes for the trained supervision that the school bus system is mandated to provide. Bronx mom Monica Roman filed paperwork in July to arrange proper busing accommodations for her daughter, but had no bus at all until October 27. “It took the DOE six weeks of school and a front page newspaper story to get Leslianne a route. Meanwhile I paid for cab rides - and childcare on those rides and walks. Nobody but PIST told me I could apply for reimbursement, and who knows how long that will take.”
Community Education Council 17 president Erika Kendall, who co-hosted a Citywide Student Transportation forum for 350 registrants on November 5, declared, “These problems impact general education students as well as students with disabilities. Schools in our district are angry. We are tired of the piecemeal approach--we want systemwide solutions!”
Dad and Health professional Evan Stein grieved the “three days so far when I’ve had to reschedule afternoon patients’ appointments and arrange coverage at the last minute to run and get my child due to lack of a school bus driver on the PM route.” Stein added that “all the families at state-approved non-public schools whose terms began before September 13 were told flat out that OPT would not provide routes until the 13th” and “We had no access to the online system that gave many public school parents and guardians the details of the child’s school bus route.”
District 75 parent leader and mother of four Rima Izquierdo stressed that there is also a shortage of school bus paraprofessionals and bus nurses, whose absence prevents certain children from boarding the bus even if it shows up. “At one campus in the Bronx, school began with 57 bus para vacancies at one site and over 30 at the other. We are calling for expedited recruitment and fair compensation for these essential service providers.”
This demand and others are elaborated in the Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE)’s Resolution on Pupil Transportation, available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I4ylfthGlHLgb4_zwwsH4Odyhnf-CNJDqaaXs7pL05o/edit?usp=sharing
Heather Dailey of the CCSE and Catalinotto have both noted that the bus complaints they’ve seen this Fall involving no-show buses were a stunning fifty percent of all transportation complaints. “Even if OPT claims the complaint numbers are down, which is dubious, the intensity is way, way up,” said Dailey, “to the point that the office of Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is gathering its own complaint data directly from parents” at gethelp@advocate.nyc and (212) (212)669-1939.
Parents also intend to submit comments at next week’s Panel for Education Policy meeting, which will vote on over $9M fees for the subcontractor that runs the “Help Desk” at the Office of Pupil Transportation.
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PEP to vote on $9.4 million contract 17 Nov 2021 Does OPT 'help desk' deserve a raise? & more
Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation-Late November 2021
2 news items + 4 calendar items
Also at http://pistnyc.org/pep-to-vote-on-94-million-contract-17-nov-2021-.aspx
PEP vote on $9.4 million for OPT ‘help desk’ contract this Weds.
This month’s Panel for Education Policy Contracts Agenda item 12, described on pages 36-38 here https://nycdoe.sharepoint.com/sites/PEPArchive/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FPEPArchive%2FShared%20Documents%2FPEP%2FContracts%2F2021%2D2022%2FContracts%20Items%20for%20the%20November%2017%2C%202021%20Panel%20Meeting%2FUpdated%20Agenda%20and%20RAs%20for%20the%20November%2017%2C%202021%20Panel%20Meeting%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FPEPArchive%2FShared%20Documents%2FPEP%2FContracts%2F2021%2D2022%2FContracts%20Items%20for%20the%20November%2017%2C%202021%20Panel%20Meeting
***If link doesn’t work see pasted images at bottom of this page***
Yes you read that right, the program to hang up on parents and never admit to any wrongdoing by OPT is being considered for a $9,435,500 makeover with a higher tech phone system that other parts of DOE use.
But will it serve the needs of school bus riders, families and workers to improve the actual routes, as well as the communication? Notice that each call after the 20,000th call costs taxpayers another 8 dollars.
Perhaps instead of “throwing good money after bad” we should call for DOE to #AbolishOPT and let the schools determine the routes.
We are asking you --with apologies for short notice-- to submit questions and suggestions, either for how to make the call to 718 392 8855 worth our time, or to redirect that money to practical needs such as:
hiring more attendants, more drivers, more doctors to review the Request for Medical Transportation Accommodations which are backlogged at Office of School Health, to publicize and process Travel Reimbursements for no-show buses, to provide Mobile covid testing and vaccine units at the bus bases, or even cell phones for the school bus workers to let us know directly what the route is and when there’s traffic.
We know our community has great creative ideas for improving the experience of everyone associated with yellow buses, not just enriching a telecommunications corporation.
The link to register https://learndoe.org/pep/nov17/ is repeated in the calendar below, and the emails to send written comments are: vleung@schools.nyc.gov, jtacoronte@schools.nyc.gov, lpodvesker@schools.nyc.gov, langelo@schools.nyc.gov, ICarmignani@schools.nyc.gov, GChacon@schools.nyc.gov, MKraft2@schools.nyc.gov, GLinnen@schools.nyc.gov, Achapman7@schools.nyc.gov, NGreenGiles@schools.nyc.gov, DDillingham@schools.nyc.gov, kparkprice@schools.nyc.gov, ehenry16@schools.nyc.gov, TSheppard5@schools.nyc.gov
P.S. there is also a contract to pay Reliant $39M for the extra month it took to turn over their buses to NYCSBUS. Hopefully with the profit element removed, NYCSBUS can do higher quality work at lower expense.
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Before we list other events coming up this week, here is a report on the March for Student Transportation that happened on Nov 11th. There were parents and youth, members of PIST, Comite Timon, CCSE, District 75 CEC, and Protect NYC Special Education, including veterans. Three media outlets were represented; we will send coverage when we have it.
Full press statement is here: http://pistnyc.org/families-march-for-student-transportation.aspx
Some of the photos are at: https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/pcb.4524179804327151/4524115397666925
Please stay tuned for future actions and write pistnyc@gmail.com to get involved.
[ For inspiration here is a traffic report from this morning in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the highway was blocked due to a protest for Special Education program needs:
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Tuesday 16 November, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
NYCSBUS, the non-profit which has been funded to purchase Reliant Bus company yards, routes and vehicles, is co-hosting a workshop for organizations on the transition to Electric school buses. Hear from other members of the Clean School Bus Coalition.
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Tuesday 16 November 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. but send questions Monday!
District 75 Council is hosting someone from the Office of Pupil Transportation who will only hear questions that are submitted in advance to D75Council@schools.nyc.gov by TODAY MONDAY 15 NOVEMBER.
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Wednesday 17 November, 6:00 p.m. to ?
PEP meeting described in #1 above. Use the following link with options in English, Spanish and Mandarin, to sign up between 5:30 - 6:15 if you wish to comment and listen in the Contracts part of the agenda. https://learndoe.org/pep/nov17/
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Thursday 18 November, 6:00 p.m
Citywide Council on Special Education presentation on the High School Admissions process for students with an IEP. According to Council members, the topic of school buses and Metrocards will also come up. NYC 8th grade students can apply to HS anywhere in the city, but then they have to get there!
Info: Phone No. (718) 391-8354
ccse@schools.nyc.gov
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Testimony from Parents to Improve School Transportation
To NYC Council Education Committee Oversight Hearing
November 18, 2021
Special Education in the Covid era -- as always -- is dependent on safe, reliable school transportation unless there is a remote option or order. Parents to Improve School Transportation NYC has been following the situation of school busing for eleven years. From March 2020 to present we have co-hosted several meetings for parent advocates, often joined by school bus union representatives, to compare notes on what we could expect and demand from authorities to combat this dangerous pandemic.
There are a few things we would like to put on record so that everyone can learn from the missteps of the past.
Lack of proactive communication on protocols
NYSED, NYCDOE and the CDC published standards for transporting students on closed metal buses with social distancing and reduced capacity. When hybrid learning was announced, DOE stated in writing that the visual signage for students to understand where they could or could not sit would be shared with families and schools in advance of the return to open buildings. This did not happen. When PIST wrote to the Office of Pupil Transportation requesting details, they said on 09/21/2020:
We told vendors to put signs that say "don't sit here" - whether some of them chose to interpret that in a creative way, I could not say.
Family-facing language was posted on the website on Saturday.
We were only able to learn how to prepare our children by the grace of various school bus workers who sent photos over social media of the seat markings, signage and training documents, which I will attempt to affix below. One driver reported using smiley face stickers to indicate where to sit, but most were negative instructions which are not the most developmentally appropriate for children. An educator shared with us ideas for non-verbal and pre-literate children, but OPT did not invest time into consulting such experts.
There was also great confusion about the issue of students who are unable to tolerate a face mask. DOE promised alternatives but usually these students were in the bus with those who do wear a mask, seated at a further distance, according to drivers we consulted. In the current shortage of drivers we suspect that almost no child is being offered a more private ride in a smaller yellow vehicle.
Then, now, and previously, students from multiple schools are intentionally routed on the same bus together, complicating the DOE test and trace.
Inconsistent training and cleaning.
OPT told the public that CDC guidance had been sent to the vendors.
As you know there are dozens of different companies; each handled this in slightly different ways. In one case the driver reported being crowded into a room where a manager read to them from a one page checklist, and that was the training.
Through conversations with ATU 1181, we learned that some companies had the driver pick up the attendant at home -- to avoid mass transit exposure; some had people calling in instead of punching in -- to avoid congestion around the punch clock inside; but many companies did neither of these.
The union’s negotiation points around bus and bus yard safety had to be addressed company by company. These can be downloaded at https://atu1181.org/news/atu-local-1181-1061-proposals-for-impact-bargaining-6-22-20/
And https://atu1181.org/news/atu-local-1181-1061-proposals-for-effects-bargaining/
A new driver told of being required to spray the bus with strong smelling disinfectant shortly before each route, instead of this happening the night before as OPT had announced, and families on buses from this company reported that the riders were uncomfortable breathing in that atmosphere.
In summary, there was a lack of uniformity in proper training and safety precautions, other than the PPE that Central distributed to bus yards.
Attrition in the workforce.
Against the outcry of school bus advocates and unions, there was a mass layoff of some 15,000 drivers, attendants and mechanics once it was clear that the 2019-20 school year would continue and end on a remote-only basis. This led to many individuals seeking other forms of work.
We did not experience the impact of this so much when there was hybrid school in 2020-21, with pods alternating days and many riders staying home altogether. Again by the grace of the workers foregoing their right to a seniority pick, routes from March 2020 were extended to the same groups of riders. OPT refused to send out route letters or any other communication, relying only on NYCSA online which most families do not engage with, but fortunately there were calls between school bus crews and the families to share accurate route information. Please note that OPT did not staff the phone line on the days leading up to school; they told parent advocates that people could call 311 but calls to that number resulted in a message to call the school.
Upon the return to being fully in-person in 2021-22, however, our City was short by hundreds of school bus drivers. The lack of enough routes with a consistently assigned driver to just that one route reflects the sense that these essential workers were cast aside callously, on top of the previous downgrading of their livelihood through bids without EPP, and has caused lateness, missed classes/therapies, and mental stress for riders, school staff, families and still-active school bus workers alike.
By contrast, in informal interviews with the president and vice president of the Boston, Mass. school bus drivers union, PIST has learned that it was possible to retain a healthy majority of drivers through measures that respected their jobs and conditions, such as: full pay and benefits during the period of lockdown; using school buses to deliver lunches to students; and at this time there is an arrangement for mobile Covid- 19 vaccine and testing sites at the bus bases three days a week.
Concerning trends at OPT
As you know there is now no social distancing required on school buses and due to the driver shortage, routes are running at or above the usual capacity. Yesterday we spoke with a parent whose child’s bus took an unannounced detour to a different borough, and had students side by side on double seats; the child was home two hours after school dismissal, and too late for a therapy session.
After this parent complained to OPT brass, the call back included an admonition that “every child will be in a standard bus soon (projecting up to 40 riders per general ed route; 14 riders per special ed route); we are tired of dealing with the mini-wagon accommodation, we’re phasing out those vehicles and replacing the ‘Limited Time Travel.’ accommodation with ‘fewer students on route’.”
Putting aside the fact that OPT did not bother to state this publicly at the D75 event, if true, this scenario violates disability rights laws. It diminishes the likelihood of getting to school in under two hours and cutting risk of exposure to virus particles. Parents of children with medical reasons - and legal contracts with the state - to keep the ride short will be up in arms before you know it.
Our typical inbox this week includes a mother in a family residence who has had to fight twice this school year to get a bus stop at the shelter, and then to keep OPT from deleting it. We have reports of missing bus stops on general education routes for other groups of students in temporary housing, and families who trusted that ‘school choice’ or ‘gifted and talented’ meant they deserved a bus stop less than two to five miles from home.
In previous years, the complaints settled down to a trickle by November.
Thousands of parents and school staff have submitted phone or email complaints this fall to OPT, the Office of the Public Advocate, your Committee Chair Mr. Treyger, and organizations such as ours. 350 registered to learn of bus rights at a virtual forum on November 5 which OPT did not attend. Just days ago, 180 attended a CEC 75 meeting with OPT that was called on three school days' notice, and dozens described their bus route misery. We are beyond tired of high paid bureaucrats deflecting and downplaying this crisis. Independent hands-on oversight of this agency, and of the vendors they cater to, is needed to convince parents that our children’s interests are anywhere near first.
Recovery
When there are not enough resources to get students with IEPs to regular school, our communities have deep doubts about the promise of extracurricular recovery offerings. The City’s failure to maintain full staffing of school buses - while denying a remote option - is causing our youth with IEPs to miss even more time they need to recover, even while their peers receive lessons for a full day every day.
Solutions
The Citywide Council on Special Education has passed a resolution with Transportation Demands that are reasonable and attuned to the needs of all who travel to school. We would like your Committee to consider this for legislation. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I4ylfthGlHLgb4_zwwsH4Odyhnf-CNJDqaaXs7pL05o/edit?usp=sharing
The non-profit acquisition of Reliant Bus with City funding contains a basis for providing school busing with more input from workers, parents and educators once the element of owner self-enrichment is removed. If the City ultimately goes on to acquire all the bus yards, there would be a basis for uniform regulations including Covid Mandates and training; for more direct exchange with Special Education agencies/experts; and for employee retention, since City benefits for school bus drivers, attendants and mechanics could sustain them to continue developing and applying their skills to this hard but crucial work.
In the meanwhile, parents in our organization favor programs to recruit and retain school bus workers and bus paraprofessionals with attractive compensation, including restoring the Employee Protection Provisions to school bus vendor contracts as insurance against attrition.
Lastly, for students who are expected to be able to use mass transit for their school commute, we urge the DOE resume offering the related service of Travel Training. Most importantly for public health, we urge a survey of principals and/or MTA bus drivers to determine which routes near schools must be reinforced with more frequent buses in the morning and at dismissal time, in order to avoid unsafe crowding. We ask that this Committee work with Transportation and the Citywide Council on High Schools to address these hot spots with the MTA with all deliberate speed.
Supporting documents: [in folder to be added with link]
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PIST COMMENT ON OPT "HELP" DESK CONTRACT
at PEP meeting Nov 17, 2021
Item 12 should be tabled until DOE truly engages the Disabled community, parents, schools, and school bus workers.
Even the MTA has Accessibility Committees with advocates, self-advocates, and the transit union. OPT ridership is 35% kids with disabilities, and 3% in temporary housing. Where are their advocates? Hire them to consult, train, and answer the phone. Don’t outsource, get live New Yorkers who speak all the languages.
The DOE’s tech is the least intuitive or user-friendly. Just to find this contract item took several steps of trial and error. I copied the final link to share, but it goes to a sign-in page. This is not community engagement.
Parents don’t speak in terms like Tier 1, Tier 2, escalate, and vendor. A vendor is someone who sells fruit outside, not a millionaire bus boss.
OPT brags ‘every route has a vendor’ but downplays the lack of drivers to do one route each day. Their emphasis on low bids has emboldened private vendors to cut wages, benefits, and quality, but never profits.
With 9.4 million, bring drivers back from early retirement, so we don’t have crowded, late and no-show buses to call about. Bring Covid testing & shots to the bus yards.
Just last night, we heard D75 parents and school staff describe their bus misery. OPT took no blame, just credit for bringing the phone wait time down from 2 hours, in week 6.
What OPT did not say publicly but has come to our attention is that routes are being consolidated. Neither the pandemic nor electric buses are a good excuse for loading up the bus rosters with the maximum number on general education routes and no attendant, or with more special education students than are mandated to be in class together making the ride still longer and leading to students sitting side by side in an airborne pandemic.
Families are in mental distress from busing problems, made worse by how they’re treated on the phone. Throwing heartless technology at this crisis solves nothing.
Pay the drivers what they need & get the kids to school on time.
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PIST Update 12.21 Save dates/donation info, School bus media, Testimony, Electric transition
Save these dates!
The next citywide student transportation justice coalition zoom is projected for either:
Fri Jan 14 or (more likely because of Dr. King weekend:) Jan 21, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Office of Pupil Transportation was invited to the first half to hear parent concerns around such matters as how the children will arrive to and from ‘Academic Recovery’ services.
When they leave (or if they never show up–like some of their buses) we will speak and strategize among ourselves as school bus families, advocates & self-advocates (including any school bus workers & their organizations who choose to participate).
Please follow our social media listed at the bottom of this email, and/or check your inbox after the New Year for details.
Saturday January 29, 2022 is the annual [online] IncludeNYC resource fair, 9am to 1pm.
PIST NYC and Comité Timón will again share a virtual booth where families can exchange information in English and Spanish about issues with school busing or special education rights in general. Please read more and register here: https://events.chalkbeat.org/event/2022-includenyc-fair/
Friday February 4, 2022 is Transit Equity Day [Mrs. Rosa Parks’ birthday] with events around the country regarding accessibility, working conditions, safety, civil rights, and the environment.
See 3 minute video https://www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2022/
PIST NYC and Comité Timón are part of a coalition to hold a midday press conference outside one of the DOE buildings that Friday, where new demands and actions for fairer NYC student transportation will be announced.
*To donate to our organizing for 2022: Paypal milagroscancel8@gmail.com 929.228.0515*
School buses in the media
Dec 6, 2021 On NY City Council Intro 150-2018 for a Task force regarding the transportation of students in temporary housing.
Nov 18, 2021 By a bus mom Dude, Where's My Bus? How to Amplify Your Child's Transportation Issues & Advocate Like a Champ - http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/93596
Nov 24, 2021 On the shortage of school bus paraprofessionals (note that the author above helped this particular family get their bus para, soon after this article came out)
DECEMBER 15, 2021 RALLY FOR ACCESSIBILITY AT MTA HEADQUARTERS
http://erikmcgregor.com/2021/12/15/stranded-by-mta/
Youtube on Columbia U students' mathematical study of school bus delays in Manhattan, 2019-2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhZTBJrF_FQ
Recent PIST testimony
Nov 17, 2021 PEP meeting on investing $9.4 million into the OPT call center
Excerpt: OPT brags ‘every route has a vendor’ but downplays the lack of drivers to do one route each day. Their emphasis on low bids has emboldened private vendors to cut wages, benefits, and quality, but never profits. With 9.4 million, bring drivers back from early retirement, so we don’t have crowded, late and no-show buses to call about.
[Full comment posted above]
Nov 18, 2021 City Council oversight hearing on Special Education in the Covid Era
Excerpt:
After this parent complained to OPT brass, the call back included claims that “every child will be in a standard bus soon (projecting up to 40 riders per general ed route; 14 riders per special ed route); we are tired of dealing with the mini-wagon accommodation, we’re phasing out those vehicles and replacing the ‘Limited Time Travel.’ accommodation with ‘fewer students on route’.”
Putting aside the fact that OPT did not bother to state this publicly at the D75 event, if true, this scenario violates disability rights laws. It diminishes the likelihood of getting to school in under two hours and cutting risk of exposure to virus particles. Parents of children with medical reasons - and legal contracts with the state - to keep the ride short will be up in arms before you know it.
[Full comment posted above]
Electric School Bus transition
Video of Nov 19, 2021 NYCSBUS roundtable https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2504&v=MQ26-7N4BsA&feature=emb_logo
Interactive map of school bus bases with pollution/asthma data
https://nylcvedfund.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/25532b452c77448c8819d475dda14263
Nov 15, 2021 In relation to the infrastructure bill
https://time.com/6117544/electric-school-buses/
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PIST Jan 2022 Update MLK Day Greetings; Action calendar; Busing New
MLK Day Greetings
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday we salute the late Dr. King, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, and Civil Rights workers whose names may be less known. Their determination–in the face of horrific racist violence–inspired many movements, including the fight for Disability Rights.
Student transportation is a key part of equitable access to education. If school bus riders miss part of each day’s lessons or therapies (due to heartless routing and preventable workforce shortages) then their civil rights are being violated. This was stated to PIST and friends in the 2013-14 school year by Attorney Norm Siegel who had babysat the King children 50 years prior.
Action calendar (not in date order)
Today we pledge ourselves to the following actions. We hope you will be able to join us:
National TRANSIT EQUITY DAY is held on February 4, Mrs. Rosa Parks’ birthday. PIST will cohost a Press Conference to kick off our 2022 School Bus Bill of Rights campaign. Date: Friday Feb 4, 2022
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: outside NYCDOE Contracts Office
Address: 65 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
SHARE on social media: https://www.facebook.com/events/359014619284299/
VIRTUAL Meetings to organize the Transit Equity Press Conference will be held on:
Friday Jan 21 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Jan 27 at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Feb 2 at 11:30 a.m.
Contact pistnyc@gmail.com if you wish to attend, comment, or support.
As promised, we will speak and strategize among ourselves as school bus families, advocates & self-advocates (including any school bus workers & their organizations who choose to participate).
Outreach at the VIRTUAL IncludeNYC annual resource fair
Saturday January 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register at https://events.chalkbeat.org/event/2022-includenyc-fair and please visit PIST NYC’s virtual table to discuss any school bus issues your family has, or to learn more about our work.
Thursday January 20, 6:00 p.m. Citywide Council on Special Education virtual meeting with official speaker on Special Education Recovery Services - Many families need transportation, to make these services realistic!
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfuqvrD0uHd16JM2Hw7xiT4O_cVlhs5
Please read each petition and decide whether you agree enough to sign.
A--> Deadline today! Smaller class sizes & more https://actionnetwork.org/letters/comments-on-nyc-does-c4e-plan
B-->Stronger safety measures in the public school system vs Covid variants https://www.change.org/p/stop-covid-spread-in-nyc-schools NOTE: you can also call 311 or text 917.335.3179 to advocate for only the measures that you personally favor the most![Optional background reading: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nnu-RNs-call-for-schools-to-offer-remote-learning-to-protect-nations-children and https://www.the74million.org/article/nyc-students-walkout-protest-in-person/]
C-->Family & child benefit funding in Congress (also involves transportation infrastructure and home/community based services for people with disabilities) https://actionnetwork.org/letters/families-are-counting-on-the-build-back-better-act
Busing News
Winter “Pick”-- we’ve been told by school bus drivers that in late Jan/early Feb most companies will redo route selection based on seniority. [NYCSBUS formerly Reliant, will do this in March and we'll remind folks again]. This is a contract provision, but the union has not enforced it during the pandemic until now. Please ask your students’ attendant or driver if, when, and how the routine may be affected.
[Generally there is a transition week so the riders, workers, families and school can get used to the change. Example: If bus crew B is taking over a route from bus crew A, Attendant A will actually stay and ride the route with Driver B for the first school week. The second week, Attendant A goes wherever Driver A went, and Attendant B joins Driver B. Again, calmly ask the crew what to expect; make sure school is aware also.]
Media coverage of our Nov 11, 2021 rally for student transportation justice: https://www.laborpress.org/bloombergs-strikebreaking-continues-to-haunt-citys-school-bus-system/
Recent Data Analysis by college students of school bus delays in Manhattan https://marionetteshf.github.io/DS_final.github.io/landing.html?fbclid=IwAR2WFRYiatRWa94CnJSGKm_AE5WoWmrGxQ8OBeSNjt3NrapiwaKMYGD_Usg
School Bus Driver Shortage Impacting Children, Families (in nearby NYS counties)
2 minute video after ads, dated Jan 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIkBc5Eqgr0&t=123s
Request for interviews - Families can still contact julian.roberts-grmela06@journalism.cuny.edu to share about your bus struggles this winter for a piece he is writing in “The 74”.
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English and Spanish
SCHOOL BUS RIGHTS press conference
for TRANSIT EQUITY DAY
*In honor of the birthday of Rosa Parks*
Date: Friday 4 February, 2022
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Place: Outside DOE Contract offices, 65 Court St. Brooklyn, NY 11201
Announcing: 2022 campaign for a School Bus Bill of Rights referendum
Event link *Check for possible shift to remote in case of dangerous weather:: https://tinyurl.com/5N8FFHC7
#SchoolBus #TransitEquityDay #DriverShortage
#WheresMyBus #WeArePIST #SpecialEducation
Masks & social distancing recommended
Conferencia de prensa
DERECHOS DEL TRANSPORTE ESCOLAR
para el DÍA DE LA EQUIDAD DEL TRÁNSITO
*En honor al cumpleaños de Rosa Parks*
Fecha: viernes 4 de febrero, 2022
Hora: 11:30 am - 12:30pm
Lugar: Frente a las oficinas del DOE, 65 Court St. Brooklyn, NY 11201
entre Joralemon y Livingston
Anuncio: Campaña 2022 para un referéndum de la Declaración de Derechos del Transporte Escolar
Enlace del evento* Verifique el posible cambio a un evento remoto en caso de clima peligroso:: https://tinyurl.com/5N8FFHC7
→Se recomienda el distanciamiento social y el uso de mascarillas
#SchoolBus #TransitEquityDay #DriverShortage
#DondeEstaMiGuagua #WeArePIST #EducacionEspecial
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Social media support for Feb 4 School Bus equity speakout Edit
Sample tweets to copy and paste Hashtags we would like to see trending + some that will connect people to our cause
#WheresMyBus #DondeEstáMiGuagua
#TransitEquityDay #EquidadDeTránsito #RosaParks
#SpecialEducation #EducaciónEspecial
#WeArePIST #SomosPIST
#NYC #CivilRights #Inclusion
Suggested TWEETS TO PROMOTE the event before it happens and during (attach flier or link to http://pistnyc.org/feb-4-press-conference.aspx ):
@PISTNYC believes safe, reliable, & efficient student busing is both a Civil & Human right. They advocate & lobby for both student & worker's rights, transparency & reform. Join them Fri Feb 4th as they launch a Busing Bill of Rights campaign. #TransitEquityDay #WeArePIST #WheresMyBus #Inclusion
@PISTNYC wants you to know #NYC #SchoolBus driver & matron shortages pre-date #Covid. Workers need a fair, living wage. Find out more on Fri 2/4 at kickoff for the Busing Bill of Rights campaign. #TransitEquityDay #WeArePIST #WheresMyBus #nyc #transportation
Chronic DOE busing failures leave #NYC kids behind & families in distress. #OPT cab service is no alternative to trained driver & attendant. Join @PISTNYC Fri 2/4 at Busing Bill of Rights campaign kickoff event.#TransitEquityDay #WeArePIST #WheresMyBus #transportation
@PISTNYC wants #NYC to provide Proactive communication to families, in all home languages and not only online, about school bus routes and how to resolve issues efficiently #TransitEquityDay #WeArePIST #WheresMyBus #Inclusion #RosaParks
#NYC! This #TransitEquityDay, Feb. 4, Birthday of #RosaParks, let’s keep #SchoolBus riders & workers in mind. Virtual Press conference to kick off 2022 School Bus Bill of Rights Campaign. Follow @PISTNYC to learn more and RT. @LN4S
TAG TWITTER ACCOUNTS: people and organizations on twitter whose attention may be drawn to this issue by including their twitter handles in a ‘reply’ to each tweet.
In order below they areTAG TWITTER ACCOUNTS: people and organizations on twitter whose attention may be drawn to this issue by including their twitter handles in a ‘reply’ to each tweet.
In order below they areNYC DOE Chancellor & Deputy Chancellor; @ofdc_nycschools, @DOEChancellor, @DanWeisbergNYC, @NYCSchools, @specialneedsnyc
NYC Department of Transp Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez: @ydanis
NYC Council & Council Speaker Adrienne Adams: @NYCSpeakerAdams,@NYCCouncil
NYC council (CD 40) Education committee chair Rita Joseph: @RitaJosephNYC, @PrQueen509
Brooklyn/Antonio Reynoso: @ReynosoBrooklyn
Queens/Donovan Richards: @QnsBPRichards
Bronx/Vanessa L Gibson: @bronxbp
Staten Island/Vito J Fossella: @SIBPVito
NYC council (CD23) Disabilities etc committee chair Linda Lee: @LindaLeeforNYC
NYC council (CD 33) Contacts committee chair Lincoln Restler: @LincolnRestler
Public Advocate J. Williams: @nycpa
NYS Atty General Letitia (Tish) James: @TishJames
New York State Senator in District 25. Chair of Committee on Children and Families Jabari Brisport: @JabariBrisport
Barbara Sherman , Policy Advisor, NYS Attorney General Letitia James, (worked on bus issues before): @barbarajsherman
Labor Network for Sustainability, National Transit Equity day organizers: @LN4S
Pete Buttigieg, 19th Secretary of Transportation (Biden Admin): @PeteButtigieg, @SecretaryPete, @USDOT
3 school bus unions: @ATUComm, @ATU1181, @TWULocal100, @TeamstersJC16
3 teacher union caucuses: @MOREcaucusUFT, @UnitedforChangeUFT, @UFTSolidarity, @UFTUnity, @UFCuft, @UFT, @rweingarten
Education Advocacy & Educators: @UCOREJustice, @EducatorsofNYC, @INCLUDEnyc, @safeschoolsny, @AFCNewYork, @NYBATs, @EdTrust,
D75 teacher union chapter: @D75UFT
Special Needs CEC’s: @d75council, @CoalitionforCo2, @District79NYC
Central labor council: @CentralLaborNYC, @NYSAFLCIO
Disability Rights NY & Center for Disability RIghts: @DRNY_org, @CDRNYS
NYCivil liberties union, American Civil Liberties Union: @NYCLU, @ACLU
United Nations Human Rights Council/Education: @UNHRC, @UN_Enable
Southern Poverty Law Center: @splcenter
(+ your local reps): Find your local reps HERE: https://www.mygovnyc.org/
(+ your borough president):
Manhattan: @ManhattanBeep
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Friday Announcement To learn how to join REMOTE press conference Feb 4 at 11:30
We are shifting to Virtual mode, for health and safety reasons and to accommodate speakers who are keeping their children home during the bad weather.
See invitation below to attend the virtual press conference in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday and to push forward the fight for transit equity for the youngest riders.
Estamos cambiando nuestra conferencia de prensa Transit Equity Day Derechos del Tranporte Escolar a moda Virtual, por razones de salud y seguridad y para acomodar a los oradores que mantienen a sus hijos en casa durante el mal tiempo.
Consulte la invitación abajo para asistir a este evento en honor al cumpleaños de Rosa Parks mientras trabajamos para impulsar la lucha por la equidad en el tránsito para los pasajeros más jóvenes.
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PIST opening talk Feb 4 We are Parents to Improve School Transportation, also known as PIST NYC. Before the overview of topics that others will give details about, I feel we need to acknowledge two truths.
One, this day is Rosa Parks Day, this week is Black Lives Matter At School Week, and this month is Black History Month. The civil rights that we’re discussing in terms of students with disabilities and Students in Temporary Housing owe everything to the African American battle for equal access that Rosa Parks exemplifies. We know that all our children benefit from the work that was done in the past.
Two, this is a stormy cold day and we have the luxury to speak from indoors, while school bus workers are out there navigating extreme weather. We appreciate those school bus workers who are on their jobs today, and this year, despite all the difficulties, and doing their best to deliver the children with compassion.
We are gathering on Rosa Parks’ birthday with other caregivers, individuals, advocates, and allies in Labor and the community, to say that access to education is a Civil and Human right for children of all abilities and all housing circumstances. Transit equity, including safe, on-time, fully staffed school bus routes, is crucial to that access.
This fall, PIST and others who receive complaints about school buses found that fully half of those complaints had to do with buses that did not show up at all. Communication from the authorities is often non-existent, or insulting, or false. There is inequity in getting information or solutions on routes, depending on how much time, internet access and computer savvy a family has, and in what language they are fluent.
The school bus worker shortage pre-dates this pandemic. We and the unions predicted -ten years ago- that cuts to their pay and “E.P.P” job protections would drive many from the workforce. Then during remote learning in Spring 2020, the city laid off every driver and attendant, instead of using them to deliver food and supplies. Due to this and other bungling, disabled youth lacked bus routes for the first half of their legally mandated summer services.
We also need more bus paras and nurses, without whom certain children cannot board the bus, even if one shows up.
We are still fighting for a School Bus Bill of Rights referendum on the November 2022 ballot, to demand an approach to busing that prioritizes people’s needs. Rosa Parks taught us not to give in just because the system has been so abusive for so long. In a pandemic, forcing children from multiple schools onto long rides with no social distancing, and making drivers do double routes, interferes with schooling, creates suffering, and complicates tracing. It has to change!
PIST is forming a broader coalition to take this cause to the streets and the ballots. On Saturday, March 19th, which falls in Women’s History Month, Disability Awareness/Acceptance Month, and according to our school department it’s Respect For All month, we will march across the Brooklyn Bridge to pressure both the Department of Education and City Hall to take responsibility for school busing as a public service! We want them to use Covid Relief funding to increase both the pay and the pandemic control measures. We hope all of you will join us to say:
1, 2, 3, Pay the workers what they need!
4, 5, 6, Transportation we must fix
7, 8, 9, Get the kids to school on time!
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Press conference summary 2/4/22 report, will add links to speeches when available
*also see twitter thread at https://twitter.com/pistnyc/status/1489804483295166464
NYC Student Transportation Advocates Recognize Rosa Parks’ Birthday
as National Transit Equity Day
Officials pledge support for the School Bus Bill of Rights campaign
Coalition to March for Transportation Inclusion, Equity & Reform for Students on March 19th
NEW YORK, NY, February 6, 2022 On Friday, February 4th, Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC) convened education, disability, and labor advocates to expose multiple facets of NYC’s chronic student transportation failures and to propose solutions via a School Bus Bill of Rights. The event, marking the birthday of civil rights Rosa Parks–now known as Transit Equity Day, brought together a diverse group of parents/caregivers, elected officials including State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon and the Office of Public Advocate, the local Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and environmentalists.
“Transportation for access to education is now a civil and human right under many laws and international conventions, but just like the people of 1955 Montgomery, we need collective action to get it,” said Johnnie Stevens, Coordinator of PIST’s School Bus Bill of Rights Referendum Campaign. He added, “safe, on-time, fully staffed school bus routes for students of all abilities and all housing circumstances” is long overdue.
Organizers from across the city charged that policy changes both before and during the pandemic have led to missed school time and increased health risks for riders, and to a shrinking workforce. Claudia Galicia from Sunset Park explained the DOE this year “authorized the routes to be doubled up” adding, “families may be informed when a child in the same school is Covid positive, but the bus routes include children from several schools.”
Bronx mom and Comité Timón NY leader Milagros Cancel spoke of the resulting inhumanity of long bus rides for children with medical and neurological conditions. Speaking in Spanish through tears, Cancel urged everyone to march over the Brooklyn Bridge on March 19th for equity in student transportation, saying, “This is criminal what's happening. What if it were your child?”
All in attendance agreed: Driver, Attendant, Paraprofessionals & Bus Nurse shortages pre-date Covid and have serious consequences. In the words of NYC Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, "The inequities and inadequacies in our educational system – which existed prior to the pandemic and have been exacerbated by it – extend to our buses. Shortages of staffing, length of rides, and overcrowding are persistent issues which disproportionately harm communities of more color and students with disabilities. The city must work to hire and train more staff at fair wages, develop shorter routes, and provide transparency and accountability throughout these processes." Williams was represented in the meeting by First Deputy Nick E. Smith and Education staff.
Sara Catalinotto of PIST NYC said, “We predicted, over ten years ago, that cuts to pay and ‘E.P.P’ job protections would push many school bus drivers and attendants from the workforce.” Amy Tsai of the Citywide Council for District 75 reminded the gathering that, “there was a huge furlough in 2020, so over that summer, a lot of kids weren't able to utilize the Learning Centers for related services or instruction.” First Vice President of the Citywide Council on Special Education, Paullette Healy, added: “We have special education recovery services that started in December, and families cannot access them because there's no transportation to get our children home.”
Rima Izquierdo of Bronx Autism Family Support elaborated on the concurrent shortage of school bus paraprofessionals and bus nurses, indicating her child in the background, who was “stuck at home again because his bus para called in sick, and there’s no one else designated to ride with him.” Mother and Protect NYC Special Education leader Maggie Sanchez testified in detail that “Students in temporary housing miss more instruction and services, due to transportation problems, compared to their peers. We know what it's like not to receive a bus route for weeks on end due to a simple address change.”
Charles Jenkins, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists NY Chapter, pledged support, saying that workers “need to be paid on a professional level that has benefits so that we can hire the best qualified and the best-skilled folks to transport precious cargo.”
State Assembly Member and Disability Civil Rights Lawyer, Jo Anne Simon offered legislative support and congratulated the coalition for “seeing this as a multi-pronged problem.” Simon later tweeted, “I was glad to join @PISTnyc's call for equity in our school transit systems on #TransitEquityDay. I support a School Bus Bill of Rights to ensure students with disabilities have access to safe & equitable transportation to and from school.”
Another stated goal of this campaign is to prevent and troubleshoot problems efficiently without bias.. Galicia blasted the DOE’s Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) complaint hotline as an exercise in futility, saying: “There are long hold times, no follow-up, and no solutions. I don't have enough hours of the day to make a complaint–two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon–because the limited time travel of my child is being violated.” The flyer for Friday’s event called for proactive communication about routes, in multiple languages utilizing varied platforms.
Beth Heller from Brooklyn Heights added, “Rather than correct the route problems, OPT sent cabs/car services for my child. I had to accompany him to and from school for a total of four hours a day. When OPT neglected to reserve a return trip, it cost $60.00 to get home. If OPT were to send us to and from my son’s non-public school for a full academic year it would cost $42,300. That could easily pay someone’s salary. How much money is OPT spending per year on this stop-gap measure?”
Speakers endorsed the goal of conversion to vehicles that do not subject riders, workers and the environment to pollution. Justin Wood of the Clean School Bus Coalition cited evidence that “unhealthy conditions are caused by the diesel and gasoline school buses themselves, creating serious health issues for students, in both general and special education...and we know there's linkages to severe Covid-19 illness now as well.”
Event organizers said they had also received messages of encouragement from Chris Greif of the Advisory Committee on Transit Accessibility, City Council Member Gale Brewer, District 17 Community Education Council President Erika N. Kendall, Teamsters Local 808 Secretary-Treasurer Chris Silvera, and various education and community activists.
The newly energized coalition closed by announcing plans to rally and march across the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, March 19th. For more information contact pistnyc@gmail.com.
Graphic: Heather Dailey
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School Bus news & events Media coverage of Feb 4 School Bus Rights event for Rosa Parks/Transit Equity Day
Channel 11 same night https://pix11.com/news/local-news/transit-equity-day-advocates-call-for-improvements-in-transit-service/
Gothamist Feb 8 https://gothamist.com/news/nycs-school-bus-staffing-shortages-hurt-students-special-needs-advocates-say
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Events this week & beyond that PIST NYC encourages you all to attend (short notice :/)
Wednesday Feb 9 at 4:00 p.m.
NYCSBUS non profit that acquired Reliant Bus has a public board meeting on Zoom
Meeting ID: 966 8505 1623
Passcode: 597750
Wednesday Feb 9 at 6:00 p.m.
(the topic that we wish to support is more like 7:00 p.m.)
Citywide Council on HS will discuss resolution on the need for true parent/community governance in the school system (in contrast to the panel appointed by each mayor with only one parent-elected person)
Register in advance for this meeting: https://bit.ly/3ocU1cb After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
To sign up for public comment, please register here https://forms.gle/u3kGE9FGjQYZr2mK8
Thurs Feb 10
Virtual Rally, at 10:30 a.m.,
Press Conference at 11:00 a.m.
CUNY Student Empowerment Day
Support of funds for SWD in colleges
Register at https://tinyurl.com/SED2022
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Mid Feb Update March 19 march, media coverage, tentative forum
Mid-February 2022 Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
Contents:
Planning to march on March 19th (2 images)
Busing crisis in the media (2 links)
Tentative citywide forum
…………………………………….
1. Permit is under review for an outdoor event on Saturday March 19 starting 1:00 p.m. on the North Lawn of Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn, followed by a march over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan toward City Hall Park.
The theme is Transit Inclusion, Equity and Reform for Students or in other words:
Respect the riders’ civil rights, the workers’ job rights, and everyone’s Safety
with a School Bus Bill of Rights!
We invite cultural performances and artwork – especially from youth who are or have been school bus riders.
See flyer images below in English and Español for sharing by social media, email, and phone. Also at https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/pcb.4883535885058206/4883533941725067
And https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/pcb.4883535885058206/4883533928391735
Paper flyers to follow.
Can you/your organization endorse, distribute, or translate the flyers into other languages?
To get involved in any way, please reach out to pistnyc@gmail.com or 347-942-7413.
See you on 3/19/22!
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2. Busing crisis in the media
School Bus Drivers Make School Possible. They Deserve Better.
(Interviews with driver leaders about why there is a shortage and how to solve it) https://jacobinmag.com/2022/02/k12-transporation-worker-shortage-pay-hours-covid
NYC Parents Push to Get ‘School Bus Bill of Rights’ on Nov. Ballot After Years of Transportation Failures (Interviews with many families from PIST NYC and summary of our Feb 4 virtual rally)
https://www.the74million.org/article/nyc-parents-push-to-get-school-bus-bill-of-rights-on-nov-ballot-after-years-of-transportation-failures/
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3. Tentative citywide forum first week of March
After mid-winter recess, PIST NYC hopes to participate in another virtual forum on Student Transportation with partners from citywide and community school districts.
Parent leaders will be sharing any updates we can get on topics like:
Reimbursement, Electric bus transition, Busing for Recovery services, new DOE/OPT structure, plus a
Know Your Rights segment on School Transportation for learners in temporary housing.
Please check for emails about these events, or follow the sites listed below.
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy & happy mid-winter recess
Parents to Improve School Transportation
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Early March 2022 Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
Contents:
March 7 Busing discussion with D75 Council
New flyers for March 19th rally/ Volantes nuevos para el rally del 19 marzo
Calendar/events + Special note for NYCSBUS riding families
(3 attachments in all)
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Monday March 7 at 6 p.m.
The Busing Committee of the Community Council for District 75 has kindly invited PIST NYC to speak. See attached flyer.
We look forward to an exchange of information on: school bus route issues that families are experiencing; the background to the current crisis-level worker shortage; and the fight for meaningful long term solutions. Updates on new technology.
Remember to pre-register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrc-ioqz0rGtOyEx5IH-FuG8Ob2w4PJC3e
Use Meeting ID 886 4105 6107
2. March 19 rally & march over the Brooklyn Bridge for School bus rights
See attached flyers in English and Español
These are for printing out to give out or to put on bulletin boards, etcetera.
School bus families are everywhere! So don't be shy–take them to your pediatrician’s office, gym, salon, library, laundromat, place of worship, tenant/block association, job/union, college and of course to school staff and school bus staff who you encounter.
Further below we list events which we think will have a good audience for this cause.
Can you/your organization
-endorse the rally?
-send an email about it to contacts?
-translate the flyers into other languages?
-make a donation? [We are paying for supplies, permits and sign language interpretation]
-announce it on a podcast or submit to a local media calendar
We invite cultural performances and artwork – especially from youth who are or have been school bus riders.
To get involved in any way, please reach out to pistnyc@gmail.com or 347-942-7413.
See you on 3/19/22!
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3. Calendar/events
Wednesday March 2nd, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
#MaskingForAFriend rally to continue Covid-19 mitigation in schools
at Tweed steps, 52 Chambers St. Manhattan
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Mar 2-18 See https://www.schools.nyc.gov/calendar for parent teacher conference schedule guidelines. The half days are included here so you can plan for bus pickup.
Thursday March 3 = half day in most non-D75 public elementary schools (k-5, k-8)
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Friday March 4
State hearings on mayoral control of NYCDOE
Register / submit written testimony at https://www.nysenate.gov/questionnaires/john-c-liu/new-york-city-education-committee-witness-registration-form
Sunday March 6 at 12 noon
Fund CUNY and SUNY
Gather Brooklyn Borough Hall
March over the bridge to Foley Square, Manhattan
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/516698393172798/
Also Sunday March 6: St. Pat’s for All parade in Sunnyside Queens
12 noon Music and speeches will begin at Skillman Avenue and 43rd Street with the parade kicking off at 1 p.m. toward 58th Street and Woodside Avenue.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-pats-for-all-parade-tickets-254937564117
Tuesday March 8
Happy International Working Women’s Day!
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Thursday March 10
Electric school bus transition Day of action at 10 a.m. 1316 Oak Point Ave in the Bronx
Info: https://twitter.com/electrify_ny
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Thursday March 10 = half day in D75 programs and in most public middle schools (5-8, 6-8)
Friday March 18 = half day in most public high schools and secondary schools (9-12, 6-12)
Special note for NYCSBUS riding families: ask the crew whether/how the upcoming seniority pick might affect your child’s route, and prepare child accordingly.
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19 Mar Info In person, live stream, social media participation
Contents:
Schedule; At the Park; Map; subway info; Bus info; Driving; Chants
NOTE: The direction of the march is from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
Schedule
Before 12 noon: Organizers will arrive at the North Lawn of Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn
This is an oval shaped area past the large War Memorial with a smaller statue of William J. Gaynor.
The closest GPS address is 200 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn NY 11201. Basic subway, bus and driving information is below but Don’t wait till the last minute to plan your travel. Please go to https://new.mta.info/alerts, select March 19 and study it for changes that might affect your trip from home to Cadman Plaza park, or from City Hall back home.
Go to the VOLUNTEER sign if you want to help, to choose a sign to carry, or to make your own.
Groups, please send one person who can be responsible for your group.
Check in here if you have or need a vehicle to get across the bridge. Sadly we have not been able to procure a bus or van, so rides need to be arranged on the spot and are at your own risk.
By 12:45 p.m. If you were contacted to speak or sing in the rally, or are covering the rally for a media outlet, check in at the SPEAKERS / MEDIA sign.
From 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. The Rally is at this location, and then we walk over the bridge.
The live stream will also start around this time, https://www.facebook.com/groups/PISTNYC
Most talks will be in English with live ASL interpretation. Talks in Spanish will have live English interpretation. We intend to add Spanish subtitles to the live stream video afterwards.
Follow instructions and guide to stay together safely on the pathway to and across the bridge.
When we get to City Hall Park, there WILL NOT be talks, just some final chanting and announcements at the steps of Tweed (Department of Education) 52 Chambers St.
At the park: Bring rain gear and snacks. Water bottles will be given out while supplies last. There are gendered restrooms in the back of the War Memorial building on the opposite end of the lawn from our “stage”. Or, you can buy something small at the nearby “Park Plaza'' diner in order to use the restroom. There is grass and benches but in case it’s wet, bring something to place there before you sit down. There are people walking dogs; if you are allergic take your meds.
Please clean up behind yourself.
Go to FIRST AID if you become injured or ill; if you want ear plugs, a dry mask or hand sanitizer, or help finding a bathroom. Tell children that if they get separated from you, to report to FIRST AID with the red + sign or to a Guide.
Guides will be wearing armbands: a patterned yellowish strip of fabric around an arm/ sleeve
Map of the park and nearby subway exits:
Subway– check https://new.mta.info/ for “SERVICE STATUS”
Subway exits are marked with M
Jay St Metro Tech A/C/F/R is accessible but some distance from the rally.
High St A/C is running normally in both directions 3/19 but has no elevator. Escalator and stairs at the Cadman Plaza West exit leaves you close, with one busy street to cross, pictured here:
Clark St 2/3 is closed for elevator repairs
Borough Hall 2/3/4/5 is usually accessible when traveling toward Manhattan, BUT this weekend, those trains are not all running normally:
-The #2 and 3 are not running into Brooklyn from Manhattan/Bronx. Take to 42nd St. Times Square and catch the R to Jay St. MetroTech
-The #3 from Brooklyn is replaced by the #4. Go to Borough Hall because Clark St is closed
-The #5 from the Bronx is running on the 2 line so it should take you directly to Borough Hall.
The map shows you two different exits for this station.
Court St. R station is open but has no elevator.
Buses– Map of the area with bus stops indicated is at https://www.google.com/maps/search/bus+stop/@40.6985871,-73.9940383,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!2m7!3m6!1sbus+stop!2s200+Cadman+Plaza+W,+Brooklyn,+NY+11201!3s0x89c25a37b533d69b:0x4833c88630839337!4m2!1d-73.9918496!2d40.6985871?hl=en&authuser=0
Buses that go along Cadman Plaza West are the B52, B41, B38, B26, B25, B103.
The B25 stops closest to the rally site on both sides of CPW.
See https://new.mta.info/document/4146 for Brooklyn bus service guide and check https://new.mta.info/ for “SERVICE STATUS”
Driving – There is meter parking on Cadman Plaza West for a limit of 2 hours per parking space. The local parking garages are expensive and have very limited space due to recent construction. Allow extra time to park. This link may or may not be helpful https://www.spotangels.com/nyc-parking#parking-near=Brooklyn-New-York-11201-United-States
CHANTS
School Bus Bill of Rights!
1, 2, 3
Pay the workers what they need
4, 5, 6
Transportation we must fix
7, 8, 9
Get the kids to school on time!
No more long routes
No más rutas largas
Safety for the Children,
Justice for the Workers
Education is a Right
Fight, Fight, Fight!
Transportation is a Right
Fight, Fight, Fight!
Buses for Children,
Not for Profit
Guaguas para Niños
sin fines de lucro
E.P.P. Give the drivers what they need
E.P.P. Give attendants what they need
E.P.P. Give mechanics what they need
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March 19 Rally & March press release Families, unions, electeds and advocates rally and march for a ‘School Bus Bill of Rights’
On Saturday March 19, dozens rallied in Brooklyn’s Cadman Plaza Park before marching over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Department of Education (DOE), to highlight the need for systemic reform in student transportation. The crowd of sixty or so included families, groups of paraprofessionals and teachers, several delegates from the largest NYC school bus union, environmentalists, and other advocates. ASL interpretation for the Deaf community was done by Katie Peacock Heale.
Quotes:
Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC) founder Sara Catalinotto: We’re here because we want the young people to know that people care if, when, and how they get to school. The rules about busing are not made by the people who have to live with it. The School Bus Bill of Rights campaign seeks to give power to Disability leaders, parent/caregiver leaders, worker leaders and school leaders over decisions about student transportation.
Advocate for Disabilities Christopher D. Greif, referring to the program for students who are ready to learn how to ride mass transit alone: Travel training shouldn’t be stopped; it should be an option, but meanwhile we need the school buses to get the kids with and without disabilities to school. I want to thank the unions who do the hard work, even in Covid and snowstorms. Let’s work together and get a School Bus Bill of Rights.
Amalgamated Transit Union local 1181-1061 Recording Secretary Tomas Fret: We need the DOE to step up and route these routes correctly for our children to get to school safely, on time. We need E.P.P. (Employee Protection Provisions) to make this a career again. We need a School Bus Bill of Rights.
State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon: It’s when everybody comes together, and puts their needs, thoughts, skills, and experiences on the table, that we can come up with a School Bus Bill of Rights that reflects what our needs are–and make the improvements…We need this to be a part of every budget conversation, every education, environmental, and transportation conversation.
Bronx mom Monica Roman: It took for my daughter to be in the newspaper, on the front page in October, to get her busing–after all the money I spent on cabs, because she has a disability that makes walking to school too hard.
Kathy Park Price, Transportation Alternatives activist and former Panel for Educational Policy member: Student transportation, environmental and social justice are all connected.
Justin Wood, Policy Director for New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, part of the Electrify NY Coalition: Across New York State, there are disproportionate numbers of students with disabilities, workers, and environmental justice neighborhoods breathing the emissions from fifty thousand dirty diesel, outdated school buses. NYC needs funding from the state to transition to electric buses by 2035.
Education Council Consortium statement, read by Lupe Hernandez of District 2: We still have thousands of students unable to participate in Special Education Recovery Services (SERS) because there is still no transportation in place to transport students back home from these after school programs. We…demand…that all students eligible for pupil transportation be treated with respect and dignity, and we demand oversight and accountability from the Office Of Pupil Transportation (OPT).
Deputy Public Advocate for Education and Opportunity Elizabeth Kennedy, on behalf of NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams (whose office has been collecting school bus complaints): These issues have been here long before the pandemic. They look like staffing shortages; doubled up routes; crowding; lack of PPE for the workers; and students having longer rides than ever before.
Milagros Cancel, president Timon Family Services: We need a law that protects the rights of the students and the E.P.P. of the workers – that is what will change the problems of busing.
Amy Tsai, Community Council for District 75: For the 26,000 students in District 75, and all other students with disabilities that require transportation, it is a related service under law, not a privilege. Families are in desperate need of a change.
Charles Jenkins, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, New York Chapter: Our children are suffering with inadequate transportation to get to school to learn–breathing in fumes that are harmful to the mind–while the bus companies rake in millions and billions of dollars. CBTU is committed to working on this issue with you.
Paullette Healy, representing NYC Councilmember Alexa Aviles: 85% of District 75 students are bused. If the DOE fails to get our kids to school, they fail altogether. $1.6 billion was allocated for school transportation last year, and yet more children are not able to get to school than ever before. Where is the accountability?
Lucas, District 75 student: If we can’t get to school safely, how can we learn? Transit equity for all!
Gloria Brandman, Retiree Advocate/UFT: As a special educator, I spent time putting transportation services in the Individualized Education Plans (IEP)-- legal documents–but then spent more time on the phone with OPT and companies trying to get the services, and with parents wondering where the bus is.
Maggie Sanchez, Protect NYC Special Education: There shouldn’t be a shortage of bus paraprofessionals, drivers or matrons, because New York State and City has received lots of funding. Where’s it going? Show us the data that you cannot provide E.P.P. for the drivers.
Also represented were 350 NYC, the Coalition to Finally End Mayoral Control, Haiti Liberte newspaper (which also provided Kreyol translation for flyers and publicized the event in print), Struggle/La Lucha newspaper, Bronx Autism Family Support, Lower East Side Community Partnership Project, and longtime Citywide Council on Special Education member Ellen McHugh. United Federation of Teachers Brooklyn Parent and Community Outreach liaison Tesa Wilson gave out water bottles, and her Queens counterpart Delci Rodriguez donated hand sanitizer. City University of New York students who formerly had IEPs volunteered for first aid and filming, coordinated by PIST NYC co-founder Johnnie Stevens.
For more information contact pistnyc@gmail.com
Interviews in Spanish, contact comitetimon07@gmail.com
Audio and video of the rally https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/videos/1113672256152499
Part of the group at Tweed building Photo: Eleonora Francica
Delegation from school bus union ATU 1181 Photo: Facebook of Anthony Cordiello
+++++++++++++++++++
Testimony to Budget hearing March 21 NYCC Education Committee
Testimony for City Council Education Budget Hearing held March 21, 2022
from Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC)
[Submitted on March 24, 2022 by Sara Catalinotto, founder of PIST NYC]
School busing is a necessary educational service for approximately 150,000 NYC children and youth who attend either Early Intervention, 3-K, pre-K, state-funded non-public school, parochial school or Yeshiva. It is also a key component of activities such as school trips, sports games, and vocational programs and internships.
Transportation is a mandate within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, NYSED law, and NYCDOE Chancellor’s Regulation A-801. Medicaid reimbursement can be pursued for specialized busing (a Related Service equivalent to Speech/Language Therapy and others) to supplement funds procured through these federal, state, and local mandates.
Beyond that, school transportation as a part of education is eligible for the Equal Funding which the State owes our school district(s); as part of the transportation infrastructure is eligible for upcoming federal Infrastructure investments, especially with the pending transition to electric vehicles; and the understaffed school bus (and mass transit) workforce are Essential Workers eligible for Covid Relief funding sources.
This past weekend, we hosted a cross section of impacted families and interested allies to promote our legislative campaign for a 2022 ballot initiative nicknamed the School Bus Bill of Rights. Below you will find a summary and selection of quotes from organizations and individuals– including current and former school bus riders with disabilities advocating for themselves–from the day.
We would like for the Council to incorporate into its budget projections the growing demand for system change in pupil transportation. We believe that an investment now, for example into acquiring more bus fleets such as was done with the buy-out of Reliant Transportation by non-profit New York City School Bus Umbrella Services (NYCSBUS), will ultimately save money. A large chunk of the Office of Pupil Transportation budget currently only goes to private owners of these fleets who may or may not be local taxpayers–with no public oversight as to how or whether they meet standards we would set for upkeep of the vehicles, recruiting, training, and retaining a dedicated workforce, and efficient and compassionate customer service for worried parents and caregivers whose only wish is to get their children to school and home on time in decent physical and mental condition. In addition to the billions of dollars that school bus companies are paid directly from the taxpayers, every day they issue multiple outrageous fines to hardworking drivers for petty infractions, e.g. $200 for wearing the uniform but not the necktie. The insult and injury heaped on these safety professionals is one more thing driving attrition, to the point that as OPT admitted, 550 routes had no driver assigned on the first day of school year 2021-22.
We feel strongly that waste can be cut and redirected into making sure this vital public service is of the quality that our students deserve. Thank you for your consideration and please read on.
We then pasted our press release
+++++++++++++++++++
ECC Statement to March 19 rally Education Council Consortiu
Logo: outline of a circle in black, with the lower case letters e c c in green inside.
Education Council Consortium
ECC Statement for March for Transit Equity
March 19,2022
As our previous Chancellor Meisha Porter spoke of how to welcome students back to public school buildings in her Summer Rising and Homecoming Plan, the Office of Pupil Transportation failed miserably in their responsibility to transport our students in temporary housing, students with disabilities, students attending nonpublic schools and High School students who needed Metrocards–despite being allocated $1.6 billion dollars. This is 3 times the amount spent on Pupil Transportation pre-COVID.
As of March 18, we still have thousands of students unable to participate in Special Education Recovery Services(SERS) because there is still no transportation in place to transport students back home from these after school programs. We still have hundreds of thousands of students with IEPs and/or living in temporary housing left without consistent bus routes and transportation supports. We still have hundreds of families still waiting for reimbursement for travel costs accrued back in July during Summer Rising and bussing was still not in place. And in spite of an additional contract for $9 million to OPT to increase staffing at their call center, thousands of families still have experienced long hold times to report a bus that did not show or a school to report a bus route left unserviced.
Families and transit advocates like Parents to Improve Student Transportation(PIST) have been demanding oversight and accountability from the Office of Pupil Transportation for years. The need for answers is more pronounced than it has ever been. We, the Education Council Consortium, stand in solidarity and outrage alongside our fellow education advocates to demand parents be given the rights allotted to them by the Chancellor Regulations A-801 and that all students eligible for pupil transportation supports be treated with respect and dignity, and we demand oversight and accountability from the Office Of Pupil Transportation.
+++++++++++++++++++
April update from PIST NYC Informacion en español sigue
April update from PIST NYC [emailed 04/14/2022]
Informacion en español sigue
As we count down to a school break (at least in public schools) for much needed rest and reflection, here are reminders of a few events coming up afterwards.
PIST & friends would enjoy your support, and we think your family would enjoy attending.
Also please check out:
(a) PIST fundraiser for the School Bus Bill of Rights campaign https://www.gofundme.com/f/school-bus-bill-of-rights-campaign
(b) Citywide Council for District 75 parent-made questionnaire about busing experiences this school year – This is for any NYC family to fill out – the deadline has been extended!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1KIG2VkdDofAB5VhMWu-CgOaOC2qSn0qqNJcziOR_xzUymA/viewform
Mark your calendars
…………………………………..
DATE: Saturday April 30 from 12 to 5 pm
Bronx #AutismAcceptanceMonth celebration hosted by the special education activists in TimÓn Family Services [PIST NYC will have a table]
PLACE: Edgar Allen Poe Park, East 192nd St. & East Kingsbridge Rd., Bronx 10458
Park is reserved - activities & snacks for children - resources for families -
Contact: comitetimon07@gmail.com (347) 942-7413 Se habla español
…………………………………..
DATE: Sunday May 15 from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.
Rally with the theme “Express Yourself about School Bus Struggles” We wish to feature children and youth telling their own stories, whether in non-verbal formats such as artwork, music and dance, or through spoken words. Naturally parent/caregivers, educators, drivers, attendants and all concerned community members are welcome
PLACE: 14th Street/Union Square, Manhattan near the elevator exit of 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R subway station.
Contact: pistnyc@gmail.com
…………………………………..
DATE: Saturday May 21, evening, downtown, details TBA
Press conference to announce new short film about this cause produced by With Us and next steps in the fight for a School Bus Bill of Rights
…………………………………..
***News flash: this Saturday April 16 at 4:00 P.M. there is a gathering for Unity & healing in Sunset Park***
please see https://twitter.com/NYCCouncil38/status/1514581415010131968
for flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese
*******************español *******************
Mientras hacemos la cuenta regresiva para un receso escolar (al menos en las escuelas públicas) para el descanso y la reflexión que tanto necesitan, aquí hay recordatorios de algunos eventos que se realizarán después.
PIST y sus amigos disfrutarían de su apoyo, y creemos que a su familia le gustaría asistir.
También consulte:
(a) Recaudación de fondos de PIST para la campaña de la Declaración de Derechos del Transporte Escolar
(b) Cuestionario hecho por los padres del Distrito 75 sobre las experiencias de transporte en autobús este año escolar, cualquier familia de la ciudad de Nueva York puede llenarlo, la fecha límite se ha extendido https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1KIG2VkdDofAB5VhMWu-CgOaOC2qSn0qqNJcziOR_xzUymA/viewform
Marque sus calendarios
……………………………………..
FECHA: sábado 30 de abril de 12:00 a 5:00 de la tarde
Bronx #AutismAcceptanceMonth (Mes del Autismo) celebración organizada por activistas de educación especial en TimÓn Family Services [PIST NYC tendrá una mesa]
LUGAR: Parque Edgar Allen Poe, East 192nd St. y East Kingsbridge Rd., Bronx 10458
El parque está reservado - actividades y refrigerios para niños - recursos para familias -
Contacto: comitetimon07@gmail.com (347) 942-7413 Se habla español
……………………………………..
FECHA: Domingo 15 de mayo de 1:00 a 3:00 de la tarde (13:00 a 15:00 horas).
Mitin con el tema “Exprésate sobre las luchas en el transporte escolar”
Deseamos que los niños y jóvenes cuenten sus propias historias, ya sea en formatos no verbales como obras de arte, música y danza, o mediante palabras habladas.
Naturalmente, los padres/cuidadores, educadores, conductores, asistentes y todos los miembros de la comunidad interesados son bienvenidos.
LUGAR: 14th Street/Union Square, Manhattan, cerca de la salida del ascensor de la estación de metro 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R.
Contacto: pistnyc@gmail.com o (347) 942-7413 Se habla español
……………………………………..
FECHA: sábado 21 de mayo, atardecer, Manhattan, detalles por confirmar
Rueda de prensa para anunciar nuevo video sobre esta causa producido por “With Us” (Con Nosotros) y próximos pasos en la lucha por
* Inclusión, Equidad y Reforma en el Transporte para Estudiantes*
Contacto: pistnyc@gmail.com Se habla español
……………………………………..
***Flash informativo: este sábado 16 de abril a las 4:00 de la tarde hay una reunión para la unidad y la sanación en Sunset Park***
consulte https://twitter.com/NYCCouncil38/status/1514581415010131968
para obtener volantes en inglés, español y chino
+++++++++++++++++++
Early May 2022 Update Actualizacion from PIST NYC Informacion en español sigue
Early May 2022 Update / Actualización from PIST NYC
Informacion en español sigue
Contents:
Events!! May 15, 21 + New Member meetings TBA
School bus service data, news & survey
Travel Reimbursement & Summer school news
NEW & Improved School bus tips for 2021-22
Including links about Temporary housing transportation rights
in English at https://tinyurl.com/PISTAdvice
& in Spanish at https://tinyurl.com/PISTConsejo
#WheresMyBus #GetPIST #DondeEstaMiGuagua
EVENTS! Mark your calendars
…………………………………..
DATE: Sunday May 15 from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.
Rally “Express Yourself about School Bus Struggles”
We wish to feature children and youth telling their own stories, whether in non-verbal formats such as artwork, music and dance, or through spoken words.
Students, parent/caregivers, educators, drivers, attendants and all concerned community members are welcome.
PLACE: 14th Street/Union Square, Manhattan near the elevator subway exit of L, N, Q, R and stairs exit of 4, 5, 6. Nearest ADA station on the Lexington line is 23rd St. #6 local.
Contact: pistnyc@gmail.com to get involved. English & Spanish FLYERS ATTACHED
…………………………………..
DATE: Saturday May 21, 8:00 p.m.
Outdoor Press conference featuring new short film on the fight for a School Bus Bill of Rights
Digital storytelling produced by With Us and projected by the Illuminator.
PLACE: 51 Chambers St, across from DOE Tweed building
Also live streamed - check email for details closer to the date.
…………………………………..
Soon: “New Member” Workshops for those interested in joining PIST
What does it mean to #GetPIST? How can you help yourself and other families now? How can you help win changes that make school busing a true public, educational / related service?
Will be repeated 1-2 times a month as needed.
Also check out:
PIST fundraiser for the School Bus Bill of Rights campaign https://www.gofundme.com/f/school-bus-bill-of-rights-campaign
And our social media sites
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pistnyc/
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusparentsny/
…………………………………..
Data about school bus service in NYC and NYS uncovered
bit.ly/YellowBusBrief https://www.nyappleseed.org/wp-content/uploads/NYA_YellowBusReport_April2022_Final-1.pdf
New report on NYC school bus data via New York Appleseed. The focus is on resource equity across racial/ethnic categories of students. It also details years of legal maneuvers by private companies opposing Employee Protection Provisions (job security by seniority)
The recommendations (page 40) overlap somewhat with the solutions we are trying to legislate with our School Bus Bill of Rights referendum campaign
2. https://www.osc.state.ny.us/files/state-agencies/audits/pdf/sga-2021-19s49.pdf
2019 NYS Comptroller’s office audit of State Education Department pupil transportation responsibilities
Excerpt: We visited 25 locations within 23 school districts across the state. As stated in our report “numerous officials from School Districts and busing contractors we visited stated they were unaware of specific Department training record requirements for drivers, monitors and attendants…”
This is why we need laws that combine better retention of school bus workers with better training, communication, and oversight – not to mention more compassionate routing
Article from April 28: Brooklyn kids with disabilities miss school as buses show up late or not at all.
Sending love to these families whose human rights to education are being violated due to staff shortages among other preventable and fixable issues. #GetPIST
4. Related News
Many other topics in Education coverage recently are connected to busing or the lack of it!
Foster children, 3 paragraphs on busing: https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/ny-foster-care-support-city-council-20220420-ytagkr7m3bayxab6bsnjc2hxnq-story.html
Students in temporary housing, half the reason the agencies want more staff hired is to help families navigate transportation:
The new data on Absenteeism surely also reflects travel difficulties!
5. Surveys
Citywide Council for District 75 parent-made questionnaire about busing experiences this school year – This is for any NYC family to fill out – the deadline has been extended!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1KIG2VkdDofAB5VhMWu-CgOaOC2qSn0qqNJcziOR_xzUymA/viewform
Note that if you also take the special education interview at https://calendly.com/zendaconsulting/sedms-research-outreach-communication?month=2022-05, you can talk about school bus issues even if they don’t have a prepared question about it.
—-----------------------------
Travel Reimbursement & Summer school update
1.
District 75 transportation reimbursement requests go to proyall@schools.nyc.gov or 212-802-1502
[Contact information announced by OPT at 04/07/2022 Citywide Council for D75 forum]
2.
Apparently for other students it is still TransportationReimbursement@schools.nyc.gov
3.
DOE has posted a small amount of new info about buses for summer & Chapter 683 at
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer/grades-k-8
4.
Limited busing is one of many issues affecting equitable access to the Summer Rising program https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2022/5/2/23054129/nyc-schools-summer-rising-enrollment
*******************español *******************
Actualización de los principios de mayo de 2022 de PIST NYC
Contenido:
¡¡Eventos!! 15 y 21 de mayo + Reuniones de nuevos miembros TBA
Datos, noticias y encuestas sobre el servicio de autobuses escolares
Reembolso de viaje y noticias de la escuela de verano
Consejos NUEVOS y mejorados para autobuses escolares para 2021-22
Incluir enlaces sobre derechos de transporte de vivienda temporal
en inglés en https://tinyurl.com/PISTAdvice
& en español en https://tinyurl.com/PISTConsejo
#DóndeEstáMiBus #GetPIST #DéjalosAprender
¡EVENTOS! Marque sus calendarios
……………………………………..
FECHA: Domingo 15 de mayo de 1:00 a 3:00 de la tarde
Rally “Exprésate sobre las luchas del autobús escolar”
Deseamos presentar a niños y jóvenes contando sus propias historias, ya sea en formatos no verbales como obras de arte, música y danza, o mediante palabras habladas.
Los estudiantes, padres/cuidadores, educadores, conductores, asistentes y todos los miembros de la comunidad interesados son bienvenidos.
LUGAR: 14th Street/Union Square, Manhattan cerca de la salida del metro del elevador de L, N, Q, R y la salida de las escaleras de 4, 5, 6. La estación ADA más cercana en la línea Lexington es 23rd St. #6 local.
Contacto: pistnyc@gmail.com para participar. Inglés y español FOLLETOS ADJUNTOS
……………………………………..
FECHA: sábado 21 de mayo, 8:00 p.m.
Conferencia de prensa al aire libre con un nuevo cortometraje sobre la lucha por una Declaración de Derechos del Autobús Escolar
Narrativa digital producida por With Us y proyectada por Illuminator.
LUGAR: 51 Chambers St, frente al edificio DOE Tweed
También transmisión en vivo: consulte el correo electrónico para obtener detalles más cerca de la fecha.
……………………………………..
Próximamente: Talleres “Nuevos Miembros” para interesados en ingresar al PIST
¿Qué significa #GetPIST? ¿Cómo puede ayudarse a sí mismo ya otras familias ahora? ¿Cómo puede ayudar a lograr cambios que hagan del transporte escolar un verdadero servicio público, educativo o relacionado?
Se repetirá 1-2 veces al mes según sea necesario.
También consulte:
Recaudación de fondos PIST para la campaña de la Declaración de derechos de los autobuses escolares https://www.gofundme.com/f/school-bus-bill-of-rights-campaign
Y nuestros sitios en los redes sociales
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pistnyc/
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusparentsny/
……………………………………..
Datos sobre el servicio de autobús escolar en NYC y NYS descubiertos
1. bit.ly/YellowBusBrief https://www.nyappleseed.org/wp-content/uploads/NYA_YellowBusReport_April2022_Final-1.pdf
Nuevo informe sobre los datos de los autobuses escolares de la ciudad de Nueva York a través de New York Appleseed. El enfoque está en la equidad de recursos a través de categorías raciales/étnicas de estudiantes. También detalla años de maniobras legales por parte de empresas privadas oponiéndose a las Disposiciones de Protección al Trabajador (seguridad laboral por antigüedad)
Las recomendaciones (página 40) se superponen un poco con las soluciones que estamos tratando de legislar con nuestra campaña de referéndum de la Declaración de Derechos de los Autobuses Escolares.
2. https://www.osc.state.ny.us/files/state-agencies/audits/pdf/sga-2021-19s49.pdf
Auditoría de la oficina del Contralor del Estado de Nueva York de 2019 sobre las responsabilidades de transporte de los alumnos del Departamento de Educación del Estado
Extracto: Visitamos 25 ubicaciones dentro de 23 distritos escolares en todo el estado. Como se indica en nuestro informe, "numerosos funcionarios de los distritos escolares y contratistas de transporte que visitamos declararon que desconocían los requisitos específicos del registro de capacitación del Departamento para conductores, monitores y asistentes..."
Es por eso que necesitamos leyes que combinen una mejor retención de los trabajadores de autobuses escolares con una mejor capacitación, comunicación y supervisión, y sobre todo, rutas más compasivas.
Artículo del 28 de abril: Los niños con discapacidades de Brooklyn faltan a la escuela porque los autobuses llegan tarde o no llegan.
Enviando amor a estas familias cuyos derechos humanos a la educación están siendo violados debido a la escasez de personal, entre otros problemas prevenibles y reparables. #GetPIST
4. Noticias relacionadas
¡Muchos otros temas en la cobertura de Educación recientemente están relacionados con el transporte escolar o la falta de este!
Niños en sistema de crianza, 3 párrafos sobre transporte escolar: https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/ny-foster-care-support-city-council-20220420-ytagkr7m3bayxab6bsnjc2hxnq-story.html
Estudiantes en viviendas temporales, la mitad de la razón por la que las agencias quieren contratar más personal es para ayudar a las familias a navegar el transporte:
¡Los nuevos datos sobre Absentismo seguramente también reflejan dificultades para viajar!
5. Encuestas
Cuestionario elaborado por madres y padres de familia del Consejo de la Ciudad para el Distrito 75 sobre las experiencias de transporte en autobús este año escolar. Esto es para que lo llene cualquier familia de la ciudad de Nueva York. ¡La fecha límite se ha extendido!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1KIG2VkdDofAB5VhMWu-CgOaOC2qSn0qqNJcziOR_xzUymA/viewform
Tenga en cuenta que si también realiza la entrevista de educación especial en https://calendly.com/zendaconsulting/sedms-research-outreach-communication?month=2022-05, puede hablar sobre problemas de autobuses escolares incluso si no tienen un pregunta preparada al respecto.
—-----------------------------
Reembolso de viaje y actualización de la escuela de verano
1.
Las solicitudes de reembolso de transporte del Distrito 75 deben dirigirse a proyall@schools.nyc.gov o al 212-802-1502
[Información de contacto anunciada por OPT el 07/04/2022 Ayuntamiento para el foro D75]
2.
Aparentemente, para otros estudiantes sigue siendo TransportationReimbursement@schools.nyc.gov
3.
El DOE ha publicado una pequeña cantidad de información nueva sobre los autobuses para programas del verano y el Capítulo 683 en
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer/grades-k-8
Busca la flecha con “Select Language” y elige Spanish
4.
El transporte limitado es uno de los muchos problemas que afectan el acceso equitativo al programa Summer Rising https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2022/5/2/23054129/nyc-schools-summer-rising-enrollment
+++++++++++++++++++
May 21 video Video el 21 de mayo
Saturday night, May 21, 2022 8:30 p.m.
New short video goes live!
Parents to Improve School Transportation -
School Bus Bill of Rights campaign
on our channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYettliPS4MJXHaqv5XQzWA
Audio in English & some Spanish
ASL and English captions
Digital storytelling produced by With Us & projected by The Illuminator
*Watch for surprises*
2 showings, with a brief press conference in between
Share the announcement & graphics on social media using:
#WheresMyBus #GetPIST #CivilRights
Please add ALT TEXT description for the Blind and Visually Impaired as follows-
Background = transparent image of a march over the Brooklyn Bridge with lead banner reading: RESPECT School Bus Riders' Civil Rights & School Bus Workers' Jobs. Signed by Parents to Improve School Transportation.
Text: Saturday May 21, 8:30 p.m.
New video goes live!
Parents to Improve School Transportation
School Bus Bill of Rights campaign
Audio in English & some Spanish
ASL and English captions
Digital storytelling produced by With Us & projected by The Illuminator.
Streaming live til 9:30 at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYettliPS4MJXHaqv5XQzWA
Watch for surprises / Share using #WheresMyBus #GetPIST #CivilRights
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sábado, 21 de mayo de 2022 a las 8:30 de la noche
¡Nuevo video corto sale en vivo!
Padres para mejorar el transporte escolar: campaña de la Declaración de derechos del transporte escolar
"Live Streaming" a nuestro canal en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYettliPS4MJXHaqv5XQzWA
Audio en ingles y algo de español
ASL y subtítulos en inglés
Narración digital producida por With Us y proyectada por The Illuminator
*Espere algunas sorpresas*
2 pases, con una breve conferencia de prensa en el medio
Comparta el anuncio en las redes sociales usando:
#DóndeEstáMiBús #GetPIST #DerechosCiviles
Agregue la descripción ALT TEXT para ciegos y discapacitados visuales de la siguiente manera
Fondo = imagen transparente de una marcha sobre el puente de Brooklyn con una pancarta de plomo que dice: RESPETE los derechos civiles de los pasajeros de autobuses escolares y el trabajo de los trabajadores de autobuses escolares. Firmado por los padres para mejorar el transporte escolar.
Texto: sábado 21 de mayo, 20:30 h.
¡Nuevo video sale en vivo!
Padres para mejorar el transporte escolar
Campaña de la Declaración de derechos de los autobuses escolares
Audio en ingles y algo de español
ASL y subtítulos en inglés
Narración digital producida por With Us y proyectada por The Illuminator.
Transmitiendo en vivo hasta las 9:30 en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYettliPS4MJXHaqv5XQzWA
Esté atento a las sorpresas / Comparta usando #WheresMyBus #GetPIST #CivilRights
+++++++++++++++++++
Video press release Digital storytelling May 21 to promote the School Bus Bill of Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2022
With Us and Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC) will present an evening of Digital Storytelling through Video Projection Mapping to promote the School Bus Bill of Rights.
On May 21, 2022 starting at 8:30 p.m. Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC), and With Us will premiere a video on the building of 51 Chambers St, NYC, NY across from the Department of Education (DOE), to campaign for the School Bus Bill of Rights.
The campaign seeks to empower stakeholders for better busing rights. This event will feature video projections of stakeholders– school bus riders and their loved ones, union drivers and attendants– who are affected by flaws in the current school transportation system for NYC children and youth. ASL captioning and English subtitles are included.
Sara Catalinotto and Johnnie Stevens, founders of PIST NYC, emphasize the timing of this event to push the referendum forward. Busing issues affect students from all walks of life–both special education and general education– and often prevent students from equitable access to time in the classroom. Catalinotto argues that: “This supposed public service – which in fact is 90% run by for-profit vendors – is unreliable despite being mandated by civil rights laws such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), Section 504, and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, along with State education regulations.”
New York Appleseed’s new research on yellow bus service data https://www.nyappleseed.org/wp-content/uploads/NYA_YellowBusReport_April2022_Final-1.pdf concludes that “For our schools to be truly equitable, inclusive, and integrated and serve all students well, this resource and the policies and practices that regulate it need to be updated, and most importantly, these updates must be informed by those closest to the problem.”
The lack of equity for better busing affects stakeholders and students across communities: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/attorney-general-james-sues-bus-companies-polluting-new-york-city-communities. The Citywide Council for District 75, led by parents of students with complex special education needs, reports rampant neglect. No show or lack of bus paraprofessionals deepens the problem: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1KIG2VkdDofAB5VhMWu-CgOaOC2qSn0qqNJcziOR_xzUymA/viewform. Furthermore, children in shelters and foster care are profoundly impacted by this issue: https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/node/1975 and https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/node/1956.
Union contracts are up for renegotiation in June 2023. Amalgamated Transit Union local 1181-1061 reported up to 400 vacancies for bus drivers and the DOE’s Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) commented in a September 2021 public meeting that the city was short 550 school bus drivers.
Based on input that PIST receives from parents and advocates who gather complaints, problems are: lack of information about bus routes and bus status, only 40% of families are able to connect to the DOE’s internet systems (aka NYCSA), the OPT phone line has only English-speaking personnel and no late hours for working parents, working drivers handle two routes each morning and afternoon which complicates punctuality, COVID-19 tracing and the resolution of bullying incidents, the DOE offers a selective prepaid car service which requires a caretaker to travel with the child; something most working parents cannot do. Lastly, issues of equity in this day and age of technology further impacts families and stakeholders from gaining pertinent and valuable busing information. In short, bus delays are often so egregious that students cannot start the school year on time and miss valuable time in class,other supports such as free breakfast, related service therapy sessions, academic recovery services, field trips, and the means to attend internship programs–all of which are imperative to learning.
According to Johnnie Stevens, coordinator of the referendum campaign, “Transportation hardships deny thousands of yellow bus riders equal access to education. We already have a set of proposals to address these problems within our School Bus Bill of Rights.”
PIST NYC is a citywide volunteer group who demand school bus routes that are safe, reliable and renewable for all students who need them. PIST NYC advises on specific route complaints while organizing for a School Bus Bill of Rights referendum.
With Us are a collective of MFA students at Brooklyn College advocating with PIST on this vital busing bill. Through video projection mapping, With Us will premiere work utilizing two cutting edge technology programs: MAX Cycling (an interactive media programming system) and MadMapper (gives maximum control over the projection span of the video). With projection streaming by The Illuminator Collective and content production support from MediaPlace.
Better busing means equity for NYC children and youth!
Press contacts:
Sara Catalinotto - Founder, PIST NYC
Phone 631.743.6296, pistnyc@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc
-WITH US Brooke Broussard, Executive Producer: vision.productions@icloud.com
+++++++++++++++++++
Late May Update/Actualization Late May Update from PIST NYC → Informacion en español sigue
Report on Union Square “Express Yourself” rally
Solidarity with families in Buffalo NY
Social media breakthrough for our cause: Saturday May 21 video “drop”
Absenteeism and the bus
New member meetings June 1
1.Coverage of Union Square “Express Yourself” rally
Please read & enjoy the photos. There is also some video by at … We were happy to have powerful parents on board, along with supporters such as the Tech Transit Association from Brooklyn Tech HS, musician Josh Wolf, Flora Huang who helps Chinese-speaking Kinship care providers navigate the DOE, community, Labor & housing activists, and many people passing by the park. NY Appleseed was present to listen, as this rally related to their research briefing on yellow bus service at bit.ly/YellowBusBrief
Rally MC Rima Izquierdo asked everyone to save the date Sat July 9 for a Bronx protest against hot school buses, which we unfortunately can anticipate our children experiencing as summer school begins July 5 and 6. Note that this will not conflict with Disability Pride as the NYC parade is being rescheduled to the Fall due to Covid-19 concerns.
Photos at https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/pcb.5140387279373064/5140377682707357
2.Solidarity with families in Buffalo NY
We began our rally on Sunday with a moment of silence for the victims and survivors of the racist mass killing that occurred the day before in Buffalo, New York.
Through close contacts we have in the area, we know that threats of copycat attacks at schools are causing further distress for families and staff.
On Wednesday, two PIST members attended a rally and march that we learned about from activist mom & grandma Tanesha Grant.
We are sharing the statement from statewide education advocates the Alliance for Quality Education https://www.aqeny.org/2022/05/17/2571/
3.
Saturday night, May 21, 2022 8:30 p.m.
New short video goes live!
Parents to Improve School Transportation -
School Bus Bill of Rights campaign
Check https://www.facebook.com/groups/pistnyc/
ahead of time for updates
Also subscribe to our channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYettliPS4MJXHaqv5XQzWA
Audio in English & some Spanish
ASL and English captions
Digital storytelling produced by With Us & projected by The Illuminator
*Watch for surprises*
2 showings, with a brief press conference in between
Share the announcement & graphics on social media using:
#WheresMyBus #GetPIST #CivilRights
Please add ALT TEXT description for the Blind and Visually Impaired as follows-
Background = transparent image of a march over the Brooklyn Bridge with lead banner reading: RESPECT School Bus Riders' Civil Rights & School Bus Workers' Jobs. Signed by Parents to Improve School Transportation.
Text: Saturday May 21, 8:30 p.m.
New video goes live!
Parents to Improve School Transportation
School Bus Bill of Rights campaign
Audio in English & some Spanish
ASL and English captions
Digital storytelling produced by With Us & projected by The Illuminator.
Streaming live til 9:15 at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pistnyc/
Watch for surprises / Share using #WheresMyBus #GetPIST #CivilRights
4.Absenteeism and the bus
Recent study by Advocates for Children shows that more staff are needed to decrease the obstacles on students getting to school from NYC shelters. 2 out of the 3 examples AFC gives, to show the need for someone else who can advocate on the parent’s behalf, involve issues with the bus or bus stop. Sadly we are not surprised that a call to the “help line” did not suffice. https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/still_disconnected.pdf?pt=1
5. New Member meetings
Exchange information on:
Route regulations, rights & accommodations
How you & people you know can help turn our
School Bus Bill of Rights into law
Daytime —> Weds. June 1 at 12:00 p.m.
Evening —> Weds. June 1 at 7:30 p.m.
REGISTER at pistnyc@gmail.com
to get Zoom Meeting ID & Passcode
Join the movement for better busing!
Actualización de finales de mayo de PIST NYC → Information in English above
Informe sobre rally "Exprésate" de Union Square
Solidaridad con las familias en Buffalo NY
Avance en las redes sociales para nuestra causa: video "drop" del sábado 21 de mayo
El absentismo y el autobús
Reuniones de nuevos miembros 1 de junio
1. Informe sobre rally "Exprésate" de Union Square
Por favor, lea y disfrute de las fotos. Estamos felices de tener padres poderosos a bordo, junto con ayudantes como Tech Transit Association de Brooklyn Tech HS, el músico Josh Wolf, Flora Huang, que ayuda a los proveedores de cuidado de parientes de habla china a navegar por el DOE, activistas comunitarios, laborales y de vivienda, y muchas personas que pasan por el parque. NY Appleseed estuvo presente para escuchar, ya que este mitin estaba relacionado con su informe de investigación sobre el servicio de autobús amarillo en bit.ly/YellowBusBrief
La MC del Rally, Rima Izquierdo, pidió a todos que guardaran la fecha del sábado 9 de julio para una protesta en el Bronx contra los autobuses escolares calurosos, que lamentablemente podemos anticipar que nuestros niños experimentarán cuando comience la escuela de verano el 5 y 6 de julio. Tenga en cuenta que esto no entrará en conflicto con Disability Pride como el El desfile de Nueva York se está reprogramando para el otoño debido a las preocupaciones de Covid-19.
Fotos: https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/pcb.5140387279373064/5140377682707357
2.Solidaridad con familias en Buffalo NY
Comenzamos nuestra manifestación el domingo con un momento de silencio por las víctimas y sobrevivientes de la masacre racista que ocurrió el día anterior en Buffalo, Nueva York.
A través de contactos cercanos que tenemos en el área, sabemos que las amenazas de ataques de imitación en las escuelas están causando más angustia a las familias y al personal.
El miércoles, dos miembros de PIST asistieron a una manifestación y marcha de la que nos enteramos por la mamá y la abuela activista Tanesha Grant.
Estamos compartiendo la declaración de los defensores de la educación en todo el estado de Alliance for Quality Education https://www.aqeny.org/2022/05/17/2571/
3.
Sábado, 21 de mayo de 2022 a las 8:30 de la noche
¡Nuevo video corto sale en vivo!
Padres para mejorar el transporte escolar: campaña de la Declaración de derechos del transporte escolar
Consulte https://www.facebook.com/groups/pistnyc/
con anticipación para obtener actualizaciones
Suscríbete también a nuestro canal en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYettliPS4MJXHaqv5XQzWA
Audio en ingles y algo de español
ASL y subtítulos en inglés
Narración digital producida por With Us y proyectada por The Illuminator
*Espere algunas sorpresas*
2 pases, con una breve conferencia de prensa en el medio
Comparta el anuncio y los gráficos adjuntos en las redes sociales usando:
#DóndeEstáMiBús #GetPIST #DerechosCiviles
Agregue la descripción ALT TEXT para ciegos y discapacitados visuales de la siguiente manera
Fondo = imagen transparente de una marcha sobre el puente de Brooklyn con una pancarta de plomo que dice: RESPETE los derechos civiles de los pasajeros de autobuses escolares y el trabajo de los trabajadores de autobuses escolares. Firmado por los padres para mejorar el transporte escolar.
Texto: sábado 21 de mayo, 20:30 h.
¡Nuevo video sale en vivo!
Padres para mejorar el transporte escolar
Campaña de la Declaración de derechos de los autobuses escolares
Audio en ingles y algo de español
ASL y subtítulos en inglés
Narración digital producida por With Us y proyectada por The Illuminator.
Transmitiendo en vivo hasta las 9:15 en https://www.facebook.com/groups/pistnyc/
Esté atento a las sorpresas / Comparta usando #WheresMyBus #GetPIST #CivilRights
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
4. Absentismo y autobús
Un estudio reciente de Advocates for Children muestra que se necesita más personal para disminuir los obstáculos para que los estudiantes lleguen a la escuela desde los refugios de la ciudad de Nueva York. 2 de los 3 ejemplos que da AFC, para mostrar la necesidad de que alguien más pueda abogar en nombre de los padres, involucra problemas con el autobús o la parada de autobús. Lamentablemente, no nos sorprende que una llamada a la "línea de ayuda" no fuera suficiente. https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/still_disconnected.pdf?pt=1
5. Reuniones de nuevos miembros el primero de junio
Intercambiar información sobre:
Regulaciones de ruta, derechos y adaptaciones
Cómo tú y las personas que conoces pueden ayudar a convertir nuestra
Declaración de derechos del autobús escolar en ley
Día —> Miércoles. 1 de junio a las 12:00 mediodía
Tarde —> Miércoles. 1 de junio a las 7:30 de la tarde
REGÍSTRESE en pistnyc@gmail.com
para obtener el ID y el código de acceso de Zoom Meeting
¡Únase al movimiento para un mejor transporte!
+++++++++++++++++++
PIST meetings & news May 30, 2022 → Informacion en español sigue
New phone line 631-743-6296
Contents:
Report from May 21 School Bus bill of rights movie project
June 1 zoom meetings for those considering joining PIST
Events/places to talk about school transportation issues
Public school calendar reminders for June
Attachment: new flyer for Bill of Rights campaign
1. Movie project
Full video (17 minutes, with ASL and English captions) will be uploaded soon at PIST: Parents to Improve School Transportation NYC - YouTube
1-minute sizzle reel - Watch and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QVoieUgcsc
Press release for the event http://pistnyc.org/video-press-release.aspx
Full event - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHPPTvt3-EY&t=15s
Group photo with some of the school bus parents who were present to watch, help on technical tasks, and/or speak, and the Brooklyn College Fine Arts grad students of the With US collective.
Credit: The Illuminator
Yes we were across the street from the DOE Tweed building!
2. Reminder – this Wednesday
Join the movement for better busing!
NEW PIST MEMBER MEETINGS
Exchange information on:
Route regulations, rights & accommodations
How you & people you know can help turn our
School Bus Bill of Rights into law
Daytime —> Weds. June 1 at 12:00 p.m.
Evening —> Weds. June 1 at 7:30 p.m.
REGISTER at pistnyc@gmail.com to get Zoom Meeting ID & Passcode for either time
[Note: To pay dues when you’re ready, venmo $10 for a year to @pistnyc
Larger donations accepted at https://gofund.me/CEEEAD76 ; write for check info ]
3. Events/places
[for in person events - please consider printing and bringing some copies of the attached flyer.
We had a good time with it at the Loisaida Festival this weekend!]
…………
Various dates from now to June 15: Hearings on how NYCDOE should spend the Contract 4 Excellence money https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/financial/contracts-for-excellence/c4e-2022-2023-annual-hearings
…………
Thursday, June 2, 2022 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom Citywide Council on Special Education
Guests from School Food & Civil Rights project Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuc-irrj8vEtN9YM9i4HlwHuRutN_f3-Pj
…………
Saturday June 4 at 10am, Family fun bike ride, Prospect Park, Brooklyn bit.ly/TAFamilyfunride
…………
Saturday June 4 from 4 PM to 6 PM EST, Annual Parent Action Conference co-sponsored by NYC Kids PAC and held via Zoom. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-action-virtual-conference-2022-tickets-345914729267
…………
Monday June 6 at 5:30 p.m. Sensory Friendly film screening of Crip Camp & discussion with director Jim Lebrecht, at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. Manhattan.
Co sponsored by CCSE, OTs & PTs for a Fair Contract, and MORE-UFT. Trailer: CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION | Official Trailer | Netflix | Documentary
…………
Tuesday June 7 at 11:00 a.m. The People's Plan and The People's Budget committee* invite you to a People's Budget rally near City Hall
RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5LqHzkwcIIMydIz4Fe1Qft4FyEHOBTgZFGB9lu2kihW9FzQ/viewform
…………
Thursday June 9 at 10:30 a.m. Youth rally for police-free schools, Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn
…………
Saturday June 11 from 12 noon to 3 pm March for our lives vs. gun violence - contingents from United Federation of Teachers, etc. Washington Square Park, Manhattan near West 4th St. subway
…………
Sunday June 12 at 5:00 p.m. Sunset Park Puerto Rican day Parade, 5th ave, Brooklyn
…………
SAVE THE DATE Sat. July 9 we rally in the Bronx for air conditioned school buses!!!
…………
4.
From NYCDOE calendar, does not affect non-public or parochial schools
Tues June 7
Public schools that are grades K–5, K–6, 6–8, and K–12
and D75 programs
No classes, clerical day
But students at non-D75 HS and 6-12 schools do attend
Thur June 9
All public schools
No classes, teacher meetings
Weds June 15
High school - verify schedule
First day of Regents exam week
Monday June 20
All public schools
Closed for Juneteenth
Source: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/calendar?event_categories=1|Key%20Dates,,
Reuniones y noticias del PIST (Padres para mejorar el transporte escolar)
30 de mayo de 2022 → Information in English above
Nueva línea telefónica 631-743-6296
Contenido:
Informe del proyecto de película sobre la declaración de derechos del transporte escolar del 21 de mayo
Reuniones de zoom del 1 de junio para aquellos que están considerando unirse a PIST
Eventos/lugares donde se puede hablar sobre temas de transporte escolar
Recordatorios del calendario escolar público para junio
Adjunto: nuevo volante para la campaña de la Declaración de Derechos
1. Proyecto de película
El video completo (17 minutos, con ASL y subtítulos en inglés) se cargará pronto en PIST: Padres para mejorar el transporte escolar NYC - YouTube
Video de 1 minuto: mira y comparte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QVoieUgcsc
Comunicado de prensa del evento http://pistnyc.org/video-press-release.aspx
Evento completo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHPPTvt3-EY&t=15s
Foto grupal con algunos de los padres del autobús escolar que estuvieron presentes para mirar, ayudar en tareas técnicas y/o hablar, y los estudiantes graduados de Bellas Artes del Brooklyn College del colectivo With US.
Crédito: El iluminador
¡Sí, estábamos al otro lado de la calle del edificio DOE Tweed!
2. Recordatorio: este miércoles
¡Únase al movimiento para un mejor transporte!
REUNIONES DE NUEVOS MIEMBROS DEL PIST
Intercambiar información sobre:
Regulaciones de ruta, derechos y adaptaciones
Cómo tú y las personas que conoces pueden ayudar a convertir nuestra
Declaración de derechos del autobús escolar en ley
Día —> Miércoles. 1 de junio a las 12:00 h.
Tarde —> Miércoles. 1 de junio a las 19:30 h.
REGÍSTRESE en pistnyc@gmail.com para obtener el ID y el código de acceso de Zoom Meeting para cualquier momento
[Nota: para pagar las cuotas cuando esté listo, venme $10 por un año a @pistnyc
Se aceptan donaciones más grandes en https://gofund.me/CEEEAD76; escriba para obtener información de como enviar un cheque]
3. Eventos/lugares
[para eventos en persona: considere imprimir y traer algunas copias del folleto adjunto.
¡Lo pasamos muy bien en el Festival de Loisaida este fin de semana!]
…………
Varias fechas desde ahora hasta el 15 de junio: Audiencias sobre cómo el NYCDOE debe gastar el dinero de Contract 4 Excellence https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/financial/contracts-for-excellence/c4e-2022-2023-annual-hearings
…………
jueves, 2 de junio de 2022 6:00 de la tarde Via Zoom Citywide Council on Special Education
Invitados del proyecto Comida en las Escuelas y Derechos Civiles
Regístrese con anticipación para esta reunión:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuc-irrj8vEtN9YM9i4HlwHuRutN_f3-Pj
…………
Sábado 4 de junio a las 10 a. m., paseo en bicicleta familiar, Prospect Park, Brooklyn bit.ly/TAFamilyfunride
…………
Sábado 4 de junio de 4 p. m. a 6 p. m. EST, Conferencia Anual de Acción de Padres patrocinada por NYC Kids PAC y realizada a través de Zoom. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-action-virtual-conference-2022-tickets-345914729267
…………
Lunes 6 de junio a las 17:30 h. Proyección de la película Sensory Friendly de Crip Camp y discusión con el director Jim Lebrecht, en Theatre for the New City, 155 First Ave. Manhattan.
Coauspiciado por CCSE, OTs & PTs por un Contrato Justo, y MORE-UFT. Tráiler: CRIP CAMP: UNA REVOLUCIÓN PARA LA DISCAPACIDAD | Tráiler oficial | netflix | Documental
…………
Martes 7 de junio a las 11:00 a. m. Los comités del Plan Popular y del Presupuesto Popular* lo invitan a un mitin del Presupuesto Popular cerca del Ayuntamiento
RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5LqHzkwcIIMydIz4Fe1Qft4FyEHOBTgZFGB9lu2kihW9FzQ/viewform
…………
Jueves 9 de junio a las 10:30 a. m. Concentración de jóvenes por escuelas libres de policías, Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn
…………
Sábado 11 de junio de 12:00 a 15:00 Marcha por nuestras vidas contra la violencia armada - contingentes de la Federación Unida de Maestros, etc. Washington Square Park, Manhattan cerca del metro West 4th St.
…………
Domingo 12 de junio a las 17:00 h. Desfile puertorriqueño de Sunset Park, 5th ave, Brooklyn
…………
GUARDE LA FECHA Sáb. ¡¡¡El 9 de julio nos reunimos en el Bronx a favor de los autobuses escolares con aire acondicionado!!!
…………
4.
Del calendario NYCDOE, no afecta a las escuelas no públicas o parroquiales
martes 7 de junio
Escuelas públicas de los grados K–5, K–6, 6–8 y K–12
y programas D75
No hay clases, día administrativo
Pero los estudiantes de las escuelas secundarias y 6-12 que no pertenecen al D75 sí asisten
jueves 9 de junio
Todas las escuelas públicas
No hay clases, reuniones de maestros
miércoles 15 de junio
Secundaria - verificar horario
Primer día de la semana del examen Regents
lunes 20 de junio
Todas las escuelas públicas
Cerrado por el diecinueve de junio
Fuente: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/calendar?event_categories=1|Key%20Dates,,
+++++++++++++++++++
Temporary housing transportation resources Courtesy of Advocates for Children of New York
OPT Exceptions Request: As explained in AFC webinar slides/video [below] this should be filled out to request busing for students in temporary housing who are:
temporarily doubled up grades pre-k-6, OR
living in a DV or HPD shelter (i.e. not a DHS shelter) pre-k-6, OR
living in DHS shelter in pre-k, OR
recently moved from temporarily housing into permanent housing grades preK-6.
Advocates For Children Oct 28, 2021 webinar resources
{WEBINAR} Busing 101: Troubleshooting NYC School Transportation Issues
46 minute video in English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFpxY10dBNM
Temporary housing rights begin at Minute 19
Spanish video or subtitles may arrive at same link
35 slides - links to many important forms are found within certain slides https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/on_page/busing_101_webinar_slides_10.2021.pdf?pt=1
Students in Temporary Housing Tip Sheet in English and Spanish, which has some transportation information. Dated February 2022
Students in Temporary Housing (STH) Regional Managers: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/special-situations/students-in-temporary-housing. They can help with any STH-related issue (enrollment, transportation, support services, etc.). They also supervise the shelter-based STH Family Assistants.
Shelter-Based STH Family Assistants: https://bit.ly/STHStaff. All shelters should be assigned a full or part-time DOE STH Family Assistant. The names and emails for the family assistants can be found here: https://bit.ly/STHStaff
School-Based STH Staff: https://bit.ly/STHStaff. Roughly 150 schools have dedicated staff to support students. These schools have a Bridging the Gap Social Worker, a STH Community Coordinator, or in some cases both. Bridging the Gap SWs and STH Community Coordinators can help with MetroCards and busing.
MetroCards for parents in temporary housing: free MetroCards are available for parents to accompany their children in preschool-6th grade on public transportation. Weekly or 2-ride MetroCards are available from shelter-based STH Family Assistants. Monthly MetroCards are available from school staff. If schools need to order more parent MetroCards they should email:
For schools that use ATS, requests for additional MetroCards should be emailed to publicschoolmetrocards@schools.nyc.gov
For schools that use NPSIS, requests for additional MetroCards should be emailed to non-publicschoolmetrocards@schools.nyc.gov
Transportation Liaisons: Can help with busing issues (no shows, re-routing/address changes). Names and emails for public schools, charters, and non-public schools can be found here: https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/operations/transportation-resources-for-schools
Videotape of zoom conversation with Jennifer Pringle LIT housing, AFC
To watch please Contact pistnyc@Gmail.com
+++++++++++++++++++
School bus update Summer 2022 from Parents to Improve School Transportation
La misma información se puede encontrar en español mas tarde al enlace End of year Busing Update
Contents:
School budget & governance news
Status of School Bus Bill of Rights
Transition to Electric vehicles
Summer promises & summer rally
Prepare for 2022-23 school year transportation
Changes to OPT communication & Travel Reimbursement!
Rumors of Travel training
Calendar events
School budget & governance news
→This Friday June 24th at City Hall in Manhattan there will be 3 chances to oppose huge education cuts and layoffs for next year. Bring ID to get through security:
At 11:30 a.m, a rally/press conference;
Starting at 12 noon, Hearings on the 2022-23 NYC school budget [sign up to comment virtually or in-person at https://council.nyc.gov/testify],
At 3:00 p.m. a rally involving teachers and students [https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/budget-protest-flier.pdf]
Look up the expected budget changes at a specific school in these spreadsheets:
Alliance for Quality Education reports that Fair Student Funding changes alone are $215 M: FY23 School Cuts
Class Size Matters adds that the numbers are much worse: Galaxy budget cuts to schools at more than $1.7B as of June 13, far larger than reported
*Petition to reverse this by enforcing smaller class sizes at the state level is here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/gov-hochul-pleas-sign-the-class-size-bill-now
**Analysis by Educational Council Consortium on the changes to composition of the Panel for Education Policy and Community Education Councils is here: https://t.co/u7lm160MF5
[added district 75 members, gaps in other areas of parent voice in school system]
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Status of School Bus Bill of Rights campaign
Please see and share the 17 minute movie about this campaign that was made last month by With US. Ask local organizations who do summer outdoor family movie nights to screen it as the short feature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITvTISvbfb0&t=597s
City agencies have provided us very little information on the nuts and bolts of petitioning requirements – so PIST has reached out to election lawyers and law students for advice before we start. Please stay tuned for updates and let us know if you can help collect signatures to get this on the ballot.
Please consider sharing the fundraiser as well: DONATE at https://gofund.me/CEEEAD76
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Transition to Electric vehicles
The one non-profit company, NYCSBUS, is working on getting a grant for clean energy vehicles to lower emissions in the neighborhoods of the bases and schools. Here is the public petition https://actions.nylcv.org/a/support-the-nycsbus-electric-school-bus-project
Contact us or ccastellcroke@nylcv.org to see suggestions for writing a longer letter to the state.
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Changes to OPT Communications
People seeking their money back for carfare spent due to having no route or a no-show bus cannot write to TransportationReimbursement@Schools.nyc.gov anymore.
Instead check https://supporthub.schools.nyc/family-questions/Transportation which has English plus 11 language options if you know how to find them.
Click the item that matches your concern. Most lead back to Tell school, tell the bus company, look on NYCSA, or call OPT. No email address is listed for any person or team at OPT.
Google forms exist for Reimbursements and Change of PM drop off. After you click either of those, click "Create a New Ticket" to access the form.
For Add or Change Bus Service due to medical, temporary housing, or other reasons, it leads to the page called Exceptions to Transportation Eligibility.
Locate the PDF form at the bottom, available in 9 languages & English, or go directly there with https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility/exceptions-to-transportation-eligibility/#ExceptionRequestForm
Or go directly to the google form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemfZ4NQtl6cn5Lk8r4tH3DhW1fXg148sfV7nQ0qjjxkWC0Rg/viewform
Note: for medical accommodations, there is another document the doctor must complete – which is not available at either link. Try at your school, or ask PIST or other busing advocates.
Keep a copy of what you submitted, by any means. We’ll discuss all this at our July 6 meeting.
School bus advocates need your feedback to judge how this change helps or hurts, whether it is equitable to families at different levels of digital and phone access in their home languages, and if it creates unsustainable amounts of work for school staff whose job description is not only coordinating transportation.
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Summer promises & summer rally
There was confusion and disappointment about enrollment for Summer Rising and the lack of full inclusion of bus riders with IEPs until 6 p.m in advertised recreation and enrichment.
Sadly, the deadline has already passed for requesting a different afternoon school bus drop off location from the student’s morning pick up location.
OPT reps are telling the community that:
Those who enrolled in a Summer Rising / D75 (Chapter 683) by May 22 should receive a bus route in time (July 5).
Routes leave each program by no later than 3pm. Wait for updates about possible options to be transported at later hours (eg. rideshares with an adult given a ‘prepaid ride’ to go chaperone the student).
Field trips will be available beginning July 12 in the 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. window.
Students with IEP transportation who are also enrolled in D75 worksites during the summer will receive busing to and from those programs.
Special Education Office's Turning 5 team helps OPT explain the way busing and car seat provisions change after pre-K.
We need to hold them to these promises and more–especially the use of vehicles that meet health and safety needs such as dual air conditioning, ventilation, working seat belts (!!!).
We are discussing with other parent groups and leaders a tentative date Saturday July 9 for an outdoor rally in the Bronx to press these demands (and to promote long term change through a School Bus Bill of Rights). Please reply if your family will be able to attend, or if you can promote this July 9th effort. #WheresMyBus #WheresTheAC #GetPIST
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Prepare for 2022-23 school year transportation
By July 22, schools are supposed to submit list of Fall busing needs to OPT.
Please communicate with your school NOW and find out any next steps to prove or renew your child’s eligibility for a school bus route (with accommodations if that applies).
Students with an IEP: SPECIAL EDUCATION STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL | InfoHub was changed in November 2021, see pages 81-86, 40, 99 for the latest special education transportation rules.
Students in Temporary Housing: Useful tips for school staff and families on the process for transportation between school and transitional housing, received from Advocates for Children are gathered here: http://pistnyc.org/temporary-housing-transportation-resources.aspx
Public school starts Sept 8 https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/2022-2023-school-year-calendar
IMPORTANT: In June 2023, union contracts with several school bus companies expire. Our families need to see generous new contracts to help end the driver/attendant shortage!
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Rumors of Travel training
Observers say the superintendent of District 75 stated in a public interview meeting that Travel Training is coming back. A transit advocate who we know denies the existence of any contracts or budget for that service.
If your student is eligible for Travel Training, we encourage you to seek a straight answer from that superintendent: klouiss@schools.nyc.gov;
the previous contact person: DAbraha5@schools.nyc.gov plus advocates and higher DOE officials – so they all know there is great demand.
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Calendar events
Friday June 24 school budget events, see above
Saturday June 25 from 12 to 2 pm in Manhattan
Citywide council on District 75 FAMILY DAY at Bloomingdale Playground, Amsterdam Ave. & West 104th St. Let’s have some fun! Contact 631.743.6296 to meet PIST there.
Wednesday June 29 from 6 to 8 pm in Manhattan
Laughter is the Best Medicine: Lower East Side Community Partnership Project dinner & entertainment to raise funds for services, like helping multi-generation families with school issues. (PIST founders belong to LESCPP & will be there). Contact lescpp.mail@gmail.com
Wednesday July 6 at 7:30 & every first Weds of the month, virtual PIST Know Your Rights meeting. Reply pistnyc@gmail.com for link.
Saturday July 9 - Rally for better summer school buses - details TBD - follow our sites
SAVE DATE Sunday July 17 Disability Unite Festival, in person at Central Park Naumburg Bandshell, Manhattan, and live streamed.
Celebrate Disability Pride on the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act https://disabilityunite.org/
Contact PIST to help on outreach for an hour within your time enjoying the resources.
Parents to Improve School Transportation
pistnyc@gmail.com 631.743.6296 Hablamos español
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pistnyc/
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusparentsny/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYettliPS4MJXHaqv5XQzWA
DONATE at https://gofund.me/CEEEAD76
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ARCHIVES - School Year: 2020-21
FIGHT FOR BUSING 2020 School busing in the time of COVID19 -- Maintaining students’ & workers’ rights/safety
Contents:
Lack of communication (they don’t tell us) and collaborative planning (they don’t ask us)
Who is advocating for NYC school busing?
Who is advocating for NYC COVID safety & better schools, with less mention of busing?
Practical OPT info & 2 surveys
If you read nothing else, please read this sentence: Parents/guardians who are asked to remove busing from their child’s IEP because they opted in to remote learning can and should say NO, to avoid the obstacles & delays involved in putting it back when they switch to in-person school.
1. Lack of communication and collaborative planning
Parents/guardians, school bus workers and special education advocates live and breathe the necessity of preparing the vehicles, staff and families for whatever is coming. It’s the end of August and none of us have gotten route news!
We have been talking about this since March, but those who have the budget and decision power have not been applying our suggestions. The bus contracts were dropped. Albany teased us by listing a school bus union leader on their School Reopening Task Force but did not actually invite him to the meetings…
The fact that school busing is a CIVIL RIGHT for students with disabilities, in temporary housing and in foster care and an EDUCATIONAL RIGHT in the state of NY has been kept very quiet while we hear vague promises that the most vulnerable children will be prioritized.
We also hear rumors of car service vouchers or reimbursement which is categorically NOT THE SAME THING AS HAVING A TRAINED ATTENDANT!! Lastly we hear about the DOE exploring how to buy out 3 companies and manage some of the busing in a non profit format but that kind of thing doesn’t happen overnight.
The only useful things we have been able to find out from OPT so far are new email addresses and the logistics of new Exception forms; also our members found out where to look up routes by individual child (see #4 below for all of this). This will be much more relevant if and when the actual school bus yards get up and running, even if it’s mostly to deal with childcare alternatives, in person related services, training & recertification, maintenance & improvements to air flow on the vehicles, or even carrying cargo other than students, as needed for the public good.
PIST supports the effort of the school bus workforce around the country to become eligible for income/benefit protection. Please sign & share: National petition for the CERTS Act.
CARES only covered public bus workers but School Transportation is also an essential public service. An educational service. And a civil right.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/help-save-the-school-bus-industry
2. Who is advocating for NYC school busing?
PIST has been trying to keep our community informed on https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/ https://twitter.com/pistnyc and http://pistnyc.org/
Please see our blog Covid 19 School Bus safety conversation for links to COVID safety measures being discussed in the city, state, and in contract talks between school bus union ATU 1181-1061 & private companies contracted by NYCDOE.
President Milagros Cancel of Comite Timon NY chapter made time while fighting to save special education law in Puerto Rico to include busing in this Spanish/English radio/video show that features PIST and ATU representatives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsG6j3PgvI0&fbclid=IwAR3xIM81NfcgeSJXd-048yNsnq6qW7IEncC4zWj3xo0Iuv0vLFAc3LFd2Vg
District 75 Community Education Council’s Busing and Safety Committee have shown concern for all school bus riders, not only students with D75 placements. This Spring & Summer, they have spoken out at citywide meetings and through media like https://twitter.com/AmyTsai14/status/1297404131548823555/photo/1
https://nypost.com/2020/07/11/nyc-reopening-plan-could-leave-90000-students-stranded-with-no-buses/ and hopefully tonight on channel 5…
Advocates for Children gathered various organizations to insist that certain students need daily busing even if schools do not (stay) open:
AFC spelled out ways to meet the needs of students with disabilities during and after the pandemic (including transportation on page 6) https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/on_page/special_ed_reopening_recommendations_8.2020.pdf?
We don’t endorse candidates but we do notice that words like busing, school transportation, and special education appear in the messages and meetings initiated by State Sen. Robert Jackson and City Councilmember Mark Treyger so parents might want to inquire with them for updates.
3. Who is advocating for NYC COVID safety & better schools, with less mention of busing?
We see the Alliance for Quality Education (AQENY), and Movement of Rank-and-File Educators (MORE UFT) refusing to settle for inadequate funding, buildings, curriculum or supplies: http://www.aqeny.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/roadmap_FINAL-2.pdf?
There are good pushes for taxing the wealthiest NYers: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/take-action-to-stop-cuomos-school-cuts/
and for delaying/staggering the start of school until everyone is properly prepared https:/buff.ly/3hu9ks/G
These activists, along with students themselves, have organized marches & press conferences and were vocal at meetings run by the PEP, Chancellor and the Public Advocate.
There is less obvious emphasis on busing except from panelist Citywide Council on Special Education member Ellen McHugh around minutes 34-38 here: https://www.facebook.com/NYCPublicAdvocate/videos/362932854738395
The overall United Federation of Teachers was prompted to start a letter campaign after the principals and school aides’ unions spoke out: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-mayor-de-blasio-school-buildings-must-be-safe/
We encourage our members and friends to follow up with these entities and help bring school busing onto their radar. When it comes to safety, and education rights, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Busing can’t be an afterthought.
4. Practical OPT info & 2 surveys
New OPT email addresses for families to use - pass it on:
1) BusingExceptions@schools.nyc.gov for exceptions- and special populations-related questions, and
2) EarlyChildhoodBusing@schools.nyc.gov for Early Intervention- and preschool-related questions.
NOTE: Special populations include Students with Disabilities, in Temporary Housing, in Foster Care, or with Medical/Health condition.
Exceptions include Hazards, Joint custody, Orders of protection.
OPT has 1 person since Fall 2019 who oversees these and also oversees Early Intervention and pre-school transportation, apparently with a total team of 8 people. Waiting for borough director updates if any.
Find exception forms here in multiple languages https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility/exceptions-to-transportation-eligibility
Do not expect a route letter!
District and charter school parents: Sign up for your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) to view information on your child’s transportation services and busing information MyStudent.NYC Your school can provide you with your child's student ID.
Non-public school parents: Please contact your school to get information about your child’s bus information.
DOE employees: visit Student Profile Note: Access to the Student Transportation Search page is no longer available.
General eligibility info slightly altered from A 801 days https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility Note there is no middle school exemption for Staten Island so those families need to do Hazard forms one by one.
Survey 1
[Let INCLUDEnyc agency know you have busing on your mind
Deje saber a la agencia INCLUYEnyc que tienes la guagua escolar en mente]
YOUR THOUGHTS ON REOPENING
Take this 3 minute survey and let us know your greatest needs during reopening of schools this fall 2020. https://www.tfaforms.com/4843618
Complete esta encuesta de 3 minutos y háganos saber su mayor necesidad durante la reapertura de las escuelas este otoño 2020. https://www.tfaforms.com/4843789
Survey 2 is meant for those who need supervision for child(ren) during 2-5 days of remote learning per week. That need will grow if schools go all remote, so get on the waiting list...
Learning Bridges is a new program that will provide free child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grade on days when they are scheduled for remote learning. If you are interested in the Learning Bridges program, please complete this survey https://prek4all.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ac4kZNaIMaixbc9
Source
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/learning-bridges
[We want to point out that this omits high school students who are on remote learning at least part of the time. The problem is there are teens in shelters where legally they can't stay alone until 18th birthday. Also teens thru age 21 with IEPs who may not have respite services in place. Please reply if you know of other surveys/programs for those circumstances.]
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Busing Update pt. 1 (answer the phone) Communication such as it is; First day on the bus
[Parte de esa informacion se encuentra en espanol a https://twitter.com/pistnyc/status/1307740521448775680/photo/1]
Our goal is sharing--in 2 blogs today--all the info we could gather from other busing advocates including the workers/union (ATU 1181-1061), and OPT about the status of NYC school bus routes.
We can’t tell families what to do about remote vs. blended learning. It’s all at your own risk unfortunately.
To those who have chosen blended learning: one thing that is normal this year is that you will want to have a Plan B and C for the first few days of busing!
COMMUNICATION such as it is
We're told the companies are making calls this weekend based on routes OPT continues sending them. Parents, pay attention to your phone, even calls from unknown numbers.
OPT created an update Fri/Sat, fyi:
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/transportation-overview/whats-new
Top Ways to get individual student route info:
--phone call from/to last year's bus crew
[We know this doesn't help Pre K much but D75 and non-public parents and workers have had success in deciphering the routes this way over the past week].
--call last year's bus co. Including 8am-5pm on Sunday 9/20
--311 call {this proved to be a false lead}
If Public school with or without an IEP, also:
--Set up NYCSA account at https://mystudent.nyc, aka https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/nyc-schools-account ,
update your contact info as needed, find route & bus co. info
--Email pupiltransportationteam@schools.nyc.gov
Staff at non public schools are referred by DOE to find the transportation support liaison Transportation Support for Charter & Non-Public Schools: https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/operations/transportation-resources-for-schools#jump-to-heading-18
They can also contact BusingExceptions@schools.nyc.gov and copy us or ccse@schools for help with forwarding to a specific individual in charge of this.
The backup email for 3 K, Pre K and Early Intervention is EarlyChildhoodBusing@schools.nyc.gov
For now, do not waste time checking snail mail or calling the Office of Pupil Transportation.
There are no yellow route letters & DOE’s entire phone system is in limbo since March.
The OPT line 718 392 8855 is useless at this time. It has a long message, in English only, about the website...
In any case, Compare what OPT says with what school says, especially about Model, Cohort, and SESSION TIME.*
What we mean by Session Time = the start and end of the school day. Routes were based on last year but some schools’ new models change all that. Drivers are forced to follow the route as written or be penalized, meaning your children may be set up to arrive early/late for some weeks.
If there is a discrepancy between real life session time and the routed session time, Be proactive: Talk to the school about what safely distanced supervision they can offer; talk to the bus crew about whether they can park with students and wait until school staff can receive them. Decide whether to use the route and complain to OPT daily about it, or to use your plan B until it’s fixed. Check how to avoid being subject to rules about losing busing for 3 absences!
FIRST DAY ON BUS
Reminder -- unless it changes again: the first day for in person citywide District 75 self contained programs (but not Inclusion programs!) is either Mon 9/21, Thurs 9/24, or Tues 9/29. Make sure you and the bus crew all know your school’s Model (such as 4A) and your child’s Cohort (A starts first, B, C if any goes every day, D stays remote every day).
If you don’t happen to have a blank OPT Emergency Contact Card, get the information together on some other paper and/or bring a pen downstairs that morning. The bus companies are supposed to give those cards to drivers and attendants and allow them to wait while you fill it out but be ready with names & phone numbers, wearing your mask, staying 6 feet away, not sharing pens. This card is meant to be on the bus before the first return trip from school!
Anticipate problems if you bring the child to school yourself without taking care of that.
The Nycsa info is a fallback but bus workers are told not to be on devices while they are with your children except to call the company, so think and discuss this before you act.
Seating charts were shared with all bus companies so we acquired a sample diagram (if it's not attached, see https://twitter.com/pistnyc/status/1307353427710705666/photo/1. Teach children that they can only sit by a window, with nobody sitting directly behind or in front of them, including the driver/attendant.
It’s possible that one person in a given row of seats sits on the aisle:
If there is a bus para/nurse you can decide with that provider and the attendant whether the para/nurse sits right beside the child or on the opposite window.
Children from the same household can sit together
(we hope but can’t verify for all miniwagons that this would not put someone less than 6 feet from the unrelated child in the opposite window. Please reply if you know).
We're not sure what the seat markings will be but one rumor is a smiley face. DOE told the state parents would be primed on this, (see
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/district-school-reopening-plan-submission-to-nysed/transportation) but despite us asking OPT and ATU all week we have no definitive answer at this writing about who is placing these and when, or how it looks, which makes us wonder if that info has been uniformly transmitted. The update from OPT only says
D75 and early childhood staff also want to know this so they can help students learn it and avoid mistakes that violate social distancing.
Boarding is meant to be back to front and exiting front to back so that students don’t cross each other. Schools often have aides to help on that end--but remember, many staff have taken remote accommodations.
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Busing Update pt. 2 (dress warmly) Contents: Ventilation, Capacity, Mask Exempt, Cleaning, Precautions at bus yards, link to D75 video
A collective of school busing advocates gathered this info. We plan another virtual check in meeting on the evening of Wednesday Sept. 23 to see how things are going.
Ventilation - Dress kids for open windows
DOE says “Buses will operate with the windows open whenever possible and with the air system on the bus in the non-recirculating mode.”
OPT drafted further guidance with the exceptions being heavy rain/snow.
Drivers say they were told to set to Defrost setting for fresh air, open the windows and the hatch.
Capacity - speak up if you experience violations of 25% rule
Typical mini wagon will have 4 riders + attendant + driver. Any child’s bus Para and/or nurse is supposed to be counted within the 4. Note: we have heard of mini wagon drivers who on Friday were issued 6 masks + sanitizer, presumably for tomorrow.
The union was told, if the bus is at 25% capacity and there is another kid who needs to get on, the driver must stay there and call the company, await direction from DOE via company.
All companies have a shape quota around 5% (to cover driver/attendant absences, accidents and hopefully the situation above).
Since March 157 drivers retired, but as one example, Reliant has 75 more drivers than routes, so it should be possible for OPT to create new routes [to split schools or maintain 25%]
No “Double runs”: As of Thursday, nobody was officially given 2 back to back morning routes + 2 back to back afternoon routes. We want to keep it that way because another group would mean more exposure; proper cleaning in between groups would be difficult.
Mask Exempt - Potential for confusion
About kids who can't wear a mask, DOE says they still get transportation, does not elaborate: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/district-school-reopening-plan-submission-to-nysed/transportation
ATU understanding is to keep that child distanced from the others, and make sure the others wear their masks.
Training handout we saw from 1 company says not allowed on without face covering, but seems to be written for gen ed drivers going to stops.
School does or should know who these children are. Mayor announced face shields going to bus co’s but we couldn’t confirm.
OPT on Friday drafted something saying the child will need a Doctor’s note to be mask exempt; That is not mentioned in the update they posted since then at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/transportation-overview/whats-new
but it doesn’t hurt to alert child’s doctor and ask school principal for updates.
Cleaning -
The workers have always cleaned the bus after the a.m. and p.m. dropoffs. Now they are being told things like: keep a mask on for cleaning; vacuum is better than a broom. We have no data on availability of vacuum cleaners or dustbusters for this.
Union verified the first batch of cleaning supplies are at the bus yards.
OPT director Fitzpatrick told parents There is a 2 phase cleaning that will happen daily of wipedown and then spray.
PIST is seeing different versions of who thinks who is going to clean what and how often.
Mr. Fitzpatrick emphasized random inspections; that is not new. He estimated ‘every company once a week’ so we should hold them to that, and seek to have parent/worker witnesses.
Safety precautions at school bus companies
Ahead of Sept 8, All companies covered by the union now have one way in and one way out for reporting in the morning and the drivers are assigned different times to report.
Mask must be worn on the properties. Also properties must be equipped with washing stations with soap and water and or sanitizer.
Everyone knows to monitor their temperature/health and call in sick if feverish/ill.
Some but not all companies have other measures:
--an app for signing in by phone/virtually so people don’t have to go inside.
--attendants being picked up by their route’s driver so they can avoid mass transit.
Unlike schools, the bus yards are not targeted by NYC for 10-20% random Covid 19 testing.
We would argue that best safety practices should be extended to all bus yards equally.
By the way, ATU bargained since June for this training, etc. to begin https://atu1181.org/news/atu-local-1181-1061-proposals-for-impact-bargaining-6-22-20/
Video of District 75 Council Sept 4 meeting on busing, NYCSA account, and related matters https://www.facebook.com/CECD75/videos/362616455125980
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To add or enhance special education busing on the IEP
Specialized transportation = home to school busing with an attendant.
At first it must be added by a School Psychologist like any Related Service considered more restrictive.
Accommodations = extras like Mini-wagon, air conditioning, limited time, wheelchair lift, etc.
The rules say this takes 30 days maximum, but first they want you to give the Office of School Health documents with details about how the child’s specific medical diagnoses impact the way the child functions during travel, and consent to have the child's doctor speak with them. Meanwhile you will NOT have busing nor reimbursement.
Save time by (a) making an appointment with pediatrician and/or specialist;
(b) asking the school to find out whether or not they will need to hold a reconvene or reevaluation meeting with you to update the transportation page of the IEP;
(c) making sure the school knows who their Transportation liaison is and who at OPT is the liaison assigned to their borough / region.
1- Get HIPAA form; write your info, child’s info, name of doctor you authorize to speak with the DOE Office of Student Health; sign. Disclaimer: some advocates argue against sharing personal info in this way. Do research and make an informed decision. https://cdn-blob-prd.azureedge.net/prd-pws/docs/default-source/default-document-library/authorization-for-release-of-health-information-pursuant-to-hipaa-2021-22.pdf
Here is Spanish https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/authorization-for-release-of-health-information-pursuant-to-hipaa-2021-22-spanish
For other languages see https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/504-accommodations but be careful, there are lots of different links on that page including to previous years' forms. Find the box labeled Authorization for Release of Health Information Pursuant to HIPAA 2021-22
2- Have child's doctor fill out a form, Request for Medical Transportation Accommodation. These are finally online in 2021-22 at https://cdn-blob-prd.azureedge.net/prd-pws/docs/default-source/default-document-library/medical-accommodations-request-form-school-year-2021-2022.pdf Paper copy is hard to find, ask your school or advocates. Keep blank copies in case you need to renew annually; keep a copy of the filled one in case you change doctors; have the doctor’s office keep a copy of the filled one in the child's file so they are ready when the Office of School Health calls.
Note 1: Do NOT use the form on the OPT website called, “Medical Evaluation Request Form and Instructions.” That is for students who have either temporary or permanent medical conditions that may require a form of transportation to which the student is not otherwise eligible. It is not intended for students with IEP’s unless they don’t usually take the yellow bus.
Note 2: Do NOT use a Physician Assistant such as often work at the school clinic. Nurse Practitioner or any MD signature is accepted but PA signature is not.
3- Submit the (HIPAA and) Request for Medical Transportation Accommodation to the school. Discuss good times to meet if needed.
Provided by Parents to Improve School Transportation 10/2019 links updated 09/2020 and 09/2021 and 01/2022
pistnyc@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
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PIST NYC Update October 8, 2020
Contents:
1. Covid 19 School closings cluster zone links from NYCDOE and NYS
2. Covid 19 testing in schools link to webinar tonight
3. Parent/Community organizations including 2 with meetings next week
4. English Survey/Encuesta en Español on Shortage of special education professionals
Things are changing every day. It is confusing, scary, outrageous, but at least we can share info and resources that might be helpful to families of school bus riders with and without IEPs.
In future email, social media postings and website blogs, we will have more to say about the rush job of creating bus routes with pandemic precautions; in defense of paying the workers who serve our children; and in support of the campaign for electric school buses.
1. Covid 19 School Closings lookup
NYCDOE finally made a page https://www.schools.nyc.gov/alerts/school-building-closures
It has boroughs and citywide districts D75 specialized schools ; D79 alternative HS https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/chancellor-s-message-for-families/school-building-closures
and this interactive map which some find hard to decipher https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/return-to-school-2020/health-and-safety/daily-covid-case-map
NYS shared bullet points about school closings "except as otherwise provided in Executive Order" within this document https://esd.ny.gov/ny-cluster-action-initiative-guidance
It says "public and private transportation infrastructure such as bus, rail, for-hire vehicles, garages" are Essential. This would mean school bus yards, we suppose.
The 3 map links given as of Oct. 7 are:
1-Queens Flushing Cluster Zones https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Queens_upper_map_updated_colors.pdf
2-Queens Far Rockaway Cluster Zones
3-Brooklyn Cluster Zones https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Brooklyn_large_map.pdf
2. Covid 19 testing in schools -briefing TONIGHT for parent leaders
Thursday, October 8, 2020 @ 6:30 PM TO 8:00 PM, Register: https://dcepcopsteam.webex.com/dcepcopsteam/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9f2e75ab9892ff011d6a266bda94e57e…
Presenters are from DOE so bring a grain of salt...Note (and raise if possible): There has been no plan for testing workers at the bus yards.
Context: confusion about whether or not students in District 75 programs were exempt from being switched to full remote schedule if families do not give consent for random testing at school. As of this writing all families are being encouraged but not required to consent.
DOE revised guidance and Consent forms are here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/return-to-school-2020/health-and-safety/covid-19-testing
Recent article (possibly moot, since if those hotspot schools are closed, they aren’t testing):
3. Parent/Community organizations for bus advice, meetings and updates
District 75 Council- Meeting on Busing Tuesday evening October 13 (718) 752-7321 d75council@schools.nyc.gov, https://www.cecd75.org Citywide Council for District 75 - Home CEC for District 75 (@d75council) http://www.cecd75.org/
Citywide Council on Special Education- Calendar meeting Oct 15 at 6:30 PM
(718) 391-8354 ccse@schools.nyc.gov http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/CEC/GPInformation/CitywideCouncilonSpecialEducation/default.htm https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvd-isrjoqHtc7ka12bLL-Drsyi1YF0qmz
Parents to Improve School Transportation pistnyc@gmail.com
FB PIST NYC Public Group & PIST NYC - Home Twitter School Bus Parents (@pistnyc) Blog http://pistnyc.org/home.aspx
Comite Timon de personas y familias Capitulo NY Virtual Conversation Oct 24 2:00 p.m. 929-264-4150, 347-942-7413 chaptertimon@gmail.com https://twitter.com/timon_people
Bronx Autism Family Support https://www.facebook.com/groups/BronxAutismFamilySupport/
4. Shortage of special education professionals for blended & remote learning
SURVEY: impact of teacher shortage on your child's educational services (SETSS, ICT, paraprofessional). Has link to check teacher certification by full name. Has no questions about busing. Offers you a chance to speak about it to the press. Due by October 19.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYCteacher_shortage
ENCUESTA: sobre la escasez de maestros de educación especial en la ciudad de NY
Contiene una enlace para chequear la certificación de cada maestra por su nombre y apellido. No hay preguntas sobre el transporte escolar. Ofrece la oportunidad de hablar con la prensa si quisiera. Devuelva antes del 19 de octubre. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYCTeacherShortage_Sp
This was created by activist therapists at https://specialsupportservices.com/ and you can follow the results at https://twitter.com/toysastools
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Non School Transportation, and DOE Travel Training Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
Reminder: Some school bus riders also qualify for half fare metrocard. It's good to have for travel on a non-school day or if they miss the pickup and you have to take them.
Need: Doctor to fill out part of the form, Notary sometimes, passport photo
Form = https://new.mta.info/document/11996
Appointment (can be parent w/o child) = https://new.mta.info/coronavirus/service-appointment
Also anyone regardless of age, as long as they have a disability, can qualify for Access-A-Ride.
There was info that the application process was closed but in fact it is case by case.
Request form at 877-337-2017.
Assessment center will give an appointment.
Medicaid covers certain rides by taxi/livery to appointments for medical services including therapies.
https://www.emedny.org/providermanuals/transportation/pdfs/transportation_manual_policy_section.pdf
[Note: travel to IEP-mandated therapies to use a related service voucher can in fact be reimbursed by the DOE but there is a wait involved].
All of the above is meant to SUPPLEMENT, NOT REPLACE specialized school transportation for students with disabilities if the IEP says so. The🚍 is a related service under IDEA law and an educational service under NYS Ed law, already paid for by your taxes.
We thank Susana, school bus mother and advocate, for gathering this information as of Nov 2020.
Regarding travel training, from another school bus parent on Oct 2021
Below is the contact info for the DOE travel training program:
David Abrahams
City Wide Coordinator
District 75, Office of Travel Training, NYCDOE
Work (212) 802-1625
Fax (212) 802-1527
Best to email first and include OSIS number in subject line.
When I spoke to him in August, he was just getting back into the office physically after being remote since March 2020. The IRL program was still suspended at that time, and he didn’t know when the in person training would resume.
Hope things are more defined and back to normal now, or at least you can get added to the wait list for when the program has been reinstated.
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When afternoon dropoff location is not the same as last year Links to forms in all DOE languages
If child's PM dropoff site is different from AM pickup site - this is how to get ahead of this for whenever school reopens
Request Updates to Your Child's Afternoon Drop-Off Address
Notify the DOE of any changes you'd like for your child's afternoon drop-off address.
Fill out the form linked below and EMAIL (do not fax!) the form to BusingExceptions@schools.nyc.gov.
If you do not have access to email, ask your school to send the form in for you once you've filled it out.
English: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/alt-pm-drop-off-form
All languages: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility
Suggestions
- copy a responsible person at the child's school
- follow up with the bus company, driver & attendant, OPT, school to make sure everyone has the same info
- Let us know how this is working out, at pistnyc@gmail.com
Note: There is other busing paperwork to inform OPT of a child living with joint custody arrangements.
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2020-21 Advice on School Bus Route Complaints [*published below]
Thursday, January 21, 2021 4:24:00 PM
Advice on SCHOOL BUS ROUTE complaints from Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC) Para consejos en español, llama Comité Timón 347-942-7413 OPT maximum times* (including 10-15 min. grace...
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HOT TOPICS IN SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
Temas candentes en el transporte escolar
Hot topics in school transportation
/ Temas candentes en el transporte escolar
1) HOW TO ADD SPECIAL EDUCATION BUSING ON THE I.E.P.
or Add Medical Transportation Accommodations if needed
/ [CÓMO AÑADIR EL AUTOBÚS DE EDUCACIÓN ESPECIAL EN EL P.E.I.
o agregue adaptaciones de transporte médico si es necesario - en inglés:]
http://pistnyc.org/how-to-add-or-enhance-special-education-busing-on-the-iep-.aspx
2) PAPERWORK FOR EXCEPTIONS TO General Education SCHOOL BUS ELIGIBILITY
/ DOCUMENTOS PARA EXCEPCIONES A LA ELEGIBILIDAD DEL AUTOBÚS ESCOLAR DE Educación General - en inglés:
http://pistnyc.org/paperwork-for-exceptions-to-gen-ed-school-bus-eligibility.aspx
3) 2020-21 HOW TO MAKE SCHOOL BUS ROUTE COMPLAINTS
/ CÓMO HACER QUEJAS SOBRE LA RUTA DEL AUTOBÚS ESCOLAR - en inglés
http://www.pistnyc.org/2020-21-advice-on-school-bus-route-complaints.aspx
Notice the following changes since last year:
* BusingExceptions@schools.nyc.gov for exceptions and special populations
[NOTE: Special populations include Students with Disabilities, in Temporary Housing, in Foster Care, or with Medical/Health condition.
Exceptions include Hazards, Joint custody, Orders of protection.]
** EarlyChildhoodBusing@schools.nyc.gov for questions related to Early Intervention and Pre-K/preschool bus routes.
>>>Observe los siguientes cambios desde el año pasado:
* BusingExceptions@schools.nyc.gov para excepciones y poblaciones especiales
[NOTA: Las poblaciones especiales incluyen estudiantes con discapacidades, en viviendas temporales, en hogares de acogida o con problemas médicos o de salud.
Las excepciones incluyen peligros, custodia compartida, órdenes de protección.]
** EarlyChildhoodBusing@schools.nyc.gov para preguntas relacionadas con las rutas de autobús de Intervención Temprana y Pre-K / preescolar.
4) WHEN AFTERNOON DROPOFF LOCATION IS NOT THE SAME AS LAST YEAR
/ CUANDO EL LUGAR DE DESPEGUE POR LA TARDE NO ES EL MISMO QUE EL AÑO PASADO - en inglés con enlaces al formulario en otros idiomas
http://pistnyc.org/when-afternoon-dropoff-location-is-not-the-same-as-last-year.aspx
5) We fight for a SCHOOL BUS BILL OF RIGHTS http://pistnyc.org/bill-of-rights.aspx
Spanish:
PROYECTO DE LEY DE LOS DERECHOS DE LOS AUTOBÚSES ESCOLARES
Haitian Kreyol:
Nou rele Majistra Bloomberg, Chanselye a; ak Biwo pou transpò elèv anba Chanselye adjwen Grimm nan
Mandarin:
家长要求改善校巴接送服务
6) CONVERSATION about SCHOOL BUS SAFETY during COVID 19
/ CONVERSACIÓN sobre la SEGURIDAD EN EL AUTOBÚS ESCOLAR durante COVID 19
Because of our organizing over the years in alliance with other school bus advocates -- including the workers who transport our children, we were able to gather and share information and ask many questions that were not being asked elsewhere.
This began before the summer and continued with a radio program, chats on social media, emails and phone calls, and three zoom calls in September and October.
>>Gracias a nuestra organización a lo largo de los años en alianza con otros defensores de los autobuses escolares, incluidos los trabajadores que transportan a nuestros niños, pudimos recopilar y compartir información y hacer muchas preguntas que no se hicieron en otros lugares.
Esto comenzó antes del verano y continuó con un programa de radio, charlas en las redes sociales, correos electrónicos y llamadas telefónicas, y tres llamadas de zoom en septiembre y octubre.
Example/ejemplo http://pistnyc.org/covid-19-school-bus-safety-conversation-.aspx
7) Opportunities for transportation outside of school hours and after graduation
/ Oportunidades de transporte fuera del horario escolar y despues de la graduacion -en inglés con enlaces
http://pistnyc.org/non-school-transportation-.aspx
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Fight Cuts, and more
February Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
Contents:
Fight cuts to health & education funding
Black History Month
Covid 19 vaccine
School bus workers & the pandemic
Return to blended learning in middle school buildings
Electric school buses
More Disability Pride/History
PIST NYC social media
Fight cuts to health & education funding
a) See https://www.facebook.com/events/535338584107014 for details on how to contact politicians on the question of Covid19 Relief funding for Home and Community Based Services for people of all ages with various disabilities. HCBS is intended to keep people out of institutions and more independent by providing support which suits the individual.
b) NYS Petition against total 39% cut to OPWDD Care Coordinators http://chng.it/FRBM2DBNL6
c) NYS Petition to tax the very wealthy rather than cutting public education:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-am-bronson-sen-kaminsky-put-students-needs-first-tax-the-ultra-wealthy
Black History Month
a) We found these projects celebrating Black Disabled history past & present:
https://cedi.unc.edu/blackdisabledhistory/
b) Artist mom who features a “Black Disabled Lives Matter” T shirt & mask for a sliding scale, as well as designs like “Autistic Joy” https://jenwhitejohnson.com/
c) The 4th of the month, birthday of Mrs. Rosa Parks, was the 5th annual Transit Equity day declaring that public transit is a civil right. So is school busing!
See https://www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2021/
Covid vaccines for I/DD community As of Feb 15: Intellectual or Developmental Disability makes persons of any age eligible for Covid19 vaccine in NY state.
The city is holding a webinar about this on Monday 2/22 at 2:00
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KgZ4Wzf6RaOfiKZIT7Nizg
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has created plain language fact sheets and links to social stories, etc. https://autisticadvocacy.org/resources/covid-pl/vaccine/
School bus workers and the Pandemic
We asked a school bus workers’ union shop steward in ATU 1181: what happens when the school building or classroom is closed due to Covid19? Apparently the DOE sends an email to the company at 11:00 p.m. the night before, so the workers find out when they arrive in the early morning. They ‘shape’ or stand by for another assignment and are paid for this time.
As to vaccines, the drivers and attendants are in the 1b group. Those who want the shot have to make arrangements to get both doses on their own time.
We are sorry to report that school bus workers in this local and others have passed away from Covid 19. A partial list including seventeen NYC names can be found here: https://atu1277.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Newsletter_08.20.pdf
https://twitter.com/LostToCovid A twitter account focusing on all school personnel lost to Covid across the U.S. has posted some 94 names of school bus workers. The organizer says there are others who are not yet posted...full names, photos and descriptions are needed so they can be honored properly. Contact them/us if you have such knowledge.
Return to blended learning in middle school buildings
As of now grade 6-8 students in community school districts who opted in to in-person learning some days of the week are able to resume that schedule starting Feb 25, joining the lower grades and District 75 students of all ages. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/alerts/all-blended-learning-students-in-grades-6-7-and-8-will-return-to-in-person-learning-on-thursday-february-25
(note: Switching to full remote through June is still an option -- even so, do not give up busing on the IEP -- speak up if anyone pressures you on that)
We urge families to start finding out in advance what the school, bus company, and OPT each say is your child’s route and schedule.
For safety’s sake, stay alert to the number of riders (check AM + PM Sequence numbers and/or ask the bus crew). Monitor whether socially distant seating, ventilation, disinfection measures are still in effect. Reply pistnyc@gmail.com to be invited to any future zoom call with busing advocates about this.
For dealing with busing issues in general, see http://pistnyc.org/2020-21-advice-on-school-bus-route-complaints.aspx and related blogs on our website or write to pistnyc@gmail.com
Electric school buses --This article says a new “report reveals that the electric school transportation vehicles, with their comparatively simple schedules and routes, are actually ‘ready to roll’ right now — if districts can just solve the problem of how to pay for what would be a game-changer for our national climate outlook.”
https://usa.streetsblog.org/2021/02/10/how-to-electrify-the-nations-school-buses/
The NYC Clean School Bus Coalition can be reached at http://www.nylpi.org
More Disability Pride/History
“On the heels of Woodstock, a group of teen campers are inspired to join the fight for disability civil rights.” Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution premiers March 25th on Netflix.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6TB7KEqhRo
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March to July 2021 Edit
under construction
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Update on free non-bus transportation to summer programs POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT for prior expenses
*Post about non-bus transportation to summer classes and related services* and POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT
[NOTE: we are just the messenger! We are not grateful for bandaid solutions, after the damage is done, which do not involve a trained driver and attendant!!]
In response to outcry from families of students who were not provided with their legally mandated 2-way school bus routes in July--including those whose busing did not apply in the afternoon because they had Summer Rising with later dismissal times--OPT has announced the following:
They are able to expand the Curb program to students with disabilities receiving curb-to-school busing via an IEP or 504 Plan who attend Summer Rising until 4 or 6 pm, and those students in temporary housing who qualify for curb-to-school busing.
a) The family is able to submit for reimbursement for the costs incurred thus far using this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyRVg8LI-TTMuC5WA8O_ArEQOw1mL9TsjA0of94aHSqIlD4Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
b) Additionally, moving forward, the family is able to secure a ride paid by DOE to and from the school from Curb using the process outlined below:
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer#jump-to-heading-8
c). You need a code to use Curb. The eligibility codes are being uploaded into NYCSA and (school-facing) Student Profile so if any parent/guarfian needs their eligibility code prior to it appearing there, they can ASK THE SCHOOL.
2. HOW TO USE Curb:
Call the Curb call center (347-897-5421) and provide passenger(s) name, contact info, pick-up time, requested address(es), and accessibility needs
Provide your eligibility code, which your school or, for students in temporary housing, a DOE STH team member can provide to you
Curb will validate your eligibility code and the address(es) requested
Curb will dispatch a vehicle at the appropriate time
Pass it on but REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT A FAVOR!
It's a sloppy substitute for real busing which somebody neglected / messed up royally as the summer was approaching.
We are still waiting for OPT to admit there is a serious DRIVER SHORTAGE resulting from downgrades to the EPP benefit package.
The same info is in a series of tweets at https://twitter.com/pistnyc/status/1422036140945813505
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Get a head start for Fall 2021 school busing Monday, August 02, 2021 12:09:00 AM
Your main information source is the school
This is a work in progress, please come back later for more details. So far, we can say:
URGENT: contact your child's school about FALL BUSING
& ask if you need any further paperwork!
Typically, medical accommodation requests must be submitted every year. Ask doctor's office what to do to get it filled out; you may even need an appointment so maybe make one just in case.
Special education busing accommodations are technically 'more restrictive' so they usually can only be added at an IEP meeting that includes a School Psychologist.
Schools were given an Aug 3 deadline to state their busing needs, but many parents were only informed of this at a July 22 meeting about summer programs, that went into busing issues.
General guidance is here http://pistnyc.org/how-to-add-or-enhance-special-education-busing-on-the-iep-.aspx
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Start making Plan B for transportation in the beginning of the new school year.
Hope for the best
--prepare for the worst.
------------------COMMUNICATION & COMPLAINTS------------------
Remind your fellow parents, they WILL NOT GET ROUTE LETTERS in the mail.
Exception: The turning 5 placement letters are supposed to enclose the student code needed to start a NYCSA / myschools account where the route will be uploaded. Kindergarten families: Please tell us and all your child's advocates if the code is not provided!
You also cannot get route information, considered "Confidential" from OPT Customer Service. CONTACT THE SCHOOL rather than waste your time. Families of students in Temporary Housing or Foster Care also have DOE staff assigned to help them with busing info.
The online NYCSA (aka myschool account) is where each student's route details are uploaded -- assuming you have internet and a device available -- but, you also need a code to set up that account. The school has the code. CONTACT THE SCHOOL before summer school is over, or the days between the holidays and students' first day.
OPT has told us that NYCSA is in the process of being expanded to non public schools. Each school is expected to name someone on staff as Transportation Support Liaison who talks to OPT.
Non-public families: Please let us know what your school says is really truly happening to prepare for any of this. The other twist is that Fall busing is mostly built around public schools -- where the start date for students is not till Sept 13. If OPT routes the NPS first, things might change again when the PS get rolling...
However you can still get a complaint number from OPT at 718.392.8855. You can escalate existing complaints by emailing BusingExceptions@schools.nyc.gov and copy the Transportation Liaison (public) or Transportation Support Liaison (non public). Complaints regarding Early Intervention or pre-K students go to EarlyChildhoodBusing@schools.nyc.gov
We are no longer advising people to write to a specific Borough Director or other individual staff at OPT because too many names have changed. As of last school year, the system is to use the 2 team addresses above.
OTHER TIPS ARE STILL GOOD at http://www.pistnyc.org/2020-21-advice-on-school-bus-route-complaints.aspx
WHEN AFTERNOON DROPOFF LOCATION IS NOT THE SAME AS LAST YEAR see http://pistnyc.org/when-afternoon-dropoff-location-is-not-the-same-as-last-year.aspx
An overview of issues, definitions and links to forms is available at http://pistnyc.org/hot-topics-in-school-transportation-.aspx
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ARCHIVES - School Year: 2019-20
Sept. 2019 Noticias del Autobús Escolar - Desfile, Taller, Consejos, Titulares [Same information in English follows**]
¡Desfile el sábado 7 de septiembre con nosotros en Manhattan! Los miembros del PIST se unirán al contingente de asistentes de autobús escolar ATU 1181-1061, conductores y mecánicos en el Desfile Laboral de Nueva York, a medida que comienza un nuevo año escolar, con muchas promesas pero sin garantías.
Reunirse a las 10 a.m. en la calle 47 entre Avenidas 5to y 6to.
Busque la bandera amarilla: DEFIENDA los derechos civiles de los pasajeros de los autobuses escolares y los trabajos de los trabajadores de los autobuses escolares.
Taller sábado 5 de octubre ¡Reúnase con nosotros en el Bronx! Talleres sobre los derechos de IDEA para el transporte escolar y otros servicios de educación especial, luchando por rutas decentes para todos, cooperativa de autobuses eléctricos, qué pasa con la implementación del GPS. Guarde la fecha y escriba de nuevo si puede repartir volantes o publicitar de cualquier otra manera y / o si necesita cuidado de niños para asistir. 11 am a 3 pm; todavía confirmando un lugar accesible de ADA cerca del tránsito.
Consejo
1. Nuestro consejo sobre cómo documentar e informar infracciones se puede encontrar aquí en ingles: http://www.pistnyc.org/updated-bus-complaint-advice-.aspx [CORRECCIÓN; El director de Queens boro ahora es SJames6@schools.nyc.gov] y aquí https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/ En Facebook, los padres y los conductores hacen sugerencias sobre casos específicos.
2. OPT coloca la información de la ruta aquí https://www.opt-osfns.org/opt/Resources/SchoolRouteStSearch/SearchResult.aspx?display=StudentOnly Se dice que el número de secuencia (orden de recogida) no se incluyó, mientras que algunas fechas de nacimiento hicieron que el sistema se ahogara. Siempre verifique que la escuela, la compañía y la OPT tengan los mismos detalles sobre su hijo y la escuela.
3. La explicación OPT de los derechos de transporte está aquí https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/transportation-rights
Nuestra visión para una Declaración de Derechos del Autobús Escolar está aquí en varios idiomas :http://pistnyc.org/bill- of-rights.aspx
4. Los padres y el personal desarrollaron una política para asegurarse de que los niños pequeños no se caigan en la parada de autobús incorrecta. Se puede selecionar el idioma en una caja a la mano izquierda para arriba. http: //ps11chelsea.org/this-week-at-ps11/2019/9/6/important-bus-policy- please-read.html
Titulares en la prensa
1. Una propuesta ley sobre las disposiciones de protección de empleo para retener a profesionales experimentados en el autobús amarillo ya pasó el congreso y el senado del estado de Nueva York y está en el escritorio del gobernador Cuomo. Creemos que es de nuestro interés que se firme lo antes posible. Lea más aquí https://www.amny.com/opinion/nyc-private-school-bus-system-workers-employee-safeguards-protection-1.35415930
Exprese su opinión usando formulario de contacto del gobernador https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form o llame al (518) 474-8390
2. ¿Habrá GPS en el autobús que viaja su estudiante? ¿Funcionará? Tu suposición es tan buena como la nuestra en este momento. Lea más aquí (y asista al taller 5 de octubre para aprender mas) https://thecity.nyc/2019/08/doe-tardy-on-installing-gps-in-school-buses-by-opening-day.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJn3gvYb8ro&feature=youtu.be
3. Los retrasos y las averías en los autobuses escolares de Nueva York aumentaron un 73% en cuatro años, con los niños de educación especial más afectado
Padres para Mejorar el Transporte Escolar
**School Bus News - Parade, Workshop, Advice, Headlines
Parade Saturday Sep 7 March with us in Manhattan! PIST members will join the contingent of ATU 1181-1061 school bus attendants, drivers and mechanics in the NYC Labor Parade--as a new school year begins, with many promises but no guarantees.
Gathering 10 a.m. on West 47th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Look for yellow banner: DEFEND School bus riders' civil rights & school bus workers' jobs.
Workshop Saturday Oct 5 Meet with us in the Bronx! Workshops on IDEA rights to school busing & other special education services, fighting for decent routes for all, electric bus cooperative, what's up with GPS rollout.
Save date and write back if you can give out flyers or publicize in any other way and/or if you need childcare to attend.
11 am- 3 pm; still confirming ADA accessible venue near transit.
Advice
1. Our advice on how to document and report violations can be found here http://www.pistnyc.org/updated-bus-complaint-advice-.aspx [CORRECTION; Queens boro director is now SJames6@schools.nyc.gov]
and here https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
On the facebook, parents and drivers make suggestions about specific cases.
2. OPT places route info here https://www.opt-osfns.org/opt/Resources/SchoolRouteStSearch/SearchResult.aspx?display=StudentOnly. We hear sequence number (order of pick up) was not included, while some dates of birth caused the system to choke.
Always verify that school, company, and OPT have the same details about your child and school.
3. OPT explanation of transportation rights is here
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/transportation-rights
Our vision for a School Bus Bill of Rights is here http://pistnyc.org/bill-of-rights.aspx
4. Parents & staff developed a policy to make sure young children are not dropped at the wrong bus stop:
http://ps11chelsea.org/this-week-at-ps11/2019/9/6/important-bus-policy-please-read.html
Headlines
1. Employment Protection Provisions to retain experienced professionals on the yellow bus is on Gov. Cuomo's desk. We feel it is in all our interest to have that signed ASAP.
Read more here https://www.amny.com/opinion/nyc-private-school-bus-system-workers-employee-safeguards-protection-1.35415930
Contact Albany https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form or (518) 474-8390
2. Will there be GPS on the bus your student rides? Will it work? Your guess is as good as ours right now. Read more here (and attend 10/5 workshop to discuss)
https://thecity.nyc/2019/08/doe-tardy-on-installing-gps-in-school-buses-by-opening-day.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJn3gvYb8ro&feature=youtu.be
3. NYC school bus delays and breakdowns increased 73% in four years, with special education kids most impactedhttps://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-nyc-school-bus-delays-breakdowns-increase-special-education-student-20190825-zvvx47czbngejlkqw7va2binga-story.html
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Oct 5 Bronx workshop & other School Bus News Contents of this Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
1. Oct 5 Bronx workshop/Talleres el 5 de oct en el Bronx
2. Sep 20 Climate strike
3. School bus news (GPS; other problems; Parent/Driver unity)
1
PIST & Comite Timon will co host a day of workshops soon:
Know Your Rights around School Busing & Special Education
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. El Maestro Inc.
1300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
There will be hot food. Reserve childcare if needed, at 646-610-9222
Nearest subway station with an elevator is Simpson St. 2 & 5 train. From there, take the Bx19 bus up Southern Blvd towards the Botanical Gardens.
If you don't need an elevator, get out at next stop on the 2 or 5, Freeman Ave
See and share https://www.facebook.com/events/427776407852539/
Bilingual flyer attached and at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GV-uCWnHNm65UizK1kk8bYv_Wo-C6uARWiprbz9g3bk/edit?usp=sharing
2
Electric buses and the Climate Justice movement
Student #ClimateStrike is tomorrow Friday Sept 20
As we said on our twitter @pistnyc : We support green/electric school buses and all measures that will #savetheplanet.
NYC Schools Chancellor will not penalize students who leave school to join the events that afternoon with permission signed by parents.
School bus parents if you are picking up a child to do this, maybe alert the bus crew & company & school aides who meet the bus, not just the morning of but the day before, in case someone is out or something else falls thru the cracks.
Info here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Khac4RYCU7ieNafylElPh_xMi0AGxkI5X6hxkjYLsJQ/edit
3
GPS or lack of it, in the news:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na-R7kBDCP4&feature=youtu.be
Experienced drivers are telling PIST that:
There are not enough mechanics to fix things in general, but also The mechanics don’t install nor fix the GPS that’s an outside contractor.
There are two different GPS. The special ed buses have Garmins installed with a screen that the driver has to log in to every day. They were not put in by mechanics but by a private firm.
The new GPS are hidden and are turned on automatically. Not sure who installed those.
Also they're consolidating runs !!!! Making it almost impossible to get to schools on time!!! Our runs have 5-7 schools on them...
Other coverage of school bus problems, not sent last time
https://pix11.com/2019/09/13/bus-stop-chaos-continues-in-queens
Other issues that are NOT making headlines:
Shortage of drivers!
As of Sept 7 there were about 200 vacancies for drivers.
At our Oct 5 meeting we hope to have questions & answers on how people can apply and train to become unionized NYC school bus drivers.
Shelter routes
At the start of this school year, about 100 drivers were placed on routes to serve students in the shelter system. We support the right to busing so children in temporary housing may keep attending one school.
Since these routes often involve long distances, they need to be done with extra care -- not to zig zag all over and put the riders through more stress.
Parent/driver unity at Labor Parade
PIST NYC and Comite Timon were represented in the contingent of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 1181 1061 on Saturday Sept 7 at the citywide labor parade.
Many onlookers cheered for our sign that read RESPECT school bus riders' civil rights, School bus workers' jobs. We learned some things about this school year's busing situation...Also it was fun! See https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/a.122497064495469/2415644531847366/?type=3&theater
Parents to Improve School Transportation
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Advice on SCHOOL BUS ROUTE complaints updated contact info Oct 2019 [this is for reference, and does not reflect 2022 process]
Advice on SCHOOL BUS ROUTE complaints
from Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC)
Para consejos en español, llama Comité Timón 929.228.0515
OPT maximum times* (including 10-15 min. grace period)
Age Level
School IN same BORO as home
School OUT OF the home BORO
Early Intervention
60 minutes
90 minutes
Pre-K (CPSE)
75 minutes
105 minutes
Kindergarten to 12th grade (CSE)
90 minutes *
115 minutes *
When the bus route takes longer:
Call OPT Customer Service at 718-392-8855 every time;
get a Complaint Number & name; write it down.
Ask the school & other families on the route to do the same.
Bus driver/attendant can also file a report.
* Join our fight to make these shorter & split up the grades! *
Also: Contact Gov. Cuomo to sign the EPP bill for recruitment and retention of well trained, experienced drivers & attendants.
Email complaints work best if they include:
Route number, company name
Child´s name, OSIS number
Child’s Busing Accommodations if any
Dates, times, issues, Complaint numbers
If your child has an IEP, stress the fact that busing is a related service and education is their civil right!
City code says: in hot weather the bus should be at least 20 degrees F below the outside temperature.
Ideas for who to copy on your most urgent Emails:
If child has an IEP, also copy ccse@schools.nyc.gov
If District 75, also copy D75council@schools.nyc.gov
School Principal, Parent Coordinator, Busing Coordinator
NY Lawyers for Public Interest betterbuses@NYLPI.org
Your City Council member & the Education Committee Chair (Currently mtreyger@council.nyc.gov)
For live feedback from friendly parents and union school bus workers, remove personal info and summarize issue on https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
OPT Borough Directors (all emails are @schools.nyc.gov)
Bronx →
Seth Brown
SBrown14
Brooklyn →
Diane Beediahram
DBeediahram
Manhattan →
Uri Fraenkel
UFraenkel
Queens →
Glenn Risbrook
Grisbrook
Staten Island →
Byron Kiste
Bkiste2
Pre-K →
Sheila Lucious Lowe
SLuciouslowe2
Shelter Busing
& Exceptions →
Kevin Jenkins
KJenkins5
Chief →
Kevin Moran
Kmoran2
In case of further changes also use: PupilTransportationTeam@schools.nyc.gov
OPT Twitter is @nycschoolbuses
For advice on requesting IEP transportation accommodations, see https://tinyurl.com/y47h28he
Labor Donated by pistnyc.org parent volunteers 10/19
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PIST NYC Busing Update for November 2019
We would love to see you at:
Action for Safer Busing through EPP job protections for experienced drivers & attendants & mechanics -- Monday Nov 18 10:30 - 12:00 noon at 633 Third Ave (Governor’s office), co sponsored with ATU local 1181. See attached and share https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/a.122497064495469/2558007067611111/
Please reply to pistnyc@Gmail.com if your parent organization has a statement for Monday in support of signing the EPP bill into law. We have been fighting for this (for 9 years!) as a first step towards our School Bus Bill of Rights.
Reasonable routes should prioritize SAFETY FOR CHILDREN, JUSTICE FOR WORKERS.
Action for Special Education Rights from New York to Puerto Rico -- Saturday Nov 30
2:00 - 3:30 pm on 14th St. near Union Square Park, co sponsored with Comité Timón
Stop violations of the civil rights of students with disabilities under federal law and UN declarations.
Reverse the cuts imposed on schools in Puerto Rico by the unelected board of bankers.
Make school bus routes shorter, safer and more eco-friendly. EPP now!
Note: Our parent community includes Bronx-based Bomba y Plena musicians Herencia de mi Tambó who will play at the rally. See and share
https://www.facebook.com/events/2390250214558424/
PIST has been attending parent conferences at UFT borough offices. The Manhattan one put our School bus advice flyer in the packets; the Bronx one gave us a table.
The next one where we’ll have a table is Sat Nov 16 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at P140K @ K258 (David Ruggles Campus) 141 Macon St., Brooklyn, NY 11216 (between Marcy and Tompkins avenues) Food and raffle gifts provided by United Federation of Teachers.
We’re already in the middle of Parent-Teacher Conference time. Bring flyers if you can.
Has your child's school informed the bus crew of half day schedule if any?
Most non D75 elementary schools- half day Fri 11/15
Most non-D75 high schools- half day Fri 11/22
Attached are Nov 18 flyer and the Advice flyer (more accurate than the one we sent around when school began). We have an offer of a proper Spanish translation of that so stay tuned.
Please get this information around in your community.
For more events of interest, like and follow https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
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December Update Sped rights rally rescheduled
***No rally this Sat Nov 30***New date Sat Dec 14, synchronized with a rally in Puerto Rico***
2:00 pm on 14th Street near Union Square, children more than welcome!
Stop violations of the civil rights of students with disabilities under federal law and UN declarations.
Reverse the cuts imposed on schools in Puerto Rico by the unelected board of bankers.
Make school bus routes shorter, safer and more eco-friendly. EPP now!
Note: Our parent community includes Bronx-based Bomba y Plena musicians who will play at the rally.
See https://www.facebook.com/events/2390250214558424/
Stay tuned for flyer and growing list of endorsers in our next email. To find out how you can help, write back pistnyc@gmail.com or call Milagros (929) 228-0515
PIST Report from Nov 18 rally for school bus EPP law (S 6208)
Parent advocates from District 75 (special education programs which make up 98% of children who take the school bus 12 months a year), and from other public and non-public schools were at the November 18 rally urging Governor Cuomo to sign EPP into law this year. [see attached photo and excerpt from the Chief Leader newspaper]
Organized New York parents of school bus riders support lifting up experienced drivers, attendants and mechanics by any means available. Busing is a hard-won right that provides access to school for students with disabilities, students in temporary housing, and a total of 150,000 students each year. School bus companies come and go, and not all are equal, but with EPP at least all routes are staffed from a pool of trained safety professionals who can pass along practical knowledge to newer recruits.
It’s sensible to prefer that our children attend a school that has plenty of teachers with more than five years on the job. Schools are even ‘graded’ on their percentage of experienced faculty. Young teachers may bring needed energy and new ideas, but it takes a while to develop the wisdom to reach all kinds of students. It’s just as sensible to favor school bus crews who are familiar with the regulations, the roads, and how to supervise children without taking personally--or responding harshly to--their needs and behaviors.
Much of the coverage quoted parents or at least acknowledged our presence there. Sadly, most reports played up a difference of approach by different transportation unions. We seek progress and unity between all the unions that all have our kids’ lives in their hands! The Transport Workers’ Union Local 100 (TWU) carries our students who use metrocards. They and the Teamsters each have a number of school bus worker members; the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181 (ATU) has the majority, and some drivers and attendants are non-union.
The law on Cuomo’s desk does not name any particular union but rather states that whenever a new bus company gets a contract from the Department of Education, the vacancies must be filled from a citywide seniority list first. EPP fills vacancies but does not cause anyone to get bumped from a job they hold. It also makes the job attractive to retain people with a decent wage & benefits package which had also been diminished since the 2013 bids.
School bus families are so close to winning this EPP protection, which overall represents more safety for the children and more justice for the workers. Meanwhile TWU is fighting for a decent contract with the MTA, which they also deserve. We think school bus riders are important enough to justify working out differences for the greater good.
Members of the community can still contact the governor about the need for S 6208 using https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
3 events of interest on Tues Dec 3:
-9:00 a.m. at 250 Broadway across from City Hall Park, Manhattan:
Alliance for Quality Education #FundNYSchools campaign
Year after year, New York State shortchanges our children and our public schools. Now, New York owes New York City public schools $1.5 billion. The budget session is around the corner. It officially begins in January and runs through April.
Join us on Dec 3rd at 9 AM to make sure ALBANY hears us loud and clear: FUND OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. RSVP to join us now.
—8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at 63 Fifth Ave, Manhattan
“City & State NY” School Bus Safety Forum
NYC and LI electeds, reporters, and New York School Bus Contractors Association will speak on School Bus Safety Programs and Initiatives; Stop-Arm Cameras.
The description mentions families but nobody in our network is on the agenda…
https://impactflow.com/event/school-bus-safety-11279
—-5:30 PM - 8:30 PM at 34th St Herald Square, New York, NY
International Day of People with Disabilities rally and march
For accessibility, elevators, dignity & against increased policing of riders
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Dec 14: Special Education Rights from NY to Puerto Rico + Letter to Governor: S6208 for School bus workers
1. Rally Reminder/details/background
2. School bus news item
1. Supporters of Comite Timon, including PIST, will be gathering this Saturday December 14 to chant and make music in defense of "Special education rights from NY to Puerto Rico"
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Place: the traffic island triangle called Lilholt Park, formed by Broadway, 14th Street, and Fourth Avenue, in Manhattan*.
Flyer photos in English and Spanish are attached. Shareable event is at https://www.facebook.com/events/2390250214558424/
Ongoing austerity cuts to the Puerto Rican school system have shamelessly displaced students with disabilities, as shown here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmgVSTlpRzc
...but people are fighting back!
At this time, parent groups on the island are opposing a bill called Project C 1945 which would have further disastrous effects for everyone but the for-profit 'school' corporations.
We in NYC are rallying in solidarity with the demand of education for all. We are happy to report that many wonderful activists and organizations have agreed to attend since the Dec 14 date was announced.
*For a photo of the location see see https://preview.tinyurl.com/vjlyra9
L trains don't run on the weekend, so if you are coming from further east or west, you need to take the crosstown bus or walk.
Other lines can be checked here http://web.mta.info/weekender.html
2. As a follow up to the last email: The governor will either sign or veto the school bus EPP bill this month.
You can read our latest letter to him here
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/a.122497064495469/2624491167629367/
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PART 1 ISSUES OF REOPENING DURING COVID Task Force members, Edweek, IncludeNYC, AQENY, MORE-UFT
Our basic position is that the decisions for school and school busing safety can't be made by entities who do not experience the consequences firsthand. In terms of busing, that includes at a minimum, established representatives of: families of school bus riders, school bus workers, and the disability community. (We have said this to various reporters, see upcoming blog entry 'part 2...') Of course there are ripple effects on educators, school aides, crossing guards, bus companies, and mass transit riders & workers too. Below are some readings we came across that relate to our concerns.
1. The State Ed Department lists various people who meet those qualifications for their NYC & Long Island task force but they have not met as of July 10.http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/reopening-schools-task-force/region-4-task-force-members.pdf
2. ED WEEK article Getting Students With Disabilities Back To Class, dated 7/8, last paragraph says this about NYC summer school and related services:
Roughly 40,000 children in the district are eligible for year-round special education services. Students will not return to class this summer, but the district will open sites across the city to resume one-on-one speech, physical, and occupational therapy services for students with disabilities. But it will not be busing students. Instead, the district will offer public transportation passes or travel reimbursement costs for families to get students to appointments.
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/07/08/getting-students-with-disabilities-back-to-class.html
Needless to say we disagree with dumping kids onto mass transit where the (heroic) workers are not trained for meeting their needs, and which also increases transit crowding, and therefore Covid risk.
3. Recent Include NYC newsletter summarized the summer and fall plans. Excerpt and link below.
Students with disabilities:
In-person services will be offered to students with IEPs who opt to receive them to the greatest extent possible.
No information on school busing has been released as of now.
Alternative staggering schedules may be available for District 75 programs due to smaller classes.
4. NYS Alliance for Quality Education released a 'roadmap' on June 10 which says this about busing:
12. All bus drivers and lunch aids must receive training in helping address students’ needs. As students return to the school building, everyone must have the ability to recognize the signs of trauma, and at the very least, not add to them, but rather help heal.
13. The state must consider prioritizing transportation for students who have no alternative for the interim, particularly . Especially transportation for homeless students and students with unstable housing, and must do so in a safe way.
5. MORE (a caucus within NYC educator's union United Federation of Teachers) published a statement on July 10, with a fair amount of input from parent activists, busing is discussed as follows: Busing, as well, has not yet been addressed, and is an area of significant concern, particularly for our students with disabilities. In recent years the city has seen record numbers of complaints about its busing system, with children frequently stuck on buses for hours at a time. How will the DOE use an already-broken system to efficiently and safely transport students? .https://morecaucusnyc.org/2020/07/10/parents-and-teachers-agree-it-is-too-soon-to-go-back-into-school-buildings/
[In addition we notice many teacher and parent groups around the country expressing similar common sense concerns about the dangers of a hasty reopening to public health. Demanding IMPROVED remote learning, supporting Strikes and boycotts might be what it takes to save lives]
PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/ and https://twitter.com/pistnyc FOR UPDATES and more dialogue.
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PART 2 ISSUES OF REOPENING DURING COVID
PIST talking points, ATU contract proposals, Post article, Daily News article
1. We highlighted 5-6 points in speaking with the media after the City announced its vague plans for September with barely a peep about busing. Here they are in case it got lost in the editing:
A- NYCDOE's Return To School survey only asked what method your child used for getting to school this year and what method you want them to use next year. For those who selected busing, it asks how strongly you support
-reducing the number of children per bus by half, and
-having driver and attendant wear masks on the bus
That's it.
District 75 parents did their own survey and we encourage people to consider those results.
B- STUDENTS WHO NEEDED BUSING BEFORE MARCH 16 STILL NEED IT. Whether due to disabilities, or to being displaced from their school's neighborhood by high rent. School bus riders tend to have complex situations that make remote learning really rough. Closing the schools did set children back, but it also saved lives! As for general education students, not every school has what every child needs and the DOE promises school choice.
C- Our feeling now is what it was in early March: Keep the schools closed until they can be opened safely FOR ALL. That way, the setback for school bus riders won't be more extreme than for every other student.
D- For safety ideas, involve the people who live and breathe school busing: Families of students; the school bus workers' unions; the disability community. Decisions should not be made without consultation and approval by those who have to implement them firsthand. {see item 2 below}
E- The busing contracts were dropped in April, so there are no drivers, attendants or mechanics on payroll to do any preparation, recertification, training or maintenance. NYCDOE does not take full responsibility for the fleets or for this essential workforce the way many other districts do.
F- The hybrid schedules open us up to more confusion, late buses, and kids getting left behind. If anything we will need more drivers to handle double routes / split sessions, and more bus attendants to take temperatures and monitor mask wearing on the general ed routes.
2. We are impressed with the thoughtfulness and experience that the Amalgamated Transit Union has put into contract proposals which emphasize the safety of school bus riders along with those who transport them. https://atu1181.org/news/atu-local-1181-1061-proposals-for-effects-bargaining/
3. Resulting Daily News article July 12 is here with long quotes from PIST NYC and others https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/ny-school-bus-families-await-answers-20200712-bqujzn2cczfjrl7xfumjww3r3q-story.html
4. Resulting NY Post article is here which quotes leaders from PIST NYC, D75 Council, Advocates for Children, and ATU 1181-1061 https://nypost.com/2020/07/11/nyc-reopening-plan-could-leave-90000-students-stranded-with-no-buses/
PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/ and https://twitter.com/pistnyc FOR UPDATES and more dialogue.
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PART 3 ISSUES OF REOPENING DURING COVID
Academy of Pediatrics & Educator Union statements
1. From The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA) and AASA, The School Superintendents Association
“Returning to school is important for the healthy development and well-being of children, but we must pursue re-opening in a way that is safe for all students, teachers and staff. Science should drive decision-making on safely reopening schools."
Full statement here:
2. United Teachers of Los Angeles (2nd biggest school system in the U.S. after NYC) did research and surveyed their members
The research paper, Same Storm but Different Boats: The Safe and Equitable Conditions for Starting LAUSD in 2020-21, looks at the science behind the specific conditions that must be met in the second-largest school district in the nation before staff and students can safely return.
https://www.utla.net/news/utla-recommends-keeping-school-campuses-closed
Out of the more than 18,000 UTLA members* who submitted responses to our informal poll in less than 12 hours, 83% agree with the UTLA Board of Directors and Bargaining Team that LAUSD should not physically reopen schools on August 18.
Other countries that have reopened schools — such as New Zealand, Vietnam, and Germany — did so only after they had flattened the curve, accompanied by broad societal preparedness, including rapid case identification, contact tracing, and isolation. The U.S. is not even close to meeting these benchmarks.
*Note this is out of over 30,000 and since it was an online vote there were some technical difficulties but also the commenters who are complaining the most on the union's facebook have no photos, no friends, no info
3. Chicago Teacher's Union Local 1 surveyed its members in June about acceptable conditions for a return to school buildings and issued the results last week. Here is the section on transportation, and the link
More than 85 percent of CTU member respondents feel they should not or might not go back to work in the fall without a commitment to school-based safety teams providing input on safety needs and plans; daily COVID-19 testing and temperature screening for everyone entering the building; a nurse or other health professional in every school, every day; remote learning options for particularly vulnerable students and staff; a transportation plan for students that involves distancing on school buses as well as Chicago Transit Authority buses and trains; and a social worker or counselor dedicated to helping students and staff in every school, every day.
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Special Education is at risk in Puerto Rico Join July 14 press conference by Comite Timon NY Chapter
This is one of the articles available in English on the bill that Puerto Rican parent activists and educators insist the governor must veto to prevent further harm to students with disabilities.
Proyecto C 1945 cutbacks are wrong on principle, and also affect NYC school children indirectly because if services are dismantled on the island, educational displacement of these students from their homeland to NYC could increase the strain on the resources here.
Learn more Tuesday July 14 at 11 a.m.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/milagros.cancel.96 for live stream or Contact Comite Timon de Personas y Familias for Zoom instructions: chaptertimon@gmail.com 347-942-7413
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Paperwork for exceptions to gen ed school bus eligibility Revised Nov 2020
Latest explanation of general education busing eligibility https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility
There are exceptions for temporary housing, foster care, medical, joint custody. Exception to busing eligibility involves sending form + any relevant supporting docs and then waiting for it to be processed. Pdf of form is available here in 9 languages: https://schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility/exceptions-to-transportation-eligibility
Parents without reliable internet will need tech help to complete and email!!
Regarding medical exception application, the site admits to slow processing: "After submission, the Office of Pupil Transportation will send the forms to the Office of School Health for review and recommendation. Please note that the review by the Office of School Health typically takes 2-4 weeks."
Regarding Foster Care, thanks to input from advocates the form makes it more clear that the line for 'parent signature' may be used by the foster agency instead.
Regarding temporary housing, there is supposed to be a liaison assigned to those families who are in the shelter system or have identified themselves to the DOE as doubling up. This person can assist with logistics of printing and sending forms.
Based on ten years of experience: We doubt OPT has assigned enough staff for reaching out proactively about changes like these. If folks don't start the process while school is still closed, the delay to their children's busing will be even longer.
On https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/ and https://twitter.com/pistnyc we are posting photos of English & Spanish versions so that can be shared to people who have phone apps.
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Covid 19 School Bus safety conversation with links to NYSED, NYCDOE and ATU info
PIST been advocating for years to improve school bus riding conditions of students with and without disabilities. Ideas put forward in our School Bus Bill of Rights http://pistnyc.org/bill-of-rights.aspx and on other occasions include: fewer riders/stops/schools per bus route; separating early childhood from grades 7-12; HVAC climate control on every vehicle; respect, training, and job security for school bus workers; fast and clear communication with parents in modes they can access; hiring attendants for general education routes; public takeover of private bus companies to regulate quality; hiring more mechanics; parent input to bus routing procedure and bus yards; electric 'green' buses to prevent pollution.
When we, along with school bus unions and special education advocates, have complained that hot, stuffy, crowded, unsupervised buses which stop and linger at multiple school sites undermine the delivery of educational services to children, and aggravate health conditions like asthma, the authorities did not jump up to fix all of that. We can show and prove that we have brought these issues to Office of Pupil Transportation executives, NYCDOE Deputy Chancellors, specific companies, NYS Department of Transportation, and the NYS Office of Civil Rights. Now it is obvious that those same problems can undermine efforts to contain a deadly airborne pandemic.
Even the law says school transportation is an educational service and for students with IEPs, it is a special education related service. It is also a matter of disability civil rights, public health, and traffic safety. City codes require air conditioning on summer school buses but this is not enforced!
The COVID 19 crisis makes all of our demands for better busing more important! We are angry that so little has been done to make any of it a reality up to now. If parents and workers had been in charge of school busing, we would have had a head start in preventing the spread of COVID 19 particles among riders and their communities. Unlike the current authorities and those who run bus companies for the sole purpose of turning a profit, we would have spared no expense to make school transportation safer and more sustainable for all concerned.
We also would have prioritized keeping the thousands of experienced school bus drivers, attendants, and mechanics on payroll through the pandemic. As in other cities, these workers could serve school communities in creative ways during the term, and then shift to the intensive extra preparation that is necesssary before anyone can get on a yellow bus without fearing for their lives.
The lack of busing in Summer 2020 for in-person related services impacted students' ability to receive those services (for example in Staten Island 400 families signed up but only 140 families showed up). Slow or no communication on the status of busing for 2020-21 (especially in press statements by the Mayor, Chancellor, Governor) has made it difficult for tens of thousands of parents to declare whether or not their children can attend school in the coming term. The surprise changes to paperwork procedures for eligibility exceptions will probably affect attendance of students who have a new need for general education busing or subsidized mass transit due to temporary housing or other circumstances see http://pistnyc.org/opt-redefines-gen-ed-school-bus-eligibility.aspx for the forms and see https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/on_page/NP_sth_reopening_sign_on_letter_8.2020.pdf?pt=1to learn why certain students need daily busing even if schools do not (stay) open.
Link 1: The description of safety measures for school transportation vehicles that NYCDOE, the New York City Department of Education, is submitting to the state. We also heard secondhand that the companies are discussing not UV5 wands but foggers that spray the bus every 24 hours. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/district-school-reopening-plan-submission-to-nysed/transportation
Link 2: The promises NYSED, the New York State Education Department, has made to the public around special education and transportation are on pages 7 and 9 respectively of this document; pages 60-63 deal with school bus protocols. Please note that throughout the document, hand sanitizer is mandated to be 60% alcohol, allowed in certain quantities in class, but school bus workers are not supposed to have their own little bottle. http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/reopening-schools/nys-p12-school-reopening-guidance.pdf
Link 3: ATU Amalgamated Transit Union local 1181-1061 is bargaining with companies this month on these points for school bus covid safety https://atu1181.org/news/atu-local-1181-1061-proposals-for-impact-bargaining-6-22-20/
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Fight for Busing 2020 see 2020-21 as it was published in Aug but pertains to Sept
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ARCHIVES - School Year: 2018-19
PIST STATEMENT ON LATEST OPT SCANDAL October 10, 2018
Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC) Statement on the Current Busing Crisis
We in PIST NYC have been saying for eight years that school transportation is run by the wrong people. The fact that the Chancellor has denounced one company and fired the top Office of Pupil Transportation executive is refreshing, but our children’s safe travel and access to education remain at the mercy of companies and executives whose first priority is money.
Any true overhaul would not just change some faces, but would change the structure and empower the real stakeholders in school busing: the disability community; families of riders of all income levels, races, and languages; the workers who drive and attend to them; educators. Each of these already have organizations that represent us.
For years, these stakeholders, along with civil rights lawyers, have stated practical methods for fixing everyday school bus route problems. Parents to Improve School Transportation and Amalgamated Transit Union local 1181-1061 have been advocating for a School Bus Bill of Rights to prevent route problems systematically.
These suggestions are all on record; we have documentation from various City Council hearings, proposals raised to the now-Mayor and now-Public Advocate by Attorney Norman Siegel, notes from multiple parent discussions with Office of Pupil Transportation Director Alexandra Robinson, and a study paid for by the Department of Education itself. Further, at a 2013 mayoral candidates’ forum, Bill DeBlasio agreed to: “an independent commission on school busing, with representation from disability advocates, unions, and parent groups, on standards for bidders, routes, safety, training, and fair labor practices.” Was Chancellor Carranza advised of any of this?
What is missing from most coverage of the scandal is this: The sad state of New York City school busing got worse after Bloomberg’s administration undermined the Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) that the union had won fair and square. The companies are impelled to use strict cost-cutting to lower their bids for DOE/OPT contracts; they offer worse pay/benefits and conditions to school bus drivers, attendants and mechanics; hundreds were made jobless or found retirement more appealing; the result is a shortage of trained, experienced bus professionals. [Indeed, a cohort of school bus companies has been in court lately, trying to eliminate EPP altogether against the testimony of parents, workers, and one or two other companies. If they win, we expect more of the same. Even if they lose, these proceedings stall the start of new route contract bids; so OPT recently extended contracts that in theory might not have been renewed otherwise.]
No wonder school bus routes are doubled-up and miserable this Fall! Consider it on a small scale: Any time there is only one driver willing to tolerate a low wage job--where there used to be two drivers enjoying a secure career, that’s when students get picked up late or not at all, have routes which stop at four schools instead of one or two, get yelled at, or worse. When there is little to no investment in climate control or upgrading of vehicles, that’s when children get dehydrated, or their car seats or wheelchairs do not attach properly, or the bus breaks down.
Multiply this by thousands, and you will understand our doubt that merely removing CEO Eric Goldstein or Grandpa’s Bus would make all 150,000 riders safer (We also think the figures and emphasis on background checks are overstated to sensationalize rather than solve the problem).
Any true overhaul of school busing would have a long term goal of public ownership of the bus yards, to stop a chunk of our tax money in the busing budget from going straight to profit for individual companies--to spend it instead on upgrading and “greening” the vehicles. We look forward to civil service-type standards for regulating employee recruitment, training, and retention.
In the meantime:
New York City students deserve a skilled workforce that is compensated with EPP, and is listened to about ways to improve the situation.
We believe that unionized bus crews are the buffer against employer moves that harm young people, whose lives and education matter!
We want to see workers and parents empowered to achieve expedited grievances about long, overcrowded routes.
We want a mass way to enforce and strengthen existing regulations on travel time limits, bus temperatures, and other conditions, rather than leaving it up to individual political appointees or company owners.
As always, we urge all NYC communities and labor to get involved in our campaign for a School Bus Bill of Rights.
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Rally for the School Bus Solutions we need Oct 16 outside Tweed before City Council hearings on OPT
On Tuesday October 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. the Education Committee of the New York City Council is holding an oversight hearing to address some of the inadequacies of the current system of school busing under the NYCDOE's Office of Pupil Transportation [For additional information, see https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=639300&GUID=5997BB10-2A8C-4966-8BBC-7339FCC66F93&Options=info&Search=.
PIST and other longtime advocates for busing solutions are invited. We will bring our School Bus Bill of Rights and our statement on the recent scandals which led to Chancellor Carranza firing OPT's CEO Goldstein
Many of these council members have sat down with parents in the past to hear about our School Bus Bill of Rights, although that is not exactly what is meant by the term in their proposed legislation, and with drivers to learn about the need for Employment Protection Provisions and more thorough training.
In order to include members of our network who cannot stay so long at the hearing (such as because they have to get their children from the bus), we are calling a rally at 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., around the corner outside 52 Chambers Street (Tweed), the Department of Education headquarters.
We invite all school bus advocates to bring their signs, voices and hands to make a statement that the public and media can experience. Let's remind New York that there is a driver shortage brought about by greed and low bids, which will not go away unless this work is valued as the public service and civil rights mandate that it is. Let's ask for a chance for the parent groups and school bus unions to brief the Chancellor directly on the fact that busing solutions have been gathered before but not implemented, and that any overhaul must respect those who have to live with the results: school bus riders, families, the disability rights community, educators, drivers, attendants and the mechanics.
From there, those who can will go through the entrance and metal detectors to attend the hearing for as long as possible. To help organize and publicize this event please contact pistnyc@gmail.com.
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PIST testimony to City Council on Oct 16 Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC) Testimony
City Council oversight hearing on busing policy bills - October 16, 2018
The Disability Rights movement says “Nothing about us without us.” We hope you continue to seek input from self-advocates who have been or are school bus riders themselves. When it comes to young children riding the bus, the others who grapple with the issues are their families, educators, and experienced school bus crews. These advocates all have organizations that are easy to find.
Regarding Int 0451-2018 we’re glad Council member Dromm agrees with us about sending home regulations and how-to’s in various languages. School staff could also benefit from such documents. However (1) it has to be refined by the organizations above, who know the frequently asked questions about how busing is done now and (2) it should not be called a Bill of Rights, since we already have a document by that name which shows how busing should be done instead, which we still intend to get on the NYC ballot.
Attached you will find the real School Bus Bill of Rights, which by the way is endorsed by other parent groups and school bus unions (ATU 1181-1061 and Teamsters’ local 553). We have also compiled just a few of the better busing ideas that have gone ignored thus far.
From our statement on the latest OPT scandal, a reminder that “at a 2013 mayoral candidates’ forum, Bill DeBlasio agreed to ‘an independent commission on school busing, with representation from disability advocates, unions, and parent groups, on standards for bidders, routes, safety, training, and fair labor practices.’
From a 2016 report of a 2013 study the DOE funded:
“Existing processes for bus scheduling and routing, for example, did not draw on the day-to-day experiences of bus operators or families and so were much less efficient than they otherwise could be… the field research was distilled into a report recommending three service prototypes to test… However…the prototypes were never implemented.”
Notes from 2015 when a series of meetings were facilitated by the teachers’ union between OPT directors and District 75 parent council, PIST and others. This also talked about training, climate control and “Change the routing system to make it more efficient. Consider one program one bus to cut down on length of transport time, number of buses idling at the school.”
A 2013 letter to the outgoing and incoming administrations by Civil Rights Attorney Norman Siegel recommended better training standards; sensible contracting and routing; and an independent busing liaison -- such as the MTA now has for its riders with disabilities.
We generally support any Intros that address aspects of the problem, but urge that those closest to the situation have the final say in making the solutions meaningful. I leave you with three examples:
GPS is only as good as the thought that goes into it. Drivers are stuck with parameters set by the same corner cutting bureaucrats who think all kids can get from stop to seatbelt in 30 seconds flat--and that a bus can be at three schools in the same minute. Read the letter from PIST mom Nicole from Inwood, and listen to the unions, including TWU who know the limitations of MTA level GPS.
We know two parents and a driver-trainer who’ve become experts on car safety seat models and which ones are compatible with which bus types. I trust their oversight more than I trust budget researchers up in an office.
The best solutions will fail if we don’t have a stable workforce providing this service. Running school busing based on low bids and high profit has left us with a severe driver shortage, and with many workers ready to strike or even quit. We ask this body for support in seeking a meeting between the Chancellor, bus parents, and bus unions, as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Attachments:
2018 PIST statement on the firing of OPT CEO Eric Goldstein at http://www.pistnyc.org/pist-statement-on-latest-opt-scandal.aspx
PIST NYC School Bus Bill of Rights revised October 2017, originally drafted December 2010, also at http://www.pistnyc.org/bill-of-rights.aspx
Letter from Attorney Norman Siegel’s firm November 2013, also at
http://www.pistnyc.org/norman-siegel-issues-report-and-recommendations.aspx
Excerpts of notes from Parent meetings with Alexandra Robinson of OPT in school year 2015-16.
We refer you also to the following:
2013 parents’ open letter to the DeBlasio administration on our busing issues at
http://www.pistnyc.org/our-top-busing-issues-for-incoming-nyc-administration.aspx
Cover and page 9 of Innovation Toolkit study published 2016, also at https://www.crpe.org/sites/default/files/innovationtoolkit_1.2016_final.pdf
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Report on 10/16 Rally & Hearing re OPT
Includes links to media coverage
Report on 10/16 Rally & Hearing re OPT
Rally
A diverse and lively group showed up to chant on the steps of 52 Chambers Street. There were school bus parents from every borough and parent leaders from CCHS, District 75, PIST, also a retired special educator and a retired transportation unionist.
Four or five media outlets showed up and took quotes (see coverage below) or filmed us chanting “O.P.T. Get the kids to school on time!” Then we marched over to the press conference about GPS and raised that the situation calls for applying more humanity, not just more technology.
Hearing
City Hall was full! It was a reunion of the usual parents and special ed advocate groups/agencies, some new families with really sad stories, but also a few lawyer groups like New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Legal Aid Society, and more talk of busing for students in the shelter and foster care system as well as students with disabilities, even environmental impact of emissions at the bus yards.
OPT announced a twitter account for accident updates and the like at https://mobile.twitter.com/nycschoolbuses or @nycschoolbuses
When asked if there is a shortage of drivers they did not say yes or no, just that ‘all routes are staffed’.
The full (5 hours long) video of the hearing is at https://councilnyc.viebit.com/player.php?hash=wNKSfjIE6uOJ
Some parts we would like to point out
Around 2:41- 2:46 they talk about turnover of drivers
2:53-2:55 PS 11 PTA Strategies for making sure young kids don’t exit bus at wrong stop
3:23-3:38 panel of legal advocates
4:00-4:12 Lori, Celia, Sara
4:33 Struggles of busing when parents at 2 addresses share custody of same child
5:05 the background checks that already happen
Written testimony
Ours is here http://www.pistnyc.org/pist-testimony-to-city-council-on-oct-16.aspx
It includes links to evidence that OPT has been told how to do this better, by parents, drivers, and other advocates, for years. We want a meeting with the Chancellor asap.
IncludeNYC’s is here http://www.includenyc.org/news/post/new-york-city-council-education-committee-oversight-hearing-on-does-office
Coverage
There was some media coverage of the parents but mostly of Speaker Corey Johnson and new Education Committee Chair R. Treyger questioning the Chancellor and new appointee Kevin Moran.
CBS TV https://youtu.be/_J-4LehfKP0
Daily News (online was better than print edition) http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/ny-metro-school-bus-horror-stories-and-possible-fixes-at-hearing-20181016-story.html
WNYC radio (but the audio was short so they did not link to it from the written piece here) https://www.wnyc.org/story/schools-chancellor-promises-better-yellow-bus-service/
Social media
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214914994182860&set=pcb.718992495105127&type=3&theater
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Make calls to prevent a strike Thursday, November 01, 2018
Safety for the children, justice for the workers
Prevent a strike and further loss of dedicated school bus drivers, attendants and matrons--which happens when wages are driven to the bottom for the sake of the owners' bank accounts.
Call the 3 school bus owners who are in talks with ATU Local 1181-1061 this fall.
1
LOGAN COMPANIES
Bobby’s, Grandpa’s Lorissa, Logan Transportation
718.738.7373 / 516.965.0901
2
BORO / SNT / ANJ
718.346.9600
3
PIONEER TRANSPORTATION / PIONEER SCHOOL BUS RENTAL
718.984.8077 Call in morning, Ask for Owen
Inform them that the parents and community are watching, because how well they respect the workers indicates how well they RESPECT OUR KIDS!!
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ARCHIVES - School Year: 2017-18
1- August PIST meeting topics and what we need
A full summary of the discussion will be posted at
http://pistnyc.org/pist-aug-19-organizing-meeting-notes
The shorter version is here. Reply pistnyc@gmail.com to help.
CAR SEATS & HARNESSES: We need writers and signers for an open letter to the authorities about the need to upgrade safety seat training now.
COMMUNICATION:
Share our contact information by sending flyers electronically to different lists, posting as photos on social media, and by taping to lamp posts or taking to schools, etc.
See attached (smaller and larger versions available on request) and/or share from https://www.facebook.com/pg/pistnyc/photos/.
We need speakers of English and other languages to allow us to refer a small number of parents to you for busing advice by email or phone.
GPS: Apparently there will be GPS on buses this year and the authorities plan to penalize drivers who deviate at all from the given route. We need parents and drivers to let us know how this GPS is working out.
WORKFORCE STATUS: As of our meeting, some 600 experienced attendants were out of work--mostly women laid off in 2013--and there is a shortage of a few hundred drivers.
City government is in a position to resolve this by restoring the Employment Protection Provisions (EPP).
We still need parents to sign the petition at
https://www.change.org/p/new-york-city-department-of-education-keep-our-kids-safe
and to stay tuned.
OUTREACH: Milagros is setting up PIST workshops at well known community centers in the Bronx. The first was on Sept. 5 at New Settlement Apartments Parent Action Committee, see
The idea is self-help for resolving families' route problems (with input from the school bus union as needed).
We need friends to let us know where in your neighborhood we can meet families and collect school bus complaints--including at outdoor tables while the weather is nice.
SCHOOL BUS BILL OF RIGHTS: Starting campaign now for an election referendum next year. For now, we need you to ask more organizations to endorse officially. Later we may need speakers at a public hearing. At another point we will need thousands of signatures gathered by volunteers.
'GREEN' BUSES: Regarding how to replace beat-up buses with environmentally friendly ones Here’s the link to Intro 1428:
AIR CONDITIONING:
NYCDOE appealed the class action lawsuit against hot buses!
However you should still contact bsherman@pubadvocate.nyc.gov any time your child's bus lacks proper A/C on a hot day.
SCHOOLS CRISIS IN PUERTO RICO:
Help raise awareness that because of PROMESA education cuts [and now Hurricane Irma], families of children with and without disabilities are emigrating to cities like NYC at a rate that the school system is probably not prepared to handle. We attended a rally 8/30 with our sister group Comite Timon, The next one we know about is Sept 19 at the United Nations. More info .
2-Reminders for the new school year, with links
All staff are in school Tuesday & Weds even though school doesn't start till Thurs. Make calls to ensure that OPT, school and bus co. all have the same info about where you live and what time school starts and ends--especially shortened days for pre-K--and what medical codes your child has (for special education busing). We are trying to post more advice for new bus families on our website.
For now, here is the complaint post:
http://pistnyc.org/updated-bus-complaint-advice-.aspx [Note for Queens schools: Jackson is no longer borough director, please write to Robinson for now.]
Here is legal checklist of what constitutes a busing violation:
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/pcb.863426823735819/863426577069177/?type=3&theater
General back-to-school advice for special education are provided by Advocates for Children in English:
http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/start_of_school_qa.pdf?pt=1
and in Spanish:
http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/start_of_school_qa_spanish.pdf?pt=1
OPT website:
http://www.optnyc.org/public1/default.aspx
3-September events that affect busing
Public schools are closed Thurs-Fri Sept 21-22
Parent conferences occur the following week - ask at your school.
Manhattan traffic is affected by the U.N. General Assembly week of the 18th. Ask your bus crew whether to expect delays on your child's route.
4-Upcoming PIST presentation
Save date Sat. Oct 14 for PIST talk at the Flatbush Tenant Coalition monthly meeting, (thanks to Mary K of Disability Pride and NCIL who is a Flatbush tenant). Details later or check facebook of PIST NYC.
5-Other Community Events -please bring PIST flyers if you go!
HOW TO ADDRESS BUSING ISSUES
Thursday, September 14th, 2017 presented by adaptcommunitynetwork.org
160 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230 – Room 205 Time: 10am-12pm.
Saturday Sept 16 in Manhatttan / morning El Museo del Barrio invites families with kids on the autism spectrum to ...comfortably explore El Museo before it opens to the public (11:00am – 12:00pm) through sensory-guided gallery visits and hands-on workshops. Recommended for kids ages 5 to 12 years old. Siblings’ welcome! To RSVP, click here.
Tuesday Sept 19 in Queens / evening Citywide Council on Special Education "TALK TO THE EXPERTS" program
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hunters Point Community Middle School, 1-50 51stAvenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
Registration for Integrated Transition Program for Bronx teens on the Autism Spectrum, co sponsored by GRASP & Sinergia
3 Saturdays per month, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Oct-Mar. dates will be posted on website www.sinergiany.org
Saturday Sept 23 in Brooklyn September 23: Inclusive Service's Annual Brooklyn Children's Resource Fair
11 am to 3 pm at Grand Army Plaza library
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/childrens-resource-fair-central-library-plaza-092317-0
Weds Sept 27 in Manhattan / morning
Our friends in Access A Ride Reform Group and People's MTA will be at the monthly board meeting of the Metropolitan Transit Authority to comment on what riders really need. Check https://www.facebook.com/events/1292066240923010/
Saturday October 21 in Manhattan / all day
UFT Parent Conference, see flyer
http://www.uft.org/files/manhattan-parent-conference-save-the-date-2017.pdf
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School Bus Bill of Rights referendum campaign
Our new year’s resolution: get enforcement of school bus rights on the 2018 NYC ballot!
How you can help: Spread the word, collect signatures, write grant proposals, connect us with student Interns & with Translators, ask other organizations to endorse this campaign, find free meeting space in boroughs, volunteer your skills.
First meeting: Monday Feb 19 at 12 noon (federal holiday) Childcare & pizza provided.
Save the date! RSVP or questions : pistnyc@gmail.com
Please see PIST NYC calendar for more chances to reach people and build this campaign, especially at two major all day parent events Saturday Jan. 27 in Manhattan!
We have a table at the IncludeNYC Fair in midtown http://www.includenyc.org/content/summer-fun-and-more-fair-2017 and there is a citywide Parent Action Conference + film showing downtown co-sponsored by NYC Kids PAC, Class Size Matters, and Community Education Council District 2.
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Parents to Improve School Transportation Calendar
January 2018
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 4:19:00 PM
Add more events on https://www.facebook.com/groups/PISTNYC/ or write pistnyc@gmail.com Day date Boro Details
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 4:30:00 PM
Jan 15 NO SCHOOL Honor Dr. King -- Busing is a civil right! Feb 19-23 NO SCHOOL Mid winter break -- PIST meeting on the 19th! Also for non-D75 public High School students: Jan 22-25 is Regents exam week, individualized schedules ...
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January 2018 TRANSIT NEWS
Disability rights activists and other community organizers have been speaking out at MTA hearings and other venues to draw attention to the unfair lack of access in mass transit here.
Check for upcoming Jan 19 action & more on https://www.facebook.com/pplsmta/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/292625027861151/
Also, late Station Agent Darryl Goodwin, who several PIST members supported in court last summer, was cleared of all charges posthumously on Dec. 1, 2017.
See http://www.twulocal100.org/node/85070
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Education activism
Schools crisis in Puerto Rico: Families and educators have been struggling to get the schools re-opened since the storms. Background info at https://www.workers.org/2017/11/14/puerto-ricans-fight-to-reopen-schools/
Comite Timon tells us that students with disabilities are losing both therapies and classes. Although most of the families who left the island are going to Florida, there is some impact on NYC schools, which have inadequate Bilingual Special Education services to properly help newcomers.
Leaders of the Federation of Teachers of Puerto Rico (FMPR) will be speaking around NYC from approx. Jan 17-20 on these issues and raising $. You can search the internet for an event near you. We have one in the calendar below and will post others, as we get details, on https://www.facebook.com/groups/PISTNYC/ and https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/ .
Education Week of Action for Black Lives Matter: Interested local teachers and parents can find out about this February 5-9 effort in advance at https://www.facebook.com/BLMEdu/
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Busing news
Contracts
The Dept of Education is taking bids in February for school bus route contracts. If we understand correctly, all companies but Reliant have contracts that expire this coming summer. We are waiting for info as to whether the new bids respect the Employee Protection Provisions (EPP). If not, the drivers and attendants have the right to strike.
We in PIST strive to influence the city to always require EPP. It means a decent package of wages, benefits, job security for experienced drivers and attendants. We stand with the unions in insisting on high quality equipment, training, etc. The turnover in the industry is hurting our children!! In fact, Mayor De Blasio promised to ‘revisit’ EPP when he was running for office, during the 2013 strike.
Please stay tuned as we look into developing a petition from riders, families, educators and the community at large to make sure the new arrangement is safe and supportive for all.
District 75 committee research
Parents on the D75 Council held a series of meetings in all boroughs to gather complaints and suggestions about busing from riders, families and educators (OPT was not invited). We attended when we could, and look forward to receiving a summary of the committee’s findings to share with you all.
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Campaign Planning Meeting
February 19th
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SAVE PRE-K BUSING from corporate greed
Many of the DOE’s contracts with school bus companies expire this year and it is time for them to take bids on 5-year contracts for thousands of routes. However, certain companies that currently have contracts to transport Early Intervention and Pre-K students are suing the city to remove Employee Protection Provisions, a package of wage/benefit/job security rights, just to make it easier for these companies to bid low.
We have learned that the State judge issued a 20 day restraining order in their favor, stopping the bid for school bus contracts until April 24. On the contrary, the Federal judge on April 5 denied the companies a temporary restraining order.
So far, it seems like neither DOE nor these companies have asked parents what we think. Our members and the union are the ones who keep us informed. If the bids are extremely delayed, the potential for chaos in September is increased, but if the bids are done fast without EPP, the quality of busing suffers in the short and long term.
We need to be on alert and keep telling all involved that we parents are striving for school bus contracts that RESPECT WORKERS & RIDERS! We do not want children's safety sold to the lowest bidder!! Employee Protection Provisions are a must to keep stability and experience in this PUBLIC SERVICE for students with and without disabilities.
We are going to approach the judge, with regular letters signed by people and organizations and/or with a “Friend of the Court” brief.
You can help! Please reply if you have a personal statement to add to the pile in defense of a dedicated, trained professional workforce at all levels of NYC school busing. If you just want your parent/advocate group to endorse this position, reply with contact information so we can share the group statement for their approval. We expect to be speaking with lawyers this week on the next steps.
EPP is a small but important portion of what we demand in terms of improving transportation with a School Bus Bill of Rights. Stay tuned this Spring and Summer for updates on our electoral petition campaign for a November 2018 ballot proposal.
Calendar (omitted for space Aug 2022)
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Rally Tuesday for Pre K busing!! + Special calendar note for Pre K families below*
Parents & ATU 1181 will rally outside court from 12 noon till the hearing starts.
· What: Court hearing on the request to stop the EPPs
· Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 2:00pm
· Place: New York Supreme Court, 71 Thomas Street, Borough of Manhattan, New York, NY 10013
WHY:
Now that public preschool is so widespread, busing for pre-K students with disabilities should be especially stable! This age group requires attention to issues like car seats, boosters, harnesses, bladder control, communication and more.
HOW DARE the bus companies that have/want Pre-K and Early Intervention routes DEMAND from the city to LOWER the standards for the workers by REMOVING Employee Protection Provisions? To see their names, go to https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/gm.795972443925795/1628173810594446/
What happens if 100s of trained, experienced drivers and attendants are deprived of seniority rights, job security, and equity in wages/benefits?
-This move by the companies has already delayed the bidding for contracts for 2018-2023 school bus routes.
-Further delays increase the likelihood of chaos in September.
-Bids going forward without EPP could in theory lead to a work stoppage/strike at some point.
-If the companies win their suit, children’s SAFETY would be SOLD TO THE LOWEST BIDDER.
-Poverty wages increase turnover and moonlighting, even among workers who LOVE KIDS and want to PROVIDE A SERVICE. We have seen this all over the country: underpaid teachers are walking out of school...or out of the state.
PLEASE REPLY IF YOU CAN JOIN US ON TUESDAY APRIL 24 MIDDAY AT 71 THOMAS.
*Special calendar note for Pre K families & Bus crews:
To avoid surprises, ask Monday: when is the next "non-attendance" day? It's Tuesday 4/24 at SOME, NOT ALL pre-K sites, meaning they have no classes. According to DOE calendar, the date depends which pre-K 'track' your child/school has. REPEAT: it is not citywide.
BTW if it is Tuesday, please try to attend court rally. The bus companies that are suing to downgrade wages should have to look their riders in the eyes.
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June 2018 Update Busing in Limbo; School Bus Bill of Rights; Summer busing reminders; Parade season
Busing in Limbo; School Bus Bill of Rights; Summer busing reminders; Parade season
Busing in Limbo; School Bus Bill of Rights; Summer busing reminders; Parade season
Parents to Improve School Transportation June 2018 Update
Contents:
Busing in Limbo; School Bus Bill of Rights; Summer busing reminders; Parade season
20% of Busing is in Limbo
17 school bus companies sued NYCDOE trying to force them to remove Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) out of upcoming contract bids for 20% of school bus routes. Led by L&M, these firms lost in Federal court--but the State court’s decision is still pending.
See http://atu1181.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/EPP-UPDATE-5.30.2018.pdf
Win or lose, the delay of waiting for judges to rule means the bidding process is on hold. When bids finally happen, OPT will have a rush job to vet companies and assign them routes for our children in time for September. This alone shows lack of consideration for NYC students.
If the 17 companies win in state court, it means they can hire and set wages at will, instead of respecting the citywide seniority list of experienced attendants & drivers, or the prevailing wage/benefits package. This would violate the other contract NYCDOE has, with the union school bus workers. Unlike in 2013, the DOE and City Hall are defending EPP and even some other companies came out in favor, according to reports.
PIST supports EPP for this important workforce, and we let the court know so.
See https://www.workers.org/2018/05/02/school-bus-battles-roll-on/
Stay tuned and please inform families who might be affected.
School Bus Bill of Rights
Our campaign to place a School Bus Bill of RIghts on the ballot this November is set back by not yet encountering legal professionals with the will and means to set up the petition needed at no cost. We have basically missed the window until next year. We will go back to the table and prepare more strongly for petitioning in June 2019. Please be ready to participate!
Summer (and Fall) busing reminders
Summer routes are not always with the same company you had from Sept-June. Make sure the school, company, and OPT all have the same *correct* info about your address, hours of the summer program, and child’s medical code for busing/accommodations.
If the school bus is hot, contact pistnyc@gmail.com and the Public Advocate’s office: bsherman@pubadvocate.nyc.gov There are existing laws and a suit around this issue.
Get a head start on next year, especially if your child is transitioning from one school to another and/or has not had busing this year but will need it in September. If child needs accommodations like mini-wagon, wheelchair ramp, limited time, A/C, ask school staff for forms and your pediatrician to fill them out before the old ones expire.
If transitioning to a metrocard, children with an IEP get full fare metrocard not half fare.
Parade season
PIST’s sister organization COMITE TIMON wanted us to participate in the Puerto Rican Day parade this Sunday. While we wait for detailed instructions, here are other events in solidarity with Puerto Rico’s fight against privatization--of schools and everything else:
Evening of June 15 https://www.facebook.com/events/2043072742576482/
Midday June 18 https://www.facebook.com/events/202926973651273/
We will march again in the DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE to celebrate and defend the Americans with Disability Act anniversary month of July. There are changes in process to the route or possibly to the date so please do your best to keep both July 15 and July 8 open (Sundays).
Please check http://disabilitypridenyc.org/ as well as our future emails and https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
To donate to our expenses (website, flyers, signs) please use DONATE tab at pistnyc.org
PIST supports EPP for this important workforce, and we let the court know so.
See https://www.workers.org/2018/05/02/school-bus-battles-roll-on/
Stay tuned and please inform families who might be affected.
School Bus Bill of Rights
Our campaign to place a School Bus Bill of RIghts on the ballot this November is set back by not yet encountering legal professionals with the will and means to set up the petition needed at no cost. We have basically missed the window until next year. We will go back to the table and prepare more strongly for petitioning in June 2019. Please be ready to participate!
Summer (and Fall) busing reminders
Summer routes are not always with the same company you had from Sept-June. Make sure the school, company, and OPT all have the same *correct* info about your address, hours of the summer program, and child’s medical code for busing/accommodations.
If the school bus is hot, contact pistnyc@gmail.com and the Public Advocate’s office: bsherman@pubadvocate.nyc.gov There are existing laws and a suit around this issue.
Get a head start on next year, especially if your child is transitioning from one school to another and/or has not had busing this year but will need it in September. If child needs accommodations like mini-wagon, wheelchair ramp, limited time, A/C, ask school staff for forms and your pediatrician to fill them out before the old ones expire.
If transitioning to a metrocard, children with an IEP get full fare metrocard not half fare.
Parade season
PIST’s sister organization COMITE TIMON wanted us to participate in the Puerto Rican Day parade this Sunday. While we wait for detailed instructions, here are other events in solidarity with Puerto Rico’s fight against privatization--of schools and everything else:
Evening of June 15 https://www.facebook.com/events/2043072742576482/
Midday June 18 https://www.facebook.com/events/202926973651273/
We will march again in the DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE to celebrate and defend the Americans with Disability Act anniversary month of July. There are changes in process to the route or possibly to the date so please do your best to keep both July 15 and July 8 open (Sundays).
Please check http://disabilitypridenyc.org/ as well as our future emails and https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
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ARCHIVES - School Year: 2016-17
Car seats on alternate vehicles October 09, 2016
On car seat regulations for alternate vehicles: A parent shared this info - please save -
According to New York state law: In a school vehicle which is not built to meet federal school bus construction standards, New York State Law requires that all children must ride in a properly installed, federally-certified child safety seat or booster until their 8th birthday. Vehicles of these types include school cars, vans, suburbans and SUVs.
For reference:
http://www.safeny.ny.gov/media/belt-bro.htm
http://safeny.ny.gov/seat-vt.htm#13
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New 504 Accommodations form and HIPAA as of 2016-17
The HIPAA is needed when requesting busing accommodations
To anyone whose child uses a 504 for accommodations in school, be aware that the form has changed for 2016-17. There is a new format on the HIPAA so that parents do not have to separately initial their consent to discuss info when they sign their consent to release records. It is page 2 of this 504 request form. (Use for busing accommodations also).
http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/9D996213-4452-4E03-BFAC-FC718CBBCAC6/0/201617504ParentFormwithnewHIPAA71116.pdf
There is also a new more involved 504 form for the doctors to complete here
http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/32C744F7-3341-46EF-9D4E-D934FA108A1C/0/2016504PhysicianForm42116.pdf
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Updated bus complaint advice Contact us at pistnyc@gmail.com for pdf and jpg versions
SCHOOL BUS ADVICE courtesy of Parents to Improve School Transportation* updated Oct. 2016
(1) If your child is on a bus longer than is allowed, always file a complaint with OPT.
Maximum times your child is allowed to spend on special education transportation, by age:
EI (early intervention, 0-3) 60 minutes in borough, 90 out of borough.
CPSE (Preschool, 3-5) 75 minutes in borough, 105 minutes out of borough
CSE (Kindergarten and up) 90 minutes in borough, 115 minutes out of borough (…of course it's even shorter if you have Limited Time Travel as a Special Transportation Accommodation on the IEP. You must apply for this with a form signed by an MD and a HIPAA form).
(2) WHERE TO COMPLAIN (A LOT): OPT (718-392-8855)
State all of the issues: missing first period, the bus going to several locations with the same Pickup and Dropoff time, getting home after 5 PM, when the bus arrives in the AM, rude and or in-experienced bus team, faulty equipment, bus taking the long way to avoid tolls etc.
Keep a log of complaint dates and details. Write down each complaint #. MAKE THESE PHONE CALLS ON A DAILY BASIS (our experience has been they need to have several complaints before you get taken seriously).
Then contact the Borough Manager of OPT for where the school is located. ‘Customer Service’ can not make changes, but the borough managers can.
Manhattan (interim acting): James Campbell (718) 482-6299 JCampbell8@schools.nyc.gov
The Bronx: Seth Brown (718) 482-3850 SBrown14@schools.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: Diane Beediahram (718) 482 3769 DBeediahram@schools.nyc.gov
Queens: Frank Jackson (718) 482-3763 FJackson@schools.nyc.gov
Staten Island: James Campbell (718) 482-6299 JCampbell8@schools.nyc.gov
Pre-K: Shelia Lucious Lowe sluciouslowe2@schools.nyc.gov 718 707 6909
Director of OPT: Alexandra Robinson arobinson22@schools.nyc.gov
CEO of OPT: Eric Goldstein egoldstein@schools.nyc.gov
Ariana Jaffe (Special Education Compliance Liaison) AJaffe5@schools.nyc.gov
When emailing, copy pistnyc@gmail.com and any advocates you are familiar with. District 75 parents copy D75Council@schools.nyc.gov, other special education parents copy ccse@schools.nyc.gov
You should also call your city council rep or the Public Advocate. They all have someone on staff to handle Board of Education issues.
http://www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov/Help [Note: PA began a lawsuit about air conditioning on the school bus.]
FIND YOUR COUNCIL MEMBER HERE:
http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml
Inform the office of Council Member I. Daneek Miller if you are experiencing problems with your bus team. http://council.nyc.gov/d27/html/members/home.shtml
(3) For legal defense of PORTER SERVICE, check http://pistnyc.org/resources-for-families-in-the-fight-for-porter-service.aspx or call Atty. Gary Mayerson at 212-265-7200
(4) Urge Gov. Cuomo to sign NYS legislation A.8019C / S.5429C on Employee Protection Provisions to retain experienced school bus personnel, which passed both houses in summer 2016, at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form or contact sdavis@kivvit.com for help getting a personal/organizational letter directly to his office.
*This is printed by: Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC on Facebook), and includes comments from Common Sense Busing and the Facebook page New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles
PARA CONSEJOS EN ESPANOL, LLAME AL COMITE TIMON 347-557-2509
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Will there be a school bus strike Nov. 1? Parents can still influence the company
Update: Teamsters L. 553 tells us that since the strike vote, Jofaz/ Y&M management now wants to negotiate again on Monday 10/31. PIST had asked parents to call the co., but apparently they just hang up on callers. Instead we can express ourselves to the media. Please inbox if your family has a Jofaz/Y&M route and favors higher standards on these buses-including raising matron wages past $10/hr. If we let busing be a low wage industry, we can only expect unhappy & untrained crews due to turnover. #Time2Upgrade #AvoidAnotherStrike
https://www.facebook.com/PIST-NYC-105624649516044/?fref=
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Long term strike prevention thru legislation Guarantee decent standards for NYS school bus workers
Urge Governor Cuomo to sign NYS legislation A.8019C / S.5429C on Employee Protection Provisions to retain experienced school bus personnel, which passed both houses in summer 2016 but has yet to reach Cuomo's desk as of this writing.
You can use https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form or contact pistnyc@gmail.com and sdavis@kivvit.com for help getting a personal/organizational letter directly to his office.
Contact PIST NYC or visit one of our facebook pages for flyers and printable petitions related to this issue.
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Call Gov Cuomo before 11-23-16 Urge him to sign A 8019 C the School bus bill
NYS School Bus bill A8019C/S5984C is on the desk of Governor Cuomo and he will either sign it or veto between now and Weds 11/23.
The bill makes Employee Protection Provisions law so that bus companies cannot drive down wages, benefits, and working conditions (our children's riding conditions!) in school transportation.
EPP has always been a point in PIST NYC's 10-point School Bus Bill of Rights campaign. We say this one bill won't solve every problem of busing but it will keep the workforce stable and empowered.
The bill also takes taxes off the purchase of new buses which presumably will mean the rusty buses from the last big hurricane can finally be replaced.
Please call Cuomo's line at 518-474-8390 and urge him to sign A8019C/S5984C into law. Calls are better than emails at this point, but you can also go to https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form and put in the subject box 'Urging you to sign A8019C into law'.
More than that, please stay active with PIST NYC in the fight for safer, shorter, stable, sensible bus routes for all students who need them. We expect to have a conference call by the first week of December; please reply pistnyc@gmail.com with your phone number if interested.
A link to a facebook post about this with photos is at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.571694983020210&type=1
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Winter 2016-17 newsletters
under construction - check back after 3/18/17
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See you on March 18, 2017 in the Bronx (and other events)
We Will Defend Special Ed & Busing Rights
1) This coming Saturday morning, March 18, PIST NYC and Comite Timon/NY Chapter are co-sponsoring an organizing workshop at Hostos College titled WE WILL DEFEND SPECIAL EDUCATION & BUSING RIGHTS.
Everything will be in both English and Spanish.
Date: Sat. March 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Place: 500 Grand Concourse near 149th Street, room B-503
Transportation: Check mta.info for status of 2, 4, 5 trains to 149 & Grand Concourse. Allow extra time for weekend travel.
Childcare: in a nearby room (RSVP cancel.milagros67@gmail.com)
Food: there will be home cooked lunch right after the program.
Please see & share attached flyer, also at
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/a.122497064495469.26112.105624649516044/1233613483383816/?type=3&theater
2) Also on March 18, for those who cannot be in the Bronx early we encourage you to check out Special Education Strategy Forum sponsored by Movement of Rank-and-File Educators from 1-4 pm at CUNY Grad Center on 5th avenue near 34th St., Manhattan.
See https://www.facebook.com/events/137188326795709/
3) The following Saturday, March 25th, PIST is invited to do outreach at the Brooklyn Summer Camp Fair, 352 Classon Ave, Brooklyn NY 11238 from 11 am to 3 pm. Please reply if you can help with that.
Flyer: http://www.uft.org/files/attachments/secure/summer-camp-fair-brooklyn-march-2017.pdf
4) Also in Bklyn on Tuesday March 28, 10am-12pm: The Rights of Immigrant Students in NYC Public Schools, with presenter from Advocates for Children of New York.
Inclusive Services, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza
Spanish and Arabic interpretation provided.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/BKLYNinclusive/photos/rpp.509984279018283/1611433002206733/?type=3&theater Organizing update: We thank the Alliance for Quality Education NY for having us speak at the 3/4/17 March for Education Justice, and the International Working Women´s Day Coalition for having us speak at the 3/11/17 Women in Rebellion round table.-- Parents to Improve School Transportation
1) This coming Saturday morning, March 18, PIST NYC and Comite Timon/NY Chapter are co-sponsoring an organizing workshop at Hostos College titled WE WILL DEFEND SPECIAL EDUCATION & BUSING RIGHTS.
Everything will be in both English and Spanish.
Date: Sat. March 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Place: 500 Grand Concourse near 149th Street, room B-503
Transportation: Check mta.info for status of 2, 4, 5 trains to 149 & Grand Concourse. Allow extra time for weekend travel.
Childcare: in a nearby room (RSVP cancel.milagros67@gmail.com)
Food: there will be home cooked lunch right after the program.
Please see & share attached flyer, also at
https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/photos/a.122497064495469.26112.105624649516044/1233613483383816/?type=3&theater
2) Also on March 18, for those who cannot be in the Bronx early we encourage you to check out Special Education Strategy Forum sponsored by Movement of Rank-and-File Educators from 1-4 pm at CUNY Grad Center on 5th avenue near 34th St., Manhattan.
See https://www.facebook.com/events/137188326795709/
3) The following Saturday, March 25th, PIST is invited to do outreach at the Brooklyn Summer Camp Fair, 352 Classon Ave, Brooklyn NY 11238 from 11 am to 3 pm. Please reply if you can help with that.
Flyer: http://www.uft.org/files/attachments/secure/summer-camp-fair-brooklyn-march-2017.pdf
4) Also in Bklyn on Tuesday March 28, 10am-12pm: The Rights of Immigrant Students in NYC Public Schools, with presenter from Advocates for Children of New York.
Inclusive Services, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza
Spanish and Arabic interpretation provided.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/BKLYNinclusive/photos/rpp.509984279018283/1611433002206733/?type=3&theater Organizing update: We thank the Alliance for Quality Education NY for having us speak at the 3/4/17 March for Education Justice, and the International Working Women´s Day Coalition for having us speak at the 3/11/17 Women in Rebellion round table.--
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April to July 2017 newsletters
under construction
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August 2017 Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
1. Save date August 19 for a citywide meeting to plan for the fall
2. School bus news
3. Sources of official information for people new to busing
4. Other transportation and education organizing
1 PLEASE SAVE DATE FOR CITYWIDE PIST MEETING
SATURDAY AUGUST 19 at 2:00 p.m.
at 147 West 24 Street in Manhattan.
We need to hold a meeting of school bus parents and supporters between the end of summer school and the start of September busing.
The goal is organizing crews to do outreach for our bill of rights, and to support people with route issues, in each borough once school starts.
We will update our Facebook sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/PISTNYC/ and https://www.facebook.com/pistnyc/
and send out a flyer in the next email.
Please reply your interest in this meeting by email, and tell us whether or not you would need childcare in order to attend.
2 School bus news (6 items)
A. As you recall, Public advocate Tish James' office sued for air conditioning on the buses, and yet we still have issues.
They now ask parents to contact Barbara Sherman ASAP via email at bsherman@pubadvocate.nyc.gov especially if ready to publicly share complaints, to denounce the hot buses and the city's failure to remedy the situation. Please copy pistnyc@gmail.com on that email.
B. PIST was quoted in this piece about disastrous outcomes since the bus routes went cheap without Employee Protection Provisions "EPP":
http://nypost.com/2017/07/22/new-york-citys-school-buses-are-hell-on-wheels/
C. The petition about school bus job security to the city government at
https://www.change.org/p/new-york-city-department-of-education-keep-our-kids-safe
has almost 1000 signatures and we hear they are taking it seriously. Please watch our sites so we can let you know if any further actions are planned in support of professional, on time busing.
Also listen out for radio PSAs where parents on this list speak out on this topic.
D. Meanwhile the city council has something called Intro 1428 to replace old buses (past 10 years) with non-diesel buses that are more environment friendly.
Will send link once we locate, to find out your thoughts.
E. The addition of 3-K classes has us wondering what the preparation is for children that small to ride buses. Parents report that car seat training is uneven or non existent, and that seats are often the wrong size.
If anyone wants to work on this issue, reply to pistnyc@gmail.com.
F. In Boston, a city where the school bus union members have the ability to grieve routes that violate the students' IEPs, and sometimes have route clinics to solve issues on the spot, there is a threat of cutting the number of routes by 50-77, lumping students together and laying off drivers and monitors. http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/07/24/city-consolidate-school-bus-routes-lay-off-dozens-drivers/vZ3qCDwj3hwpQsVhC6uduM/story.html
This would be a bad precedent for New York so we are keeping an eye on any news coming from our friends in Boston https://www.facebook.com/TeamSolidarityBoston/
3. Sources of official information for people new to busing
--Reminder you can always bring our information also, see attached--
A. Brooklyn workshop morning of Aug. 3
http://www.includenyc.org/resources/workshop-event-detail/busing-and-specialized-transportation
B. Manhattan workshop morning of Aug. 10
C. Blog by a special education lawyer
https://www.skyerlaw.com/blog/2017/6/23/busing-part-2-troubleshooting
4. Other transportation and education organizing (3 items)
These things are connected! The DOE Contracts person who is known to have approved fraudulent contracts in the school system is now hired by the Metropolitan Transit Authority. To us he is notorious for letting school buses run during the 2013 strike with 2 scab drivers instead of with a driver and a trained attendant.
A. At the July MTA board meeting, PIST spoke (2:23:55) in solidarity w/ Access-A-Ride Reform Group (AARRG!!!) TWU Local 100 NYC Workers Defense Committee BAAFT South Bronx Community Congress and others concerned with transit / paratransit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQTtvWX-f1o
The next one is Monday Sept 25, and some of the same activists are going to court for a transit worker on Thursday August 10
https://www.facebook.com/events/122660075016957/
B. The Coalition for Educational Justice (CEJ) is holding a parent conference on Education For Liberation
Sat, August 12, 2017
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Teachers' College
Read more & register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-education-for-liberation-parent-conference-registration-35606937308
C. Class Size Matters reports on citywide parent legal action to try and get enforcement of smaller classes as promised by the state:
https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2017/07/nyc-parents-file-legal-complaint-to.html
ARCHIVES - School Year: 2015-16
ARCHIVES - School Year: 2014-15
Your guide to complaining about bus problems!
9/7/14
Welcome back to school on behalf of Parents to Improve School Transportation. Please find below
(1) when and how to complain;
(2) complaint emails & numbers by borough + citywide pre-K;
(3) other citywide advocates you should advise of bus problems;
(4) time limits for students who do not have the accommodation of Limited Time Travel;
(5) increase in inexperienced school bus staff despite new legislation
(6) Boston update
Attachment-legal requirements checklist-free!
Attachment-Calendar of events and petitions
(1)
Back to school advice from Common Sense Busing
WHERE TO COMPLAIN (A LOT):
OPT (718-392-8855):
State all of the issues, missing first period, the bus going to several locations but with the same PU and DO time, getting home after 5 PM, when the bus arrives in the AM, rude and or in-experienced bus team, faulty equipment, bus taking the long way to avoid tolls etc. I personally write it out before I call, so that I can sound calm and rational and do not miss any points! Write down your complaint #.
Then contact the borough Manager of OPT for where the school is located.
MAKE THESE PHONE CALLS ON A DAILY BASIS (our experience has been they need to have at least several complaints before you get taken seriously):
The important calls and e-mails are to the borough managers, as the call center can not make changes, but the borough managers can do this almost immediately
(2)
Manhattan: Richie Scarpa (718) 482-3740 RScarpa@schools.nyc.gov
The Bronx Seth Brown (718) 482-3850 SBrown14@schools.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: Diane Beediahram
(718) 482 3769 DBeediahram@schools.nyc.gov
Queens: Frank Jackson (718) 482-3763 FJackson@schools.nyc.gov
Staten Island: James Campbell (718) 482-6299 JCampbell8@schools.nyc.gov
Pre-K: Shelia Lucious Lowe sluciouslowe2@schools.nyc.gov 718 707 6909
Director of OPT: Alexandra Robinson arobinson21@schools.nyc.gov
CEO of OPT: Eric Goldstein egoldstein@schools.nyc.gov
(3)
When emailing, copy pistnyc@gmail.com and any advocates you are familiar with.
You should also call your city council rep or our Public Advocate. They all have someone on staff to handle Board of Education issues.
http://www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov/Help
FIND YOUR COUNCIL MEMBER HERE:
http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml
In Particular, please contact the office of Council Member I. Daneek Miller if you are experiencing problems with your bus team. http://council.nyc.gov/d27/html/members/home.shtml
(4)
Reminders below thanks to New York City Parents Fed up with Transportation Troubles
Maximum amount of time your child is allowed to spend on special education transportation(of course it's even shorter if you have Limited time travel). If your child is on a bus longer than he or she is allowed, always file a complaint with OPT.
EI (early intervention, 0-3) 60 minutes in borough, 90 out of borough.
CPSE (Preschool, 3-5) 75 minutes in borough, 105 minutes out of borough
CSE (Kindergarten and up) 90 minutes in borough, 115 minutes out of borough
(5)
PIST has been advised that the biggest winners in the last bidding on special and general education routes hired a lot of brand new drivers and attendants at substandard pay even though there are experienced people available to serve our children, and City money to upgrade the pay per Intro 449 (seehttp://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/official-private-bus-companies-42-million-taxpayer-money-blog-entry-1.1920613 and NYC School Bus Safety Legislation Enacted ).
When you document problems in bus service (see attachment) it helps your child, other riders, and the sustainability of a professional workforce.
***If you would like to attend the next PIST meeting, please reply or leave a message at our voice mailbox, 347-504-3310***
(6)
Boston school busing benefited for years from the features of the drivers' union contract, such as being able to grieve bad routes that violated IEPs.
Now the city has made the new (international vulture) company Veolia the only school bus owners, plus appointed one of the managers to the Boston Public School district(!)
Veolia is lashing out at the drivers with all its might but they are fighting back, for the integrity of this public service which is truly a civil right!
Read http://www.youcaring.com/other/support-the-fired-8751-leaders-drop-the-bogus-charges-/214181
9/15 is an important date, see Facebook Event: Drop the Anti-Union, Frame-up Charges Against Steve Kirschbaum. Pack Dorchester Court! National Call-in to DA Daniel Conley 617-619-4000 fax 617-619-4210
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Copy us on complaints; Reliant; Bus drills; Access in PR; etc.
1. To all the parents who have contacted Parents to Improve School Transportation about routes that are too long, too crowded with different schools and age groups or unprofessional service, and those who still have no route, or the wrong kind of bus, thank you and stay strong.
This has to be done better! Our longterm goal is a School Bus Bill of Rights to prevent such problems, but in the meantime everyone is welcome to copypistnyc@gmail.com when complaining to the Office of Pupil Transportation.
See our previous email titled Busing Advice for other tips.
2. For an explanation of what is going on with Reliant Bus company and strike rumors, we recommend going to the source at
http://atu1181.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ATU-LOCAL-1181-PRESS-RELEASE-09-11-2014.pdf
Also on this site, the list of laid off drivers is 1,225 names long; the list of laid off matrons is 1,807 names long; many have been working since the 1990's.
Transportation is an IEP Related Service by law. What would you do if DOE laid off school counselors, OTs and speech therapists because they cost too much, and hired people at 8 or 9 dollars an hour to do the same job with our children?!
3. Thanks to Margaret D: Did you know that all children who ride a school bus daily are required by LAW to have a drill ON THE BUS for safety reasons??
THIS MONDAY Sept 15th is the LAST day for ALL NYC schools to have the First required drill of the year! If your school did NOT do this yet you should question WHY!!! http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Transportation/SchoolResources/SafetyDrills/default.htm
4. Support access for students with disabilities in Puerto Rico
at Petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/inmediate-call-for-action-for-federal-authorities
and see photo album at PIST NYC facebook page for a bilingual solidarity statement you can Like and sign.
5. PIST endorses the
Caravan to Texas Border in Solidarity with Central American Refugee Children/Caravan Nacional a la Frontera de México y Tejas
and material aid collection. The next NY meeting:
6. Sept.8 Accident affected 27 young students on two vehicles
7. Parent teacher conferences are now four times a year, starting this week, depending on grade level and district.
See http://files.uft.org/parents/parent-teacher-conference-schedule-2014-15.pdf
8. We have met a parent who wants to promote the idea of strategic seating for the matron/attendant, not so far front but in the back row, to be able to see and prevent incidents or accidents. If you are interested in helping him formulate a petition please write back with your contact info and we'll pass it along to Mike.
9. For those following the Boston school bus union drama, the court was packed today and the case was postponed to Oct. 6.
9/15/2014 P.I.S.T. (Parents to Improve School Transportation) CALENDAR For more information contact pistnyc@gmail.com 347 504 3310 (se habla español) Facebook PIST NYC Twitter @pistnyc
DAY DATE. LOCATION, TIME, & DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY
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BUSING NEWS; OTHER DISABILITY RIGHTS & EDUCATION ACTIVISM; MEDIA COVERAGE; OTHER
Mid-October 2014 Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
Contents: BUSING NEWS; OTHER DISABILITY RIGHTS & EDUCATION ACTIVISM; MEDIA COVERAGE; OTHER CHILD-FRIENDLY ACTIVISM; No attachments
BUSING NEWS (5 items)
1—The District 75 CEC is hosting the director of the Office of Pupil Transportation and aides this Wednesday for Questions & Answers about resolving bus problems.
Weds 10/15 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at P373@P40, 91 Henderson, Staten Island
Write to pistnyc@gmail.com and d75council@schools.nyc.gov if you have outstanding complaints but cannot attend the meeting.
If you CAN attend, please write to PIST for handouts we need your help to distribute there. And let them know it is not okay to act like business as usual while 3000 skilled service providers are on indefinite layoff!
2--See page 30-31 of this new parent guide for the DOE’s own definition of special transportation (also available in many languages on the schools.nyc.govwebsite):
3--Cartoonist and PIST supporter T. Murphy recently won a prize for this cartoon about former DOE head Walcott's lies to the public about the school bus workers' Employment Protection Provision.
http://www.uft.org/editorial-cartoons/care-repeat-under-oath
4--As we get ready for colder weather, thanks to Belinda for getting this legal info from someone at OPT:
State Education Law 3637 http://www.p12.nysed.gov/schoolbus/anti-idling/htm/Ed_Law_3637_Anti_Idling.html which outlines rules regarding idling school buses on school grounds . More detailed information can be found under NYS Vehicle Traffic Law section 142 and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education 156.3 (h)
5--Sharing petition from out of work matrons and drivers who would prefer to be delivering quality bus service to our children. Currently, the DOE leaves hiring up to the companies instead of mandating them to begin from the list of senior people. We learned during the 2013 strike that the workers have 2 primary employers, the city AND the company. http://www.petitions24.com/appropriate_school_bus_driver_and_matron_senority_list
OTHER DISABILITY RIGHTS & EDUCATION ACTIVISM (6 items)
1—Received from Save Our Schools and NY State Allies for Public Education:
Please TAKE ACTION and CONTACT your state and federal representatives demanding a substantial reduction in high-stakes standardized testing and eliminating the flawed linkage of teacher evaluations to student test scores.
Please click on this link to take ACTION: https://www.votervoice.net/NYSAPE/campaigns/37306/respond & share with your email and social media contacts.
2—Saturday Oct. 18 all-day Parent Conference sponsored by the United Federation of Teachers seems to be filled up but you can contactfstreich@uft.org if interested. Again if you are going, let PIST know if you can bring some flyers about bus rights.
3— Fathers Forum New York
Quarterly gathering for male caregivers of individuals with special needs
Weds. 10/22 5:45 P.M. Fordham Univ. Lincoln Center Campus
Register at rsvp@fathersforumny.com
4—Blog with insight about training for law enforcement so they don't misjudge people with disabilities WRITTEN BY A SCHOOL BUS MOM
http://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/2014/08/in-the-wake-of-kajieme-powell-an-autism-moms-plight/
5—Save date 11/20 for United Cerebral Palsy Family Connect conference -Free registration - info Español & English: www.ucpnyc.org
6—Free RCSN Workshops in 4 boroughs on your child’s rights and development: http://resourcesnyc.org/parents/calendar
MEDIA COVERAGE (4 items)
1--Thanks to all families and reporters who participated in this report, which was broadcast at the end of September. Notice the Reliant buses. By pinching pennies, they end up pinching our children: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/investigations/I-Team--NYC-Special-Needs-Students-Suffer-During-Long-Bus-Rides/276860651
2--Thanks to Belinda for coverage of a shocking incident out of town that shows the need for attendants on ALL buses, not just on special education routes. Again a super-cheap company is named here, First Student (based in England but trying to take over in several US cities):http://globalnews.ca/news/1601443/he-got-off-the-bus-covered-in-blood-edmonton-mom-speaks-out-about-attack-on-6-year-old/
3--And the winner for most stingy school bus company on the planet goes to Veolia/Transdev, based in France, which is actually trying to put a pro-child leader of the Boston drivers and matrons’ union in jail (!) The October 6 court date ended in 2 out of 4 charges being dismissed. Stevan Kirschbaum goes back to court on November 24. For more info, read http://www.workers.org/articles/2014/10/07/solidarity-6-boston-hundreds-demand-drop-charges-anti-union-frame/
4—Buses did not show up for many students in the capital city of Puerto Rico, another place where busing subcontracted by the Dept of Education is not done uniformly:
http://www.elnuevodia.com/apielosninosdesanjuanporfaltadetransporteescolar-1869491.html
OTHER CHILD-FRIENDLY ACTIVISM
PIST NYC is an endorser of the Solidarity Caravan that is now on its way to the Texas-Mexico border to raise awareness and funds around the survival of young people who have been displaced from their home countries by economic and physical violence. Coincidentally, they are riding in a decorated school bus and have an Ohio ATU retiree as alternate driver. For information check outwww.may1.info
Next time we promise to bring you some info on the local fight against Ebola
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Activism (3 items); upcoming DOE delegation; Community Events
Parents to Improve School Transportation Update 11/16/14
Contents: Activism (3 items); upcoming DOE delegation; Community Events (9)
To see these items as we get them, and photos, ‘like’ our page PIST NYC on facebook.
Activism (3 items)
1-PIST endorsed and attended a Long Island City rally this weekend to demand fair wages for workers with disabilities at Goodwill stores. Currently the rate can legally be as low as 22 cents and hour!!
A petition on this issue by the National Federation for the Blind can be found athttp://nfb.or/fair-wages
To be involved in similar actions contact disabilitycaucusww@gmail.com
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2-We joined members and supporters of the School Bus Union of Boston MA at a picketline in Manhattan last night outside the Veolia Company (or as PISTcartoonist puts it, Veoliars!) in regard to their arrogant disregard for experience and dignity in their workforce.
Also see event #6 below
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3-PIST also added our signature to a letter put out by the Lead On Network. These social media disabled self advocates wanted to respond to the events in Ferguson, MO this summer. In doing so, they expose several shocking instances of police abuse and murder of persons with disabilities. Follow the link to read more or to add your/your organization’s signature.http://www.leadonnetwork.org/wordpress/2014/08/15/statement-from-members-of-the-disability-community-on-the-events-in-ferguson/
Also see event #1 below
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Upcoming DOE delegation
FYI--Leaders of parents of NYC students with disabilities, including PISTmember Amy H., expect to hold a private encounter with as yet unnamed DOE reps this Tuesday morning to follow up on many issues that have already been raised, including the unanimous sentiment that BUSING MUST IMPROVE. We wish the delegation well.
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Events (9 items)
Thank you to all the people who sent us these; and apologies for missing deadlines to publicize your other events. Life got in the way...
1
Date tbd: EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTEST whether the FERGUSON GRAND JURY INDICTS Darren Wilson or NOT
In NYC, gather at Union Square Park, 14th Street & B'way 5pm on the day of the grand jury decision announcement REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME
If the grand jury decision is announced later than 5 pm in the evening or at night,
the response protest will be the following day.
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2
From November 14th through December 3rd, the DOE is holding Kindergarten Orientation Meetings to provide information about the transition to kindergarten to families of students with disabilities born in 2010. Please encourage families to attend these meetings! The schedule is available athttp://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/SpecialEducation/tellmemore/transitioning_to_kindergarten
AFC guides to the ‘Turning Five’ process are at these links:
English http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/turning_5_guide.pdf?pt=1
Spanish http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/sites/default/files/library/turning_5_guide_spanish.pdf?pt=1
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3
EARN A CERTIFICATE TO BECOME AN OFFICIAL PARENT MEMBER AT IEP MEETINGS!
November 17 • Monday • 9 AM - 1 PM
Training is free, but registration is required at http://brooklynparentmembertraining.eventbrite.com
• Location: Brooklyn Public Library: Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza 3rd Floor, Trustee’s Room; Brooklyn, NY 11238 [Subway: 2 or the 3 to Grand Army Plaza] • More info: Ruth DiRoma, 212-677-4650 x 19
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4
Free Workshop: Programs, Services, and the Law
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Lenox Hill Hospital Corwin Hall
Lenox Hill's Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital (MEETH)
210 East 64th Street
New York, NY 10065
Presented by Advocates for Children of New York and
The Center for Attention and Learning at North Shore LIJ/Lenox Hill Hospital
Register online or contact Meredith Nabozny at MNabozny@NSHS.edu.
Space is limited.
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The Citywide Education Council for District 75 will host a
Public Meeting
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Time: 6:30pm — 9:00pm
(Registration 6pm)
Venue: Tweed Courthouse, 52 Chambers Street, New York, NY
Guest Speakers Corrine Rello-Anselmi, Deputy Chancellor, Division of Specialized Instruction & Student Support, New York City Department of Education
Christine Foti, Chief Operating Officer, Special Education Office, NYCDOE
Flyer: http://files.uft.org/parents/special-ed-forum-nov-2014.pdf
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6
https://www.facebook.com/events/874321135920323/ invites NY bus parents and workers to support our Boston counterparts against corporate vulture tactics.
Note: this effort could help prevent a school busing strike in that city...and we quote:
Stop Veolia/City Escalating War on USW 8751 Boston School Bus Union
NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY FRIDAY 11/21/14 - Call Suffolk County DA Daniel Conley, 617-619-4000 / fax 617-619-4210.
Ask him to drop the frame-up, anti-union felony charges against USW 8751 union leader Steve Kirschbaum; if Conley is unavailable, be sure to LEAVE A MESSAGE. Just give your name and city and a message such as: "I'm concerned about the anti-union felony charges against school bus driver Steve Kirschbaum. The charges should be dropped immediately."
Post a message if possible at this Facebook page of any response.
ALL OUT Monday, November 24, 2014 at 9:00 A.M.Dorchester District Court 510 Washington St Dorchester, MA Travelers from NY call Tony
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7
November 22, Saturday there is an organizing meeting for an event PISTendorses:
Tuesday December 9 FIGHT EBOLA—NO RACISM—NO STIGMA
March and (indoor) rally for an effective response to this disease.
Ebola is killing children and heroic health care providers while the medical industry sits back. Nurses are striking across the world against a lack of respect for them and their patients.
Gather 5 pm at Harlem State Office Building, 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd/8th ave.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/926645687363246/
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Tuesday December 2nd, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
How can I help my special child? Presenter: Margarita Gendelman, Occupational Therapist
Parents always ask how I can help my special child:
· Become more flexible? - Pay attention? - Sit down? - Eat a variety of foods? - Fall asleep? - Maintain eye contact? - Brush teeth/take showers? - Tolerate loud noises?
Please be prepared to partner up and experience the exercises for yourself. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
RSVP: Via Eventbrite or: Tel# (212)643-2840 Ext #305 or autisminitiative@sinergiany.org
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9
Dec 2 in Bronx, Dec 15 in Brooklyn, Jan 21 in Queens
College is Possible
Workshop for High School Students with Disabilities and parents
Valuable info about what happens after that final IEP!
Experts from CUNY, ACCES-VR, etc.
See http://www.resourcesnyc.org/connect/post/college-is-possible
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Jan 2015 UPDATE - Happy MLK Day
Fair 1/31; OPT-Parent encounter; New sped guides; Busing petition; Wrights Law on Bus training
Jan 2015 Parents to Improve School Transportation UPDATE
Contents:
Happy MLK Day;
PIST@the Fair 1/31;
OPT-Parent encounter;
New service guides;
Busing petition & more;
Wrights Law on Bus workers' training;
Other Events
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Doctor King became nationally known through the fight for equal access to transportation, so we are inspired to pay tribute.
The holiday is Monday 1/19 and his actual birthday is Thursday 1/15. We received this link to a series of civil rights and civil disobedience events:
http://peoplespowerassemblies.org/
We also received info on free movie tickets to "Selma" for public school students, available thru 1/19, but they're sold out in the 'Regal' and 'UA' chain at least
(Disclaimer, it is PG -13 and we haven't seen it).
http://files.uft.org/parents/SELMA-free-tickets.pdf
****Please join PIST at the fair****
Saturday Jan 31 "Summer fun and more!" fair -- PIST has a table, please stop by and say hello while you get info on resources, including but not only summer camp -- 11:00 to 3:00 at the Pennsylvania Hotel in midtown, sponsored by RCSN.
See link:
http://resourcesnyc.org/content/summer-fun-and-more
(write back for flyer file if needed)
To help finance our supplies & printing for the event please see:
the Donate tab at www.pistnyc.org
Recent OPT/PARENT ENCOUNTER
According to a PIST member who was present, in mid-December 2014 the executive director of Office of Pupil Transportation told parents of students with disabilities that she lives in San Diego; began her answer to the question 'what are the considerations for the bids?' with 'Price'; and denied that the city law about air conditioned school buses (oh excuse us, climate controlled) applies to every student with a disability. What do you think? There may be a legal loophole but it's not morally right.
fyi These comments are paraphrased here but there is audiotape.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE--New service guides
There is finally some concrete advice around busing in the new Dept of Education guide to Special Education services.
It is the first document we have seen other than PIST's "How to Get and Keep Appropriate Busing Services" that tells the names of the forms you need and how often to renew.
We believe credit is due to the parent movement, so give yourselves a hand!!
The guide is available for parents in several languages here (...but apparently you still have to ask a fellow parent or social worker for a copy of the busing accommodation form):
http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/SpecialEducation/tellmemore/importantDocuments.htm
District 75 also has a guide in print you can request
BUSING conflict of interest PETITION and more--
BOSTON -- Not only does the new busing administrator live outside the city but until a few months ago, he (under a different last name!) was a top executive of the private busing company that has the contract with Boston Public Schools (Veolia/Transdev).
Please read petition and consider signing/sharing:
http://bostonschoolbus5.org/petition/steketee/
NEW JERSEY -- This article shows how drivers are getting back pay after losing pay hours based on technology that they can't even access for directions. It's similar to what Boston has been through but with London-based First Student bus company:
[excerpt -
"Once the bus is parked, the driver logs out of the EVIR system, forcing employees to work off the clock while completing a safety inspection, cleaning the bus, checking for any sleeping children, returning equipment and reporting any problems to the office, the suit said."] These are the tasks that help our kids, though!
NEW YORK -- Just a reminder, the bids for school busing contracts between DOE and companies are postponed to May 1, 2015.
Unionists and politicians are working to get legislation that will influence the results, especially in terms of worker experience levels.
STAY TUNED! Literally thousands of drivers and attendant jobs are at stake...
Memo from Local 1181 ATU on this is here:
http://atu1181.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/EPP-MEM-UPDATE-120514-rotated.pdf
This is about a 12/19 school bus accident that we never had a chance to send:
**Wrights Law on Bus workers' training**
Important blog! (thanks Miz Kp for sharing):
Training in the IEP for School Bus Drivers / Attendants - See http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=12150
OTHER EVENTS
Regents week Jan 26-29
If your child is in a 9-12 (or even a 7-12) school, find out their exact schedule.
Non District 75 high school students tend to be excused on the 30th and Monday 2/2.
Bilingual English/espanol workshops/talleres January - May here/aqui: www.sinergiany.org
Feb 13 is deadline for Kindergarten application...earlier than usual this year!...info in many languages is at
http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/Elementary/kindergarten
Second Saturday of every month Universal Makerspace for Teens with and without disabilities at the Brooklyn Public Library. contact j.huth@bklynlibrary.org
If we missed your event please show our supporters by posting it at PISTNYC on Facebook.
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Porter service update; new EPP bill; Parent talks with OPT; events
Porter service update--Parents and the parent coordinator at P 811 Q sounded the alarm last week when two families received calls saying that their respective children’s medical code for the school bus had been changed from ‘Carry kid’. They were told that day would be the last day on which these students, who use wheelchairs but live in homes without elevators or ramps, would be provided with porter service from a bus company employee. As a result, the students were unable to reach school at all.
PIST contacted more organizations, advocates and members of the media. Reporter Melissa Russo interviewed the parents and broadcast the following report:
For District 75 the school year ends in August, so the students now have 6 months instead of 1 day. Ms. Evelyn wrote and thanked us for our support. She had explained to many DOE officials that she is in her rent controlled home since the son in the report was a baby…but it took a TV expose’ to get some relief for him.
We have to question why the ‘carry kid’ regulation only applies to people in City housing. This is among other outdated regulations: that do not distinguish between Kindergarten age students and High School age students; that allow routes out of borough to be 1 hour 45 minutes long each way; and that leave it up to the parents to address route problems through constant complaints, instead of having built in quality control, or engaging the drivers and attendants in correcting routes.
PIST and others will continue to fight to change the regulations on busing to make them more respectful of students’ civil right to educational access, and their physical well being. We need a School Bus Bill of Rights!
***Please alert families of anyone you know with Porter Service that they must be ready to defend this right. Suzanne Peters advised us that Special Education Attorney Gary Mayerson has offered to represent any parent pro bono, who is denied this service by the NYCDOE.
New EPP bill
According to ATU 1181 posting last week, there are about 800 laid off school bus drivers and 1600 laid off attendants, aka Matrons.
Here is the new EPP bill that is open in the NY State legislature. Let's get our word in as parents who want an experienced busing workforce:
http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S1839-2015
Thank you to Grandpa's Bus driver for giving PIST the bill number!
Parent talks with OPT
Recently we got this invitation to share with you from Francine Streich, UFT Parent-Community Liaison:
“If your child has a disability and you want to join a UFT committee working on special education issues such as busing, information parents need to navigate the school system, safety and more, please email me at fstreich@uft.org, and I will give you more information.”
The work of the above committee now includes encounters with officials from the Office of Pupil Transportation around school bus issues. The next one is coming up March 6.
As usual, OPT’s main interest is in hearing about individual bus stories to fix one-by-one rather than committing themselves to concrete changes that would improve travel for all students in a pro-active way.
Amy from PIST—and other parents in that meeting—will advocate for real changes anyway…but meanwhile, if you want to take advantage of this chance to mention any specific route problem to OPT, please send your info topistnyc@gmail.com by Weds. March 4, including the route number.
Calendar events (omitted for space 08/22)
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News, Events (omitted for space 08/22), Disability Rights info (omitted for space 08/22)
***BUSING NEWS***
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Citywide Council on Special Education's recently released 2013-14 annual report has two or more sections on busing issues. Some key busing info appears around pages 15-17 and the air conditioning issue is highlighted on 25-27. Go to http://www.ccsenyc.org/
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New E.P.P. bill for retention of experienced school bus personnel is in Albany.
See http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S1839-2015
Please support by contacting your representatives and Governor A. Cuomo.
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PIST appreciates the Boston school bus union contract for features such as DRIVERS' ABILITY TO GRIEVE ROUTES THAT VIOLATE STUDENTS' DISABILITY RIGHTS!! and Route change clinics at bus yards early in each school year.
The company is in trouble for ignoring numerous contract clauses (like paying the workers properly) and tried to destroy the union's leadership with firings and court charges, but it failed. See http://bostonschoolbus5.org/not-guilty/
Congratulations to the parents, students and workers of Boston busing.
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More about Porter Service
We want our friends to be aware that there are legal precedents for keeping porter service in buildings other than NYCHA.
Here is an excerpt shared with us by Ellen McHugh:
In the impartial hearing decision on this case, the Hearing Officer agreed with Ms. Mpi’s challenge to the DOE’s policy, concluding that the IDEA requires school districts to provide porter service to those students who need it. In ruling in favor of Ms. Mpi's client, the Hearing Officer found that the parents had not chosen to live in a building without an elevator, given their circumstances.This decision represents a huge victory for low-income families in New York City with children with disabilities, for whom it is not financially feasible to obtain an apartment in an elevator building.
Those who have shown or expressed willingness to defend any child FREE OF CHARGE who is threatened with a cut to porter service include
Special Education Attorney Gary Mayerson and Legal Services NYC-Bronx.
The Public Advocate's office is also interested in monitoring this issue.
Please pass the word to your networks and have them copypistnyc@gmail.com on correspondence around cuts to porter service.
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The importance of including the school bus team in discussions and training with other educators is recognized in this recent opinion piece which seems to be about general education busing in another state.
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Parents to Improve School Transportation Update April 13, 2015
April is Autism Acceptance month, see http://autismacceptancemonth.org/
NEWS
Bids on 4000 NYC school bus routes will NOT occur the first week of May, they have been put off again, this time POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Hopefully these bids will not occur without Employment Protection Provisions to keep a unionized, professional bus workforce as a line of defense for our students…
…Note that the 2013 bids removed 168 porter service (carry kid) routes from union jurisdiction, and now the service itself is being threatened for the students unless they move to public housing.
We salute moms like Evelyn and supporters in the legal field like Gary Mayerson who are poised to fight to keep access to public school for wheelchair-bound students. See resource list in the next post and share to anyone who might be affected, PLEASE!
On a related note, 16-year-old Student wins special education suit for access in Puerto Rico (article in Spanish)
Estudiante de educación especial gana pleito federal contra Educación -http://end.pr/1D5iJgR
Over the break, PIST met with Boston, Mass. educational activists and school bus organizers, plus other advocates for women and children. Their general education busing is being chipped away at over the protest of parents and guardians. First 8th grade took a hit, now 7th grade. Meanwhile there is bitter conflict between the Veolia/Transdev corporation and the USW 8751/Team Solidarity drivers and monitors. We hope to share audio/video links to a radio panel where we participated (see blurb and photo below).
EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Interested in opting-out of high-stakes testing for your child? As a parent of a child enrolled in a New York public school, you can refuse excessive reliance on standardized testing as a measure of student performance, but you must do so by Monday, April 13th. You can download the refusal letter at http://citizenactionny.org/resources-for-refusing-the-tests
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Teachers Unite sends this quote…
"There were 53,504 suspensions in NYC during the last school year.
Black students make up about 26% of the student population, but were 53% of those suspensions. Students with special needs/disabilities make up 19% of students but were 36% of the suspensions.
And guess what? The most common reason for suspensions in New York City was 'Infraction B-21: Defying or disobeying the lawful authority or directive of school personnel.'
Translation, in many cases: Talking back to a teacher or principal."
[from April 9]
Listen Today Thursday at 2pm on TOUCH 106.1 FM andwww.TOUCHFM.org to Sandra McIntosh the Chair of coalition for Equal Quality Education, Sara Catalinotto a Leader in Parents to Improve School Transportation, Ny. And Fred Floreal of Team Solidarity- the Voice of United School Bus Union Workers
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RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES IN THE FIGHT FOR PORTER SERVICE
1-Special Education lawyer Gary Mayerson will defend porter service students pro bono.
Fill out the parent intake form at http://mayerslaw.com and/or call the office 212-265-7200.
2-Bronx Legal Services (718-928-3700) has experience defending porter service in a non-city building; each borough has its own free legal services office listed at: http://www.legalservicesnyc.org
3-We suggest you copy / inform Sara from Parents to Improve School Transportation of your plans using pistnyc@gmail.com and 347-504-3310; also Ellen from Parent 2 Parent of New York State using nyclead@parenttoparentnys.org and 800-405-8818. Based on your child’s school district, they can suggest other supporters and possibly reporters.
4-Self-advocates: Center for Independence of the Disabled-NY (Queens 646-442-1520; Manhattan 212-674-2300): http://www.cidny.org/
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled: 718-998-3000 or info@bcid.org.
5-The office of Public Advocate Letitia James has expressed interest in monitoring this situation as well.
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Letter to Albany rep's in support of EPP bills
Pass S 5618 / A 8019
June 4, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
Parents to Improve School Transportation NYC is a citywide volunteer organization of concerned family members of children and youth who ride yellow buses and mini-wagons to school. We would like to go on record in support of Employment Protection Provisions in the school busing system statewide. At this time that means we support the passage of S 5618 / A 8019.
Based on anecdotal evidence in complaints we get from parents about busing conditions for students with and without disabilities, we firmly believe that the quality and safety of busing is positively correlated with the number of experienced, trained and committed providers of this service. Common sense also suggests that the stability of any workforce depends on their having tangible benefits and dignified treatment. Our children deserve that stability. Remember, busing is how they start and end their school day. In many cases, busing is the factor that makes or breaks a child’s access to a Free, Appropriate Public Education under the federal civil rights laws.
It has been our experience that those school bus drivers, attendants, dispatchers and mechanics--and their organizations--who approach their job as a profession, also function as allies to students who are entitled to the service of school transportation. A worker with knowledge and pride in the industry and union empowerment is one who can speak up when parts are not in good shape, when routes are unreasonably long, when a child is bullied, etc.
Since the time when school bus contract bids occurred without EPP, since hundreds if not thousands of positions were taken away from seasoned attendants and drivers, and given to underpaid rookies, we have heard one scandalous story after another. The other day a parent of a pre Kindergartener described to me being yelled at by a driver who said, “I don’t give a $%^ about any of these kids!” The companies’ profit level indicates that they can afford to pay what it costs to retain a good workforce; we need legislative enforcement to make sure that happens.
Signed,
Sara Catalinotto, Founder Parents to Improve School Transportation NYC
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EPP bill passed Assembly, call Senate today Thursday, June 25, 2015
Put school bus safety before company profits
This is an update on Pending legislation in Albany re Employee Protection Provision to retain experienced and well trained drivers and attendants.
A 8019 has passed the Assembly vote, but S 5984 (new number) still has opposition in the Senate.
Parents are urged to join others to Call Senate leader Senator Flanagan at 518-455-2071 to let him know there is support for S 5984 among parent activists!
We at PIST think this rule--which means that people with seniority will follow the work when companies go out of business or change their names--is a step in direction of safe, stable, sensible bus routes. EPP has always been a point on our School Bus Bill of Rights!
Since the 2013 school bus contract bids in which thousands of jobs went to non-EPP companies, the wages and benefits of people who handle our children have gone down as low as $10 an hour. As every family who has dealt hot buses in summer/cold buses in winter, and routes that zig zag to avoid tolls knows, the "savings on labor" are not being spent to upgrade busing but are going into the company owners' pockets. This is disrespectful to the principle of ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION for students with disabilities and others.
Recently, after an incident in which the non-EPP driver who had been breaking rules all year left the bus to scream at the parent "I don't give a !@#$ about any of these children!" this parent had to fight with OPT to get the investigation opened. His letter to them ends with the comments that "Our tax money should go toward keeping our children safe, not profits for the bus companies!"
Don't you agree? Please Call Today! 518-455-2071 and you can call your local Senator also.
ARCHIVES - School Year: 2013-14
START OF 2013-14 YEAR: SCHOOL BUS NEWS
Parents file complaints with Attorney Norman Siegel
Over the summer, PIST members and other parents sent letters about last year's bus route issues to noted Civil Rights attorney Norman Siegel.
The issues were cited in a letter from Norman Siegel to Chancellor Walcott and Mayor Bloomberg, reported on here:
A workshop to train parents and advocates on documenting bus route complaints was held on 9/8/13 at CID-NY, another is being set up for the weekend of the 21-22 (site TBA), and another by the Parent Coordinator at the upper west side JCC.
In between, there will be an encounter between the lawyer and some of the parents he represents, to lay out the most common concerns (chosen by a larger parent committee which includes leaders from PIST, Common Sense Busing, and several advocacy and self-advocacy organizations for students with disabilities), and to propose solutions to the Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor.
To receive detailed updates (and suggested complaint formats, links to Impartial Hearing applications, phone numbers where you can get help with all that, OPT complaint chain of command, etc.) please send your email address to pistnyc@gmail.com, call the PIST hotline at 347-504-3310, or like PIST NYC on Facebook.
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late Sept to mid Oct 2013
under construction
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A Message to Boston parents from NYC school bus parents
What happens to the drivers and monitors happens to our kids! Please don’t give the company or the mayor an inch because they will take a mile. Consider what happened to us:
In New York City in February, 1100 routes out of 7700 were bid out to new companies, inexperienced with our streets and K-12 children. In order to pay lower wages, they terminated some 2000 senior drivers and attendants in June. Companies have been caught hiring people with zero experience and giving them watered-down training. Standards have been made lower; accidents, incidents, and turnover are increasing.
NONE OF THIS IS SAFE FOR OUR CHILDREN, especially students with disabilities who may need special attention on the bus. The NY drivers’ union warned parents and even had a strike to try and prevent this situation. The mayor and the press told us many lies. The only way we parents get accurate information about regulations and conditions, about safety issues and more, is by asking each other and the unionized school bus workers who know their jobs.
WE DREAM OF MORE PARENT/DRIVER CONTROL over how routes are created and improved. Boston has inspired us, because the USW 8751 contract insists on Route Review Committees and clinics to make sure trip lengths are humane and realistic. Parents of school bus riders in NYC are organizing to defend our children’s right to educational access, with help from civil rights lawyers. We don’t want to see the chain weakened in Boston because it will hurt the other links, like us.
PLEASE STICK TOGETHER TO STOP VEOLIA FROM TURNING YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL BUS INTO A SWEATSHOP ON WHEELS!
Join the Team Solidarity rally on Monday Oct. 28 at 35 Freeport Way, Dorchester from 1:30-8:00 pm. Contact Veolia (617.780.4840) + Mayor Menino (617.635.4500) to say: DON'T attack Boston School Bus Union 8751; DO Honor the contract!
Parents to Improve School Transportation pistnyc@gmail.com (347) 504-3310 Facebook PIST NYC
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IS THE SCHOOL BUS ROUTE TOO LONG? flyer
Resources for school bus complaint advice
IS THE SCHOOL BUS ROUTE TOO LONG?
CROWDED? UNSAFE? NO A/C?
After you complain to OPT (718-392-8855),
Contact parent advocates for FREE advice:
Llama esos numeros * para consejo sobre problemas en el transporte escolar:
Resources for Children with Special Needs……212-677-4650 (Lori)
*Sinergía ………………………...212-643-2840 ext. 330 (Tommie)
Manhattan Jewish Community Center…………646-505-4391 (Suzanne)
*Bronx PIST/ Comité Timón…………………347-364-7506 (Milagros)
*Parents to Improve School Transportation…..347-504-3310
Facebook: ‘New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles’ or ‘PIST NYC’
Your child’s route problem might be a violation of educational rights under the law!
Our experts know the rules that apply, and can help you complete any paperwork you need.
We can help you put the problem in writing for the DOE to fix it now, and for Civil Rights attorneys who agree with us that the special education busing system must be changed to prevent the same problems in the future. All it will cost you is some time and effort.
CALL TODAY! Help your child and ALL school bus riders!
Also ask us about BUS COMPLAINT TRAININGS in your borough
and how to support state law A 8060 for more training/job security for drivers & matrons
FOR YOUR REFERENCE—
**Maximum trip times, without Limited Time Travel accommodations:
EI (early intervention, 0-3) 60 minutes in borough, 90 out of borough.
CPSE (Preschool, 3-5) 75 minutes in borough, 105 minutes out of borough
CSE (Kindergarten and up) 90 minutes in borough, 115 minutes out of borough
WHO CAN FIX OR ADD ROUTES—
OPT Borough (of the school) Directors (Kindergarten and up):
Manh: Richie Scarpa (718) 482-3740 RScarpa@schools.nyc.gov
Bronx: Seth Brown (718) 482-3850 SBrown14@schools.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: Diane Beediahram (718) 482-3769 DBeediahram@...
Queens: Frank Jackson (718) 482-3763 FJackson@...
Staten Island: James Campbell (718) 482-6299 JCampbell8@...
Pre-K: Sheila Lucious-Lowe sluciouslowe2@schools.nyc.gov
Labor donated 09/2013
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Nov 12 workshop on Busing rights at Sinergia, East Harlem, NYC
On Tuesday November 12 at 5:30 p.m. there will be a workshop at Sinergia Inc. on the school busing rights of children with disabilities.
Information and materials will be presented by:
Parents to Improve School Transportation
Civil Rights lawyer Jonathan Langer
Also featuring:
You, the experienced feisty parents of yellow bus riders!
Simultaneous English/Spanish translation
Light refreshments
Sponsored by Sinergia Inc.,
2082 Lexington Ave. – 4th Floor
New York, NY 10035
Trains: 4, 5, 6 to 125th Street
Buses: M60, M100, M101, Bx15
RSVP to:
Tel# (212)643-2840 Ext #305
Thank you Paola!
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How you can support the Boston School Bus Union 5:
Safety for children, Justice for workers
How you can support the Boston School Bus Union 5:
Contact:
Veolia General Manager Alex Roman III: 617-780-4840; alexander.roman@veoliatransdev.com
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino: 617.635.4500, mayor@cityofboston.gov, Fax 617.635.2851
and John McDonough, Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools 617-635-9050, superintendent@bostonpublicschools.org, fax 617-635-9059.
Tell them “Honor the School Bus Drivers Contract! Hand off Local 8751 leaders!”
Send copies to the Committee to Defend the School Bus Union 5 at schoolbus5@teamsolidarity.org
Send solidarity letters and resolutions to the Committee to Defend the School Bus Union 5 at schoolbus5@teamsolidarity.org
Send your endorsement of the Committee to Defend the School Bus Union 5 to schoolbus5@teamsolidarity.org.
Donate to the support fund. (account being set up.. find Team Solidarity on facebook at tinyurl.com/d5tntcg for more info)
FOR NOV 9 SUPPORT RALLY TRAVEL INFO FROM NEW YORK, contact pistnyc@gmail.com or 347 504 3310.
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Update Nov 17 2013 including new bids, Boston & PSAs
News
1- Bad rich men still claim it's good to take work from experienced working people and shortchange our children in the process.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/nyregion/new-york-city-putting-bus-routes-out-for-bid.html
And here are details from http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/DCP/Vendor/RFB/Default.htm
NEW! November 26, 2013 BID OPENING Summer Transportation Services for Students with Disabilities and Their Non-Disabled Peers (effective 7/1/14)
11:00 A.M at School Construction Authority 30-30 Thomson Avenue Long Island City New York, 11101
5th floor conference rooms
December 5, 2013 @ 1:00PM School Construction Authority 30-30 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101, 5th floor conference rooms
Pre-Bid Conference on upcoming May bids for approximately 4,000 vehicles…service will begin for the 2015-2016 school year on or about September 1, 2015
Quote: DOE intends to construct routes to be performed under this (and other) contract(s) based on a wide variety of students being transported on each vehicle. Accordingly, it is anticipated that any vehicle under this contract might transport any combination of students (students with disabilities whose Educational Programs may or may not designate specific transportation requirements as well as non-disabled students).
àStay tuned in case of a protest by parents and laid-off professional school bus workers at either of these events.
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2- Much respect to Miz Kp for thoughtful proposal on busing and other special education needs: http://sailingautisticseas.com/dear-mayor-elect-bill-deblasio/
Quote: The Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) is a mess.
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3- Boston – On 11/13, parents and education activists held an exchange with the school bus union leaders accused of having a ‘wildcat strike’ last month, which they insist was actually a lockout.
This Thursday the Boston City Council holds hearings to determine whether the bus company, Veolia (or as our PIST cartoonist says, VeoLIARS) is guilty of breach of contract. Is this worldwide conglomerate skipping little details like paying drivers for their time, hearing grievances about route problems, fixing broken radios?
Regarding the rally PIST members attended on 11/9 in Boston, in the caravan sponsored by ATU 1181 from NYC, Here are a very short video… http://video.bostonherald.com/Bus-Protest-25342052?freewheel=90017&sitesection=bostonherald&VID=25342052
…A few photos https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.705373276140867.1073741845.300080180003514&type=1
…And the flyer we gave out to Boston parents. http://www.pistnyc.org/message-to-boston-parents-from-nyc-school-bus-parents.aspx
Thank you to the organizers on this end, especially Robin, Maria, and let’s not forget Linda A.!
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4-Congratulations to Center for Independence of the Disabled for progress in this court case, to be continued 12/3/13
http://www.ny1.com/content/news/197541/judge-rules-city-fails-to-meet-needs-of-disabled-during-emergencies
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Thank you to Muevete Youth Conference and Workers World Disability Caucus for allowing PIST members to share info at your events on 11/16/13.
Thank you again to Sinergia and JCC-Manhattan for taking up the legal rights of school bus riders on 11/12 and 11/13 respectively, and to all who participated.
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Public Service Announcements
Regarding the disaster in the Philippines you can donate ONLINE by visiting http://www.nafconusa.org/ and clicking the DONATE button.
The search continues… Find Avonte! http://tinyurl.com/mwrju4u
Family member of 89.3 FM radio activist who is friendly to our cause needs a kidney donor with blood type (A) positive/ negative or (O) positive/negative and be in good health. Please call to 561-758-7509 / 347-641-9076 or e-mail: molinagrn@gmail.com
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Nov 20 DOE 'bus experience' interviews
Info, map and background thoughts
The DOE has told some parent advocates (but not PIST!) that..."the Office of Innovation is currently working on a project to consider ways to improve the busing experience and as part of this work we are conducting interviews with parents. We are in the process of recruiting parents for focus groups next week taking place in Dumbo, Brooklyn.
Details of the focus groups are as follows:
Wednesday 11/20
4:30 - 6:00
The interviews will take place at 10 Jay Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn and are approximately 30 minutes long."
Here is a map of the location http://goo.gl/maps/Y04Yp
It might be nonsense but it could be worse if none of the most outraged parents show up. Please go and point out to these technocrats that the busing experience cannot be improved by dropping EPP from another 4000 bids--which Walcott & Bloomberg are trying to do on the following week!!!
Even if they 'innovate' some optimal routing software, the factor of on-the road experience has to come into it, and so do time parameters that respect our children's needs!
The busing experience cannot be improved by the DOE looking the other way while Atlantic Express owners pretend to be bankrupt and threaten mass layoffs by the end of 2013, which would impact 50,000 riders! We suspect this is an attempt to push through a bad contract on some of the most professional and compassionate matrons and drivers out here, but still! (More info on this to follow but bear in mind the bank in question is Wells Fargo, which got about $25 Billion in bailout money from all of us a few years ago…)
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Norman Siegel issues report and recommendations
IEP violations in busing can be prevented
SIEGEL TEITLBAUM & EVANS, LLP
260 Madison Avenue - 22nd Floor
New York, New York 10016
Telephone:
(212) 455-0300
Facsimile:
(212) 455-0301
November 26, 2013
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
Dennis M. Walcott
Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
52 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Walcott,
In August, 2013 our firm was contacted by a coalition of parents who rely on the Department of Education’s Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) to transport their special needs children to and from school. OPT is required to provide adequately for their transportation under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), but these parents reported that serious systemic and individual problems with the bus service provided by OPT were having an adverse affect on their children.
Reports from the start of the 2013-14 school year include frequent violations of allowable travel time and Individualized Education Plans (IEP), unannounced and frequent route changes, last minute cancellations and late pickups, excessive waiting time on buses, inadequate training of drivers and matrons, improper or inadequate oversight of children, communication breakdowns between OPT and the bus companies, and poor communication with parents.
These incidents reflect a failure by OPT and the Department of Education to deliver services that meet their own standards and legal obligations. Children have suffered physically and emotionally, and this has deeply disturbed parents who are already under stress caring for their vulnerable children and seeking to foster their education and socialization.
Since the start of the school year our firm, working together with Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST) and individual parents, has met with OPT staff members and written letters detailing specific problems to Mr. Eric Goldstein, CEO of the Office of School Support Services at the Department of Education. This joint effort not only hastened the resolution of most parental concerns, but revealed the need for an independent advocate to work with OPT on behalf of parents and children.
According to many parents, the busing problems documented at the start of this school year recur annually. In order for OPT to change this pattern, quickly solve problems as they arise, and limit the harm to children, we recommend the appointment of an independent liaison to work with the families and OPT. This year two people, working part time in our office on behalf of almost forty families, helped to quickly resolve a wide range of problems while providing parents with a much-needed independent advocate.
Summary
At the start of each school year, parents and children are severely impacted by a wide range of problems with bus routing and staffing. These include:
Transportation for special needs children requires that buses have adequate air conditioning and heating, and be staffed by drivers and matrons who know their routes and the needs of the children they serve. However, buses frequently lack adequate air conditioning, causing children to arrive at school or home dangerously dehydrated. And because of the OPT contracting process, the bus companies, drivers, matrons, and routes change from year to year. Each fall new drivers learn their routes while school is in session, leading to weeks or months of significant lateness in the morning and afternoon. Matrons are similarly unfamiliar with the children in their care. Some lack the training and experience required to assist special needs children properly, who often cannot adequately communicate their needs or their fears. To function effectively in school, at home, and in various therapeutic activities after school, it is critical that the children have a stable routine, and familiarity with those who assist them. Lateness and other schedule disruptions whose cause they cannot fully comprehend, and being entrusted to strangers who do not know them or understand their needs, make the beginning of each school year a fearful ordeal.
Among many disturbing reports we received at the start of the 2013 school year, bus drivers operated their vehicles in an unsafe manner; matrons were overheard by parents using abusive language towards the children; younger special needs children were subjected to abusive language by older children on the bus; one parent observed a matron improperly buckling her child’s wheelchair into position, posing a serious safety threat; and in another instance, a matron incorrectly insisted that a child on her bus be dropped off at the wrong home address, despite being told by the doorman that the child did not live there; to make matters worse, the child’s parent was not notified and spent frantic hours trying to locate her child.
Some problems originate with the management of the bus companies. Children on one route were subjected to unusually long trips to and from school that violated their IEP and that caused them to miss hours of schooling each day, simply because the bus company had improperly instructed its drivers to avoid the Midtown Tunnel in order to save on toll costs. When we and the parents brought this matter to the attention of OPT, the company was reprimanded and ordered to take the Tunnel, but it was too late to remedy a more than a week’s worth of missed school and long, hot days in traffic.
We received many complaints about the excessive number of children assigned to a bus route and overcrowding on busses. When too many children are assigned to one bus route, problems result: travel times violate their IEP, they are chronically picked up late, arrive late to school, are delayed coming home, and often arrive in a debilitated condition that impairs their capacity to learn or to participate in therapy. Similarly, when buses are over-crowded the drivers and matrons cannot attend to the children in their care adequately, often fail to communicate with parents as required when a child will be picked up or delivered home late. More than a month of disruption, worry, suffering, and lost learning resulted from such overcrowding and over-scheduling of routes. It required hundreds of phone calls and emails by parents, and a series of letters from our office detailing the problems, before OPT adjusted the schedules, redesigned routes, and assigned additional buses.
Related but not exclusive to the problem of overcrowding is the excessive waiting time that children experience on the bus before and after school. Many bus routes deliver and pick up children at two schools. Problems arise when the schools have different opening and closing hours. Although a child may have been picked up at home on time, he/she is delivered to school late because other children on the bus are being dropped off first at a school whose opening hour is later than their own. The delay causes them to arrive at their own school after classes have begun. The problem occurs again at the end of the school day: some children must wait on the bus, often in hot or cold conditions, for others whose dismissal time is later than that of their own school.
Once again, after some weeks of effort, OPT addressed these problems by adding more routes, and assigning one bus per route, per school. Despite the fact that similar and predictable problems arise each year, parents and children were subjected to considerable hardships before solutions were found.
4. Because travel and wait times are long, even a child who has planned ahead and addressed their needs prior to boarding the bus will occasionally require a restroom en route. OPT should work with the families, schools, and bus companies to create a protocol to address this need.
Enclosed is a sample of 38 cases in which we represented parents and children whose concerns were resolved by OPT. In connection with that effort we want to mention the work of two OPT staff, Richie Scarpa and Jon-Erik Arenas, whose efforts to resolve problems met with parental approval.
In light of the effort made by the parents, Melissa Russo of WNBC –TV, our office, and OPT, we believe that most issues of the kind outlined above could be avoided through a series of reforms. We recommend that:
1. Standards for drivers and matrons should be strengthened, and that all bus employees who work with special needs children be properly trained and certified;
2. The bus contracting process should be reformed to ensure that the companies and their employees are able to meet their obligations before the start of the school year;
3. OPT must significantly improve its route planning and scheduling, and better anticipate the recurring need for more buses and more routes to serve the children in its care adequately;
4. Because problems will always arise, an independent liaison/advocate should be authorized to work with OPT, parents, and school staff to anticipate and resolve issues as they arise.
The documented hardships imposed on parents and children for almost two months at the start of the 2013-14 school year are not inevitable. If our recommendations are followed, all students, especially those most in need, are far more likely to arrive at school and home safe, happy and ready to learn.
Sincerely,
s/Norman Siegel
Norman Siegel
Cal Snyder
Jonathan Langer
cc: Mayor-elect Bill DeBlasio
Public Advocate-elect Letitia James
Controller-elect Scott Stringer
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
Brooklyn Borough President-elect Eric Adams
Manhattan Borough President-elect Gale Brewer
Queens Borough President-elect Melinda Katz
Staten Island Borough President-elect James Oddo
Eric Goldstein
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Atlantic Express update after contract vote
special thanks to veteran AE worker Maria Gentile
On December 4, some 2000 school bus workers at Atlantic Express (including Amboy) voted down an insulting contract proposal by over 5 to 1 (1629 No votes, 281 Yes votes).
The issues included a 7.5% pay cut, loss of week's wage-accrual pay normally received in summer, other benefits—and being expected to forgive thousands of dollars that the rich owners owe each of them.
There's no strike but by Dec 31 Atlantic could be totally out of business. 1400+ routes are part of Atlantic's assets which the bankruptcy court heard bids for on Friday. The bankruptcy auction is planned for Wednesday. DOE has admitted to Local 1181 that the only chance to make a halfway smooth transition is with the involvement of experienced drivers and matrons.
The union is recommending that if any routes are not auctioned off tomorrow, the DOE should give those routes to companies covered by Employee Protection Provision so that experienced people can follow the work.
DOE so far has said no to requests from unionized companies to make these routes last as long as the routes they currently have by extending the EPP. This means there is less incentive for them to invest in acquiring Atlantic's routes that will last only till June.
We as parents don't want anyone taking chances that routes and personnel are going to be lacking on Jan 2, 2014. Problems that occurred on September 9 will be repeated—but with much colder weather. This is being treated as a financial deal and not as a matter that affects tens of thousands of students.
We challenge the city to show us a valid plan to deal with this bankruptcy. There is nothing on the DOE site--and we know how bad the pre- strike "planning" was a year ago. To NYC's outgoing mayor and chancellor, a crisis for our children is not a crisis for them.
Still, as we know from our legal civil rights campaign, the DOE has an obligation to provide adequate school transportation. Perhaps it can get money from state and federal sources, not to mention its $24 billion budget...those buses need to keep rolling and not with random people operating them.
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Our top Busing Issues for incoming NYC administration
What parents and supporters are organizing for
December 12, 2013
Mayor-elect Bill DeBlasio:
On behalf of New York City families whose children depend on safe, reliable school transportation, we would like to share with the new administrators of our city our collective determination to achieve:
(a) Policies and practices that respect the civil rights of pre-school and school age students with disabilities and toddlers receiving early intervention (EI) services, whose specialized transportation is an aspect of their Individualized Education Programs (IEP). You have seen the recommendations of Attorney Norman Siegel (attached) in response to complaints of violations. Organizations of parents, disabled self-advocates, unions of school bus drivers and attendants, Early Intervention therapists and other educators are well equipped to advise on implementing these suggestions or variations on them;
(b) A commitment that the approximately 1500 routes being abandoned by the owners of Atlantic Express sometime between now and January continue to function, with the current experienced workforce, at least through June. We must prevent any potential disruption of school attendance for tens of thousands of NYC schoolchildren this winter—even if the DOE budget has to be tapped to sustain fair wages and Employment Protection Provisions. Our community cannot tolerate a repeat of the virtually useless contingency plan your predecessors invoked with the 2013 school bus strike;
(c) A hearing and/or confidential surveys to gather data about the quality of training and conditions at school bus companies, including those who were collectively awarded some 1100 special education routes in February 2013 and had to hire inexperienced people. We need to hear from those who work or attempted to work at those companies, as well as from families of riders, and school staff, well in advance of the next round of bid proposals;
(d) A commitment to reinstate EPP. We find it disturbing that the experienced multicultural school bus workforce--60% women who have achieved some financial empowerment over many years--are pushed towards poverty as the systematic dismantling of seniority hiring proceeds. You have the legal power to withdraw awarded routes without EPP for Summer 2014 and Fall 2014 and start over with ‘Request for Proposal’ with EPP intact; likewise for the 4000 routes for Fall 2015 that are up for bid next. Recent experience and common sense tell us that devaluing the school bus professionals who enable our children’s educational access will increase turnover, attrition, burnout, and risk of accidents and incidents.
We look forward to progress on all these fronts; we are available to meet as needed. à
Signed,
Parents to Improve School Transportation, pistnyc@gmail.com
(for Bronx PIST: Milagros Cancel, Rosa Maria de la Torre; for Harlem PIST: Journelle Clark, Amy Herren; for Manhattan PIST: Sara Catalinotto, Johnnie Stevens; for Queens PIST: Sharlene Figueroa, Susan Valdes-Dapena)
Kwame Domani Stevens, recent school bus rider and PIST cartoonist
Carin van der Donk, school bus parent
Suzanne Peters, Board of Directors, Resources for Children with Special Needs*
Comite Timon de Madres de Educacion Especial, Rosa Lydia Velez class action chapter, Bronx
Ms. Nicole Job, President, Community Education Council 17, CEC17@schools.nyc.gov
Tiffany Caldwell ASD HORIZON PROGRAM* parent, taylorsmom78@gmail.com
Valerie Williams, 2nd Vice President, District 75 Community Education Council*
Norman Siegel, Civil Rights Attorney
Sandra Sanchez-Rolon, Military Women In Power, Ltd.
Sabretta Alford, school bus parent, Queens
Julia D'Amico, school bus parent
Beth Torin, school bus parent
Madeline Sinor, school bus parent
Loren Lockwood, school bus parent
Fatima Prioleau, school bus parent, Brooklyn
Anita Parker, CEO, Treat Me Right, Inc., Washington Heights
Larry Littman, Chelsea Coalition on Housing
Hebatalla Ibrahim, member, Citywide Council on English Language Learners*
Donna Lazarus, grandmother, retired teacher, Brooklyn
(List in formation; Organizations with * listed for identification purposes)
CC: Public Advocate-elect Letitia James
Comptroller-elect Scott Stringer
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
Brooklyn Borough President-elect Eric Adams
Manhattan Borough President-elect Gale Brewer
Queens Borough President-elect Melinda Katz
Staten Island Borough President-elect James Oddo
Councilmember-elect Inez Barron
Councilmember-elect Cory Johnson
Councilmember-elect Helen Rosenthal
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Press conference/rally set for December 17
Upgrade, don't downgrade busing
Protect School Bus Riders’ Rights!
WE, THE COMMUNITY AND FAMILIES OF SCHOOL BUS RIDERS, NEED GUARANTEES THAT THE ROUTES WILL EXIST AND BE REASONABLE.
NYC MUST RESPECT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF OUR CHILDREN.
THE DOE IS OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE SAFE, ON-TIME, PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION WITH SENSITIVITY TO DISABILITY ISSUES.
LAYING OFF SENIOR DRIVERS AND MATRONS HURTS STUDENTS!
THE ATLANTIC EXPRESS (‘BANKRUPT’ COMPANY) ROUTES MUST BE EXTENDED WITH EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PROVISIONS.
EPP IS LEGAL AND CORRECT. IT SHOULD BE IN ALL BUS ROUTE BIDS, SO THAT WE DON’T WASTE ALL THAT ACCUMULATED EXPERIENCE AND SKILL.
Join our PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Dept. of Education—52 Chambers St.—Manhattan
Parents to Improve School Transportation…pistnyc@gmail.com...347-504-3310
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Background info to Atlantic crisis-made for 12/17 press conference
FACT SHEET + Busing by the Numbers
FACT SHEET
As a result of bankruptcy proceedings by the Atlantic Express corporation, the continuation of over 1,400 school bus routes on January 2 is up in the air. This directly affects thousands of children and 2,000 NYC drivers and matrons, yet there has been no communication from DOE to school bus families.
With no guarantee of job protection, local companies have less incentive to bid on the routes because the Atlantic contracts with the city expire in 18 months or less. At this point, not even 500 routes have been bought out by other school bus companies.
LOSS OF EXPERIENCED NYC SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS & ATTENDANTS IN 2013
January: In a memo dated 1/22/13, DOE’s Contracts Division authorized companies to replace striking attendants with extra drivers, without providing comprehensive 7-day training including Red Cross First Aid/CPR and modules on Students with Disabilities developed with the input of citywide parent councils.
February:
Companies took Mayor Bloomberg’s invitation to submit low bids, without the traditional Employee Protection Provisions that allow senior workers to follow the work from one company to another as the routes change hands. This occurred despite the strike of 8800 drivers warning that such a change would be destructive to safety and quality standards.
NY City Council’s Education and Finance Committees heard testimony that only half of local busing is paid for out of city monies, that only 55% of the cost of school busing goes toward labor despite fifty years of EPP, and that the DOE qualifies for Medicaid reimbursement for specialized transportation (as with other related services on the Individualized Education Plan of a student with a disability).
Feb-Apr:
Democratic mayoral candidates wrote to ATU 1181 that they would revisit the issue of seniority hiring if elected. As the strike ended, Tufaro and Rainbow locked out 74 experienced people; several of these workers took early retirement.
In public meetings, parents of students with disabilities condemned the City’s lack of responsiveness to the realities of their children’s needs before and during the strike. Mr. Walcott and Mr. Bloomberg boasted of $80 M saved in those 4.5 weeks.
Late April: Chancellor Walcott opened bidding on 1,700 route contracts to begin September 2014 and 1,400 for Summer 2014, again without EPP. (These can still be revoked and rebid with EPP by the new administration).
May: The mayor’s Panel on Education Policy approved low bids (from Feb.) on 1100 special education routes for the period starting Fall 2013 over audience protest.
June: 2000 experienced matrons and drivers on the affected routes were permanently terminated from their companies. (As of today some 300 have been rehired. The majority of the rest are now retired and/or collecting unemployment).
July: Parents, bus drivers and matrons, and elected officials lobbied at City Hall for respect and stability for riders and workers via the Enhanced Training and EPP, now pending in Albany as S 5848 / A 8060. Resources for Children with Special Needs helped state legislators develop the bill.
August:
Companies that won the Feb. bids advertised for jobs. A parent calling each number listed was told that no experience was necessary; that attendant training would be held on the last two weekends prior to Labor Day weekend (4 days at a cost of $350 to the applicant); and “if you show up for the training you get the job.” Some of the ads announced pay for matrons at $300-$325/week.
Atlantic Express workers reported that the company condensed (merged) routes to keep costs low, making them more competitive for future bids but longer and more crowded for children.
Sept-Nov:
Thousands of route complaints arrived to Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) and to Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST). A smaller sampling of parents, who were informed and willing, also submitted complaints of IEP violations in busing for intervention by Civil Rights Attorney Norman Siegel.
As routes were added to alleviate problems and to catch up with changes in enrollment, some 300 senior drivers and matrons were rehired. To this day, our students are deprived of the skill, knowledge and bonds the other 1,700 had developed over many years.
Complaints about non-existent routes, frequent changes of driver, and buses not waiting for children or parents, lack of training, and unprofessionalism are occurring in conjunction with companies’ wages and benefits dropping to a new low and there is no overtime pay.
12/17/13: Today, DOE held a pre-bid conference regarding bids due in May 2014 on another 4000 routes.
Tonight, representatives of parent organizations are being joined by school bus union ATU 1181 to call for a reversal of systematic shedding of experienced school transportation professionals. Supporters reiterate that school busing is a vital public service protected by federal disability rights law and state education law, that should not be compromised for ideological, financial and profit considerations.
Prepared by Parents to Improve School Transportation 12/16/13
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Busing by the Numbers
Number of NYC school children 1.1 million[i]
DOE Budget $24.8 billion [ii]
OPT Budget $1.3 billion [iii]
(Please note that the State reimburses the DOE for 59.5% of its approved busing expenditures for EIS and special education pre-K busing and approximately 50% for K-12 busing, so for city expenditure purposes you can subtract those numbers[iv])
Number of school children bused 160.000[v]
Number of students transported with disabilities 65,133iv
Number of total routes 7,700v
Number of special education routes 4,600[vi]
Number of drivers and escorts 14,000v
% of budget for general education students 20%iii
% of budget for special education students 63%iii
% of budget for EIS and special education pre-K 11%iii
Average cost per pupil using total # of pupils $1,033[vii]
(Average spending in the rest of the state is $1,141 per pupil)
Average cost per pupil using actual # of children $6,900vii
Average cost per pupil with disabilities $16,000iv
Average approximate salary of a bus driver
with EPP provisions and three years experience : $42,000 (based on a 44 week year)[viii]
Average approximate yearly salary of a bus attendant
with EPP provisions and three years experience : $23,000 (based on a 44 week year)viii
CURRENT SITUATION: AE has filed for bankruptcy and is closing on December 20th, 2013.
AE handles 1400 routes in NYC. 500 routes have been bought during an auction last week. That leaves 900 routes that, as far as we know, will not be serviced come January 2nd, 2013.
OPT, SHOW US YOUR PLAN!
[i] http://schools.nyc.gov/AboutUs/schools/default.htm
[ii] http://schools.nyc.gov/AboutUs/funding/overview/default.htm
[iii] Briefing Paper of the Human Services Division, Robert Newman, Legislative Director -oversight – School Bus Service in NYC, is DOE meeting the need. October 10, 2012
[iv] Briefing Paper of the Human Services Division, Robert Newman, Legislative Director – Oversight: The Cost of Pupil Transportation in NYC – February 8, 2013
[v] Testimony of the NYC DOE on Pupil Transportation, Kathleen Grimm, Deputy Chancellor, October 10, 2012
[vi] Report “Doing Less with More” how school transportation is failing students and taxpayers. Office of Bill de Blasio. October 2011https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1 - 1430191e52d53073__ednref
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1 - 1430191e52d53073__ednref [vii] NYC Comptroller John C.Liu – testimony on “The Cost of Pupil transportation in NYC” NYC Council Education and Finance Committees Joint Oversight Hearing – Friday, February 8th, 2013
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1 - 1430191e52d53073__ednref [viii] The Council of the City of NY Office of Council Member Robert Jackson, Press Release, January 23rd, 2013
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1 - 1430191e52d53073__ednref
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Jan 1 2014 update part 1 of 2
Those with Atlantic Express routes taken over by other companies:
Be aware that although a majority of routes went to unionized companies with “EPP”, making it possible for the experienced workers to follow their work for now, many are working out of bus yards that are a bridge or tunnel away from their previous yards and stops…and some are getting last minute changes in instructions as to where to report tomorrow…all of this could lead to delays.
Also we hear that some 7% of the abandoned routes went to non-union companies that tend not to have anyone with the same record of training or standards. You always have the right to politely request that matrons show you their DOE ID with its effective date. Some buses may have new names, but are being managed by a company you’ve heard of, with mostly ex-Atlantic drivers and matrons.
If no bus appears for your child or there are other problems leading him or her to miss school time (not counting the snow!) you should file complaints with OPT as always. See attached flyer for contact info for OPT’s borough directors as well as parent advocates who can help you formulate written complaints. Attorney Norman Siegel is available at 212-455-0300 or nsiegel@stellp.com. You can feel free to copy him and pistnyc@gmail.com on email complaints.
Please let us know how it’s going, whether the news is good or bad, by a short email or at 347-504-3310.
www.opt-osfns.org is recommended for both parents and drivers to track school bus route updates. Parents may also call 718-392-8855. Have student ID # ready.
For what it's worth, the letter to parents outlining travel “alternatives” is now in several languages at http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Transportation/default.htm
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Article about Feb 8 Hostos PIST meeting
Fight for School Busing Rights Continues
Sara Catalinotto
How can school bus riders and their allies win shorter routes and better conditions in a time of austerity? On Saturday, February 8, 2014, in historic Hostos Community College in the Bronx, New York, this demand got a boost from legal, community and labor activists in an afternoon forum on The Fight for School Busing Rights.
The program was co-sponsored by Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST) and the Hostos chapter of the Professional Staff Congress-City University of NY. Lizette Colón of the PSC union gave words of inspiration from 19th century Puerto Rican educator Eugenio Maria de Hostos. Colón told this reporter, "We have students whose children ride the bus, who can be affected or have to drop out if the problems become too much."
Eleven-year-old Kwame listed ways that children in PIST can help, and presented a slideshow of Youth Art and Activism (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oNSrNBuX4E), worked on by Valerie Williams of District 75 (Citywide specialized programs) Community Education Council.
Featured speaker Norman Siegel, the well known Civil Rights lawyer who has represented school bus parents in talks with the NYC Department of Education, lit the crowd up with his recollections and advice for building a united movement to end what he called "a pattern and practice of violations" of the transportation rights of students with disabilities. Examples included: diverting the bus 45 minutes out of its way twice a day to avoid tolls; routes involving too many stops to keep the ride under 90 minutes; and students dismissed before the school day ends to catch the bus. Siegel said he would like to see a huge march in the Spring to address this inequality. Packets were given out containing written materials and a bilingual DVD of a bus route complaint workshop led by Siegel (http://youtu.be/GW0l0qH_EGQ).
This writer went over PIST's formation in 2010 and ongoing efforts such as the School Bus Bill of Rights campaign, inviting everyone to "be part of this movement, whether you have children on the bus or not."
The turnout of fifty-five people, after a week that included two snowstorms, indeed reflected solidarity from many whose goals overlap those of school bus riders' families. A delegation of six from Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181 attended. Representing the ATU 1181 Executive Board, Delegate Tomas Fret said, "We stand side by side with PIST." Fret also expressed appreciation for the Boston School Bus Union (USW 8751). Driver Nivia Medina pointed out union sisters of hers who had been unemployed from the end of the 2013 strike until recently, including a bus matron (attendant). She estimated that due to the city's low bidding without Employee Protection Provisions, over 1000 drivers and 800 matrons remain on layoff today!
Milagros Cancel of Comité Timón de Madres de Educación Especial connected the group's work on behalf of children in Puerto Rico and those who have emigrated to the U.S. with the work of PIST. Suzanne Peters, an advocate on the ARISE Coalition who started the Parent to Parent Special Needs Center at the Manhattan Jewish Community Center, and program chair Rosa María de la Torre of Chelsea Coalition on Housing, related past struggles with busing for their respective sons, and their hopes for a better situation in the future.
Evonne Capers and Enrique Colón of Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA)/New Settlement Apartments spoke on their organizing to get justice for tenants in Housing Court through the Tipping the Scales campaign. Ed Figueroa of SEIU Local 32-BJ Latino Caucus made connections between his work as a school cleaner, and that of school bus drivers and matrons, both being undervalued despite their role in the education and safety of children.
Leaders of Holding Up Great Sisters, District 12 (Bronx) CEC, Church of the Resurrection, Communication Workers Association 1180, the postal workers' fight, Peoples' Power Assembly, Occu-Evolve, Military Women in Power, and the Citywide Council on English Language Learners were also present. The work of the South Bronx Community Congress to restore the elevators at the nearby 149th Street and Grand Concourse subway station was promoted (see petition at http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/mta-fix-the-e-149th-st.?mailing_id=19760&source=s.em.cr&r_by=5717824).
A number of mothers fighting to obtain appropriate services for their children learned of the meeting through flyers placed in area schools by sympathetic members of the teachers' union.
Childcare was staffed by a special education paraprofessional and an occupational therapist, with toys and snacks donated by program participants. CASA provided translation equipment; a PIST family who could not attend loaned a laptop for the slideshow. A collection and raffle raised enough cash to cover the event expenses. The meeting was filmed by Mike of People's Video Network and will be edited by Johnnie Stevens of PIST. For more information contact pistnyc@gmail.com
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PIST update (3/27 City Council hearing & more)
Wednesday 3/26 Parents for Inclusive Education (PIE)
6 pm at UCP 122 East 23rd Street, Manhattan
Topic: Assistive Technology devices and advocacy
Info: jacklyn@jacklynokinbarney.com or 347-559-5098
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Thursday 3/27
1:00 pm - ? at 250 Broadway, New York, NY 16th Floor
City Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor
Oversight Hearings on The school bus industry in the aftermath of the removal of Employee Protection Provisions from contracts and its impact on workers
PIST and other bus advocates will be testifying...please get in touch
(pistnyc@gmail.com or 347-504-3310) if you have something to add.
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Thursday March 27th
UFT Special education parent meeting
9:45 am at 335 Adams Street , 25 floor in Brooklyn.
RSVP to fstreich@uft.org or bzohar@uft.org
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also Thurs 3/27
10am - 2 pm
Helping your child be a Self-Advocate
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza
718-253-4948
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Autism Parent Summit
Friday March 28th 2014
9:30am - 1pm
Bayview Community Center
5955 Shore Parkway Brooklyn NY 11236
RSVP:parentsummit@mytimeinc.org
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Saturday, March 29: There will be a Parent Power School at 61 Broadway in Manhattan. This four-hour event will help empower parents to be leaders in their communities' public schools, influence policymakers and join the educational justice movement. Lunch, child care and Spanish translation will be available. For more information and to RSVP, see the Coalition for Educational Justice's flier »http://files.uft.org/parents/parent-power-school-2014.pdf
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Other news
-Bill de Blasio expresses support for fair standards for school bus employees, see http://m.thechiefleader.com/mayor-renews-pledge-of-financial-relief-for-school-bus-staff/article_c9039b1c-9ff6-11e3-95de-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm#.UxYqn5IVs2A.facebook
-Short video of District 75 rally at P811M to stop the loss of space and resources for students with disabilities there, see
http://www.uft.org/videos/our-kids-also-have-dreams
-Letter campaign to NY legislators in support of Early Intervention providers, see https://secure2.convio.net/cccny/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=133
-Press release: NYC Parent leaders oppose Cuomo's education priorities, see http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d6b29b4cf7c736fbda2caf93a&id=9a31aae6bc&e=698c7cae74
-The NYS Assembly passed a two year moratorium on High Stakes Testing and data sharing. According to press release from Jim Brennan dated 3/14/14: The bill (A.8929) would prohibit New York State English and Math Common Core assessments from being a factor in determining teacher effectiveness and student placement for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. The bill also protects student privacy by prohibiting the State Education Department from sharing student data with outside vendors until July 1, 2015.
-More support for displaced East Harlem tenants...If your school is in District 4, read this:
The District 4 Presidents’ Council is working with Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez’s office to help these families obtain basic items they need, like school supplies, school uniforms, warm coats and sweaters, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.
If you have items that you would like to donate please contact the District 4 Presidents’ Council at D4PC@schools.nyc.gov, or by calling (212) 348-2873 so we can arrange for pick-up of these donations at your school.
-Reserve early for April 6 Autism Friendly cultural fair at Met museum, thanks Paola:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macs-autism-friendly-cultural-programs-fair-tickets-10615853303
Organizing--Thanks go out to:
Johnnie and Amy for attending UFT Special Ed Parent Committee on 3/10, and thanks Celia for inviting us in the first place.
Milagros for taking PIST material to parent support groups in Bronx clinics and schools, and arranging for the PIST/Comite Timon table at the May 3 Bronx Family Resource Fair.
Johnnie and ATU delegates for representing the school busing community at the huge Albany rally for Universal Pre-K on 3/4.
Johnnie for rep'ing PIST at the "$15 and a union" minimum wage march on 3/15.
This week we have a conference call to prepare for the 3/27 City Council hearings. To be involved, please reply (pistnyc@gmail.com or 347-504-3310). SE HABLA ESPANOL
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PIST statement to City Council Committee
March 27, 2014
Committee Members, Staff, and other participants in today’s hearing:
We in Parents to Improve School Transportation thank you for recognizing that the voices of the stakeholders in school busing must be heard. My name is Amy Herren and I am here to comment on how the trend towards drastically lower bids in this industry affects another important and completely innocent group of stakeholders: the riders.
P.I.S.T. has been in existence since the Fall of 2010 but has gotten more complaints this school year than any previous year. After the awarding of the non-EPP contracts last May, as company owners (who may or may not put profits before the needs of our children) became more reckless in cutting costs, parents experienced the following results:
1-Lack of reliable air conditioning during the summer of 2013–our written testimony includes a letter to the Dept of Transportation documenting children coming home red, sweaty and dehydrated. In fact, we went to a bus yard in Queens and took pictures of vehicles pulling in with the windows wide open to get some air. From the owners’ point of view, why invest in repairs or upgrades if your future is uncertain…but what about the health and safety of those who are on those hot buses for several hours a day?
2-Rush hiring and training in the last weeks of August at the lowest paying companies, followed by rapid turnover. I called Jofaz and Philip companies in the summer to inquire about the job requirements; both of them completely downplayed the importance of experience. Another parent who is here today was an observer at Happy Child, which didn’t even bother to issue uniforms so that children have a visual cue to who should pick them up.
3-Companies with EPP still intact apparently sought ways to cut corners so they could compete, all of which harmed and continue to harm untold numbers of children. We are sure that routes were merged / condensed in September and at each pick.
Our written testimony also includes a sampling of complaints about long routes. This is one from mid-October from an agency:
“(My client’s) son is not using the yellow bus service at this point because it takes 2 hours (!) in the morning and 2 hours in the evening for him to reach his destination, please note that R has in place the medical alert (F)
…we are talking about a child who requires medical attention who CANNOT BE ON THE BUS MORE THAN ONE HOUR, is not that the parent doesn’t wants for her child to be on the bus, is that he cannot do it.
The parent has limited resources and cannot afford to pay every day for transportation not only for her son but for the nurse as well."
4- If we are hearing from many well-informed active parent leaders that their children’s bus routes now include one additional school—thus adding 30 minutes to each journey—what is happening to the most isolated and disenfranchised parents? You may have seen that a mom who started a petition against this practice on Sunday had already gathered over 330 signatures as of Tuesday.
5-Owners who close and open companies in an attempt to decrease the wages and benefits they’ll be required to pay out. The sellout of Atlantic Express led to numerous stories such as:
“The New Dawn Transit co. called a home last night confirming a route but never showed up in the morning. They did pick up the child for the pm route and gave him to his mother even though they had not met her before. The matron had DOE ID but no uniform.”
DOE may have worked hard on the court deal but it waited until the evening of Dec 17, after parent and union activists held a rally, to begin to tell schools and parents what was coming.
After the winter break, as buses in a neglected condition were moved from yard to yard, we heard of many cases like this one on January 8:
“This morning my bus driver called me at 7:07 to tell me that the bus company, Logan, had given his bus to someone else so he didn't have a bus to drive and he was waiting for a replacement. My son is usually picked up at 7:20am.
At 7:18 I called Logan to inquire. They told me there was a delay and that the bus would be at my house soon. I asked if the bus driver was on the way and she said "yes". So I called my bus driver back and he said he was still waiting and was not on the road.
I called the OPT and registered a complaint.
My son was not picked up until around 9:10 (1 hour and 50 minutes later than usual). My son's school starts at 8:45.”
The next big sellout of (some of) Reliant’s routes was noted for an almost total failure to inform parents, as you can see from this envelope postmarked the day after the change took effect and received two days after that. A parent at a school on Roosevelt Island told us:
“When Reliant changed over to All American several weeks ago, an estimated 10 buses left our children stranded without notification to the parents/guardians or school...this is unsafe and a detriment to our children's health, negatively impacting on their quality of function. Subsequently due to multiple issues, the boys have missed school instruction time due to multiple bus breakdowns. I've had to resort to other means of getting them to school, paying for a cab to school multiple times and picking them up at school.”
6- Other cases of poor communication around the shuffling of routes include this story from Jan 2 involving a non-EPP company:
“I received a call from OPT on Sunday stating that my daughter, formerly on an Atlantic/Hoyt route, would be on Safe Coach. She has been waiting since 7:20 am. The bus company phone is not answering/busy at 718.257-2444. OPT states THAT TODAY THEY WILL NOT CALL BUS COMPANIES! Lee ann at OPT told me that is the only number OPT has for this company, that she does not know who Safe's parent company is.
School told me to Call John Eric Arrinis - Queens Inspector. He is not in office, his voicemail is not set up, person who took message at OPT hung up on me when I asked for his name.
(later:) The bus arrived to pick up my daughter at 8:23am so she was late to school. Two kids had thrown up on the bus and my daughter, who gets motion sickness, had to sit and smell it because the matron does not clean it up.
The Queens Inspector did get in touch and also could not reach the bus company.”
7- We continue to meet drivers and matrons who love their work and would love to continue but have either been laid off or have given up and retired due to one displacement and mistreatment too many. In each case, children lose a skilled service provider and an ally in their quest for equal access to education.
To us, school busing is an educational necessity and a civil right that should be a public service. Parents are disgruntled when ideological or corporate objectives such as busting a union, or paying national banks that we’ve already bailed out, take precedence over providing our children with a stable and professional workforce to do busing well and safely!
New York City needs to put serious thought into standardizing busing quality and conditions by taking over the vehicles and yards, either by purchase or eminent domain. Perhaps this could fit under Capital Improvement spending. Wouldn’t the city eventually recoup the funds by eliminating the profit factor?
Or is our leadership content to take a chance on a spike in accidents and civil rights violations that could cost not only money, but lives? Let the record show that three prominent law firms want to work with PIST. Nine pages of findings by Civil Rights Attorney Norman Siegel are enclosed in our written testimony.
We wonder, why does DOE have highly paid employees tied up several times a year in bid meetings and negotiations with dozens of companies when they could be fixing bad routes, or better yet, preventing them? How about asking active or retired drivers how much they would charge the DOE to work on routing, inspections, and problem-solving, in consultation with parents and disabled self-advocates?
What a waste to have thousands of workers reapplying for their same job and getting fitted for a new uniform in a new company, only to have another rotation a few weeks later where they or others repeat this same process. Couldn’t that time be better spent on thorough training to help the workers help our children?
Special education routes get the most attention but we must be aware that general education bus riders are also profoundly affected when the industry is downgrading rather than upgrading. Here is a quote from a mom to Deputy Chancellor Grimm regarding a company that went out in June and then suddenly acquired new routes in January:
Today the bus did not show up. It was 9 degrees out, as you probably noticed.
Rainbow hung up on a parent who called from our stop. Then the company took its phone off the hook -- many other parents on the route were calling all morning and getting a busy signal. The fact that the city continues to spend our money on these worthless gangsters who have no regard for their workforce and have no interest in providing reliable service to children, even in freezing temperatures, is a scandal.
This city must have drivers and matrons who are experienced, dedicated and empowered to speak out about risky situations. P.I.S.T. has made this position clear within our School Bus Bill of Rights campaign. This issue is so popular that we have been invited to speak to groups ranging from PTAs to Fulton Houses Tenant Association, District 75 Community Education Council, Fathers Forum New York, health clinics in the Bronx, Lower East Side Foster Parents Support Circle, Queens County Parents with Autism Coalition, to civil service workers’ unions and the national Save our Schools Coalition.
Restoring Employee Protection Provisions would be a good first step toward proving that the city is serious about reversing the harm that has been done to busing, and winning the trust of our communities.
Thank you.
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Another parent's reflections & testimony from same hearing
courtesy of Carin van der Donk
Dear Friends,
First, a few of you came out to support our kids cause, and I thank you! But considering what is potentially about to happen to the quality of our children's school bus transportation, not enough of us stood out there to be heard. You think it's bad now, wait till all the bus routes have the EPP removed from their contracts!
Personally, our bus situation this year has been relatively smooth. Our route has an EPP, and the drivers and matrons have been nothing but professional, efficient and kind. But I heard testimony during the hearing about non EPP routes, and the quality of the new staff on those routes. Now I am extremely worried about my sons bus situation next year, when our route will most likely be without that EPP. All parents, educators and therapists should be worried. I will have to start planning for a lot of turmoil in our lives, and my sons education. And I am not even mentioning the safety aspect of this!
I also heard about the devastation the removal of the EPP caused to the many drivers and matrons who made taking care of our children a career. A stable, working class career with modest pay, health care benefits, and a modest pension. I had difficulty not to burst into tears listening about the negative effects inflicted on the lives of these men and women (60% female, mostly minorities). I believe I saw our newly elected public advocate, Leticia James, actually wipe away a few tears.
But the tears have been wiped away before, in other hearings I have attended over the years. Does it even matter? The council seemed very sympathetic, but they have seemed so before in prior years. Nothing changed. Is it all just a theater? Now we have a new administration. Will that make the difference? Or will there first have to be a tragic accident before anybody takes real action?
On the evening of the Thursday hearing, NBC news ran another great follow up piece on our situation.(http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/)
It highlights the current situation of very medically fragile children in one school, who spend an unnecessary, ridiculous, unsafe amount of time on their routes. Melissa Russo, the investigative reporter of this piece, asked for a reaction from the de Blasio administration. Their response is that they "are committed to making long-term improvements to the bus system, and even as we put those in place, we are also making significant strides improving our communication with parents. We are looking at new ways to be more responsive and reexamining our procedures".
However, last January, the de Blasio administration did not change any of the staff at OPT that has been responsible for the mess we have experienced over the years. Perhaps there is a good reason for this, and I remain hopeful. In my humble opinion, they will have to start with reinstating the EPP, or something comparable ASAP.
In solidarity,
Carin van der Donk
PS: Attaching my testimony
Testimony before the Committee on Civil Service and Labor regarding: The school bus industry in the aftermath of the removal of Employee Protection Provisions from contracts and its impact on workers
3/27/14
Thank you to the Chairperson of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor, and the rest of the members of this committee for holding this important hearing.
My name is Carin van der Donk, and I testify here as a parent who has spent over ten years advocating on behalf of my child who is a district 75 student, and attends a state funded private school. After experiencing the many needless, systemic, and dangerous problems with my sons 2 ½, to even 6 hours, daily commute to and from school, I became an advocate for all NYC students, and the people who work with them.
It has been several years now, and during this time I have gathered an extensive knowledge about the school bus system. I could talk about this issue for hours upon hours, and am always eager to learn more. But I will try to keep this simple, so I am attaching a document called “busing by the numbers” with some important, but hard to find, information, much of which I learned while sitting in hearings like this one today. I hope this might be helpful.
As I mentioned, my son spends a significant time on a school bus on a daily basis. At a minimum around 2 hours a day (if we receive the best possible route), but most years it has been between 3 to 4 hours each day. This would be strenuous for ANY child, let alone a child with disabilities. But this hearing is not about that, but about the people that work with him during those hours, and their own working conditions while caring for my child.
My child’s driver and matron are a very important part of his day. In the morning, they are the first people he sees. They are the first people who influence his state of mind, and his ability to learn each and every day. When these men and woman are patient, understand the students disabilities, are able to communicate, and in general are professional and efficient, it makes everything else in the school day possible. When the opposite happens, it sets up a child to be stressed and not ready to learn in school. Many hours will be spend by school staff to fix a situation that might have occurred on a bus. If a problem on a bus is persistent, it can go as far as for a student to no longer be able be on that school bus without causing serious harm in some way. That is exactly what happened to our family. So I had to start driving my child to school. And I did just that for 2 years. In between those drives, I had the time to start advocating for additional training for school bus personnel who transport our children with disabilities. I met many kindred spirits along the way, and as a result in 2013, Mr. Kellner introduced State Law A 8060, which calls for more training regarding students with special needs for drivers and matrons. But this appears to be not getting anywhere because of Mr. Kellner’s problems in his political career.
In the meantime, instead of MORE training and the situation improving, our last administration wanted to save money by turning the jobs of drivers and matrons into a low wage, low skill job. So now I have found myself also advocating for those drivers and matrons who do perform well on their job. My son has been back on a school bus now for 3 years. During this time we have enjoyed the good cheer, professionalism, patience and understanding by experienced drivers and matrons.
Recently, the bankruptcy of Atlantic Express was a great cause of concern to me. But because my sons Atlantic Express route came with an EPP contract, the same team stayed with his bus route after the New Year, and it was just a different company that provided the bus. The EPP worked very well in this instance, providing us with a relatively smooth transition. (The team has changed since, and fortunately this was another successful transition.)
We were lucky, but many other families were not.
Disruptions in children’s lives and their education are different from anything else. It is not like a business where one can play the other’s bluff to negotiate a better deal. If a few weeks or months of learning are lost, our children lose and they can never get that time back. And the possibility of physical harm coming to a child because a bus team doesn’t know how to handle dangerous situations that can easily arise when they are transporting children with various disabilities is great. In February we had an ice storm and while many parents kept their children home, I chose to send my son to school. I sent him because I knew that he would be safe on a bus with a driver who had 29 years experience driving children with special needs.
I cannot stress enough that by no means is driving around children, and especially children with special needs, an easy, low wage job that requires only minimal skill. The only reason I have had the luck to work with drivers and matrons who do know how to handle my child correctly, is because of the many years of experience they have. So I urge this council to make sure these men and women continue working with rules like the EPP in place, and are not left at the mercy of private, for profit bus companies. In addition I urge our politicians to continue the process to increase training for the bus attendants.
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Parents to Improve School Transportation Update late April-May 2014
Contents: New legal campaign, Media, Events & internet campaigns
New legal campaign
See our separate shorter email titled "School bus rights campaigns" for the information and attachments in English and Spanish.
Media
1) Coverage of My Time press conference on 4-16, raises bus issues:
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2) Some of us found this explanation of the “common core” background history and ‘who profits?’ helpful, written by a longtime PIST supporter:
Part 1 http://www.workers.org/articles/2014/04/12/war-public-education/
Part 2 http://www.workers.org/articles/2014/04/17/common-core-educational-industrial-complex/
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3) Never forget Avonte Oquendo! Efforts to install door alarms in District 75 schools are blocked by bureaucracy at this time:
http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2014/apr/17/cornegy-sounds-school-door-alarm-proposed-bill/
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4) Website created by Autistic Self Advocacy Network for April 2014: http://www.autismacceptancemonth.com/about/
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Events:
Thursday April 24 --
--Summer Options for Children with Disabilities workshop
10am - 12pm
Brooklyn Heights Library
280 Cadman Plaza West at Tillary Street
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Thursday April 24--Postal workers and community protest shift of mail to minimum wage Staples
11 am-12:30 pm in 34th Street area see http://clupjs.com/
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Thursday April 24--Rally against overuse of unfair testing 4:00 pm at Tweed steps. See changethestakes.org
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Thursday April 24--Citywide Council on Special Education monthly public meeting 6-8 pm at Tweed (52 Chambers St., Manhattan)
Guest speakers from Parks Dept and Bronx Legal Services.
For info ccse@schools.nyc.gov 718-391-8354
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Thursday May 1 May Day Workers and Immigrant Rights rallies --12noon at Union Square and 5:00 pm at City Hall -- SEE http://www.may1.info/ and nycclc.org
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Thursday May 1 JCC Parent Engagement hosts "an open discussion with Alexandra Robinson, Exec. Director of the Office of Pupil Transportation", 6-8 pm at 334 Amsterdam Ave, NYC
RSVP to suzanne.peters.nyc@gmail.com
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Saturday May 3 Bronx Family Resource Fair
All day at P811X, PIST has a table!
Reply or Contact Milagros to help 347-364-7506
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May 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 22th and 27th, 2014 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Education Advocacy for Parents/Abogacia Educativa para Padres
Paola Jordan @ 1 212 643 2840 Ext 305 Sinergia Inc. 2082 Lexington Ave. – 4th Floor
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Miércoles, 07 de Mayo 2014 ¡Foro de Padres de Nueva York invita padres, abuelos y cuidadores masculinos de los niños con discapacidades!
2082 Avenida Lexington, piso 4 desde las 6-8:30pm
Este evento es GRATUITO pero hay que registrarse.
(DAD) 379-FFNY / rsvp@fathersforumny.com
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Week of May 12:
OPT is looking at bids on 4000 routes for Fall 2015 so far without EPP!
Stay tuned in case of protests.
In http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/DCP/Vendor/RFB/Default.htm it says:
BID OPENING DATE & TIME: May 14 and May 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the School Construction Authority –Atrium 30-30 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101
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Saturday May 17 Taking Back our Schools
Rally 2:00 p.m. at City Hall Park, brief march, over at 5:00 p.m.
Endorsed by PIST.
Please RSVP pistnyc@gmail.com to join a School Bus rights contingent. Check for our location closer to the date at 347-504-3310.
General Info & flyers: http://tiny.cc/NYCmarch
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Ongoing internet campaigns:
--Write to Mayor DeBlasio to support quality busing! He can start by restoring Employee Protection Provision to all the contracts, as the Public Advocate and City Councilmembers have suggested. http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/contact-the-mayor.page
--sign Susan’s petition to split the long routes http://www.change.org/petitions/nyc-mayor-bill-deblasio-and-schools-chancellor-carmen-farina-stop-assigning-children-with-special-needs-to-school-buses-that-go-to-more-than-one-school
--we agreed to also pass this petition for a public hearing on the Con Ed explosion in East Harlem and ramifications for tenants and the environment at http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/public-hearing-gas-explosion
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
New legal campaign / Nueva campaña legal
G&E national whistleblowers law firm have prepared a questionnaire for parents . They want to investigate possible fraud in school busing contracts in NYC. You can get it from pistnyc@gmail.com.
This is another approach being offered at no charge, to go along with the very helpful work that Civil Rights Attorney Norman Siegel has been doing. Please print the questionnaire, complete and mail to the address indicated or scan and email to dfischer@gelaw.com.
Unos abogados nacionales G&E han preparado una encuesta para padres de familia. Quieren investigar la posibilidad del fraude dentro de los contractos de transporte escolar en Nueva York.
Esa tactica nos ofrecen sin cobrar, en coordinacion con lo que hacia el Abogado de Derechos Civiles Norman Siegel. Se puede obtenerla por medio de pistnyc@gmail.com. Favor de imprimirla, llenarla y enviarla a la direccion indicada, o ‘scan’ y envia por correo electronico a dfischer@gelaw.com.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Things we learned from OPT’s reps at the May 1, 2014 JCC meeting that Suzanne Peters facilitated are:
--Only 3 people in all of OPT have access to read the IEPs on SESIS.
--Routes for summer start to be made up in early June; routes for fall, at the end of July…parents should call OPT 3 weeks ahead of time to check on medical codes.
--“Lift” and “Wheelchair” are two different codes. If the child has a wheelchair and the only code is Lift, the routers may assign to a bus that is okay for walkers but not wheelchairs.
PLEASE KNOW THAT PIST SUGGESTED (AGAIN) THAT OPT INFORM ALL PARENTS NOW of things like the maximum travel times by age, the names and contact info for their Borough Directors, how far in advance to check on things, and where to even find the Request for Transportation Accommodations form.
Instead of leaving it up to word of mouth, the DOE really should USE ITS COMPLETE ACCESS TO BUS PARENTS VIA BACKPACK MAIL in English and Spanish at least! They sure did this any time there were rumors of a strike and they wanted to justify attacks on union wages and benefits for service professionals, in the name of ‘competitive bidding’.
In past summers, it has been Local 1181 which took out paid ads in the highest circulation newspapers in English, Spanish and French reminding parents to check their child’s status at OPT. Why are parents and bus drivers & matrons doing more advertising and explaining for OPT than OPT does for itself? Just saying.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Make sure your child's accommodations are in place for next year
IEP advice
This is the time to make sure all the correct accommodations are in place for your child for summer and next year’s busing.
Just because you sent in the medical forms does not mean they transmitted to OPT. Call 718-392-8855 and find out what their computer says. Call or go into the school and make sure someone faxed the forms to SESIS, finalized, created an event, and contacted the school’s Transportation Liaison (public schools can ask their Network who that is). Then this Liaison has to contact OPT. The Liaison is often out visiting schools, leading workshops, or attending graduations and such, so the school may need to make several follow up calls or better, e-mails.
Changes to a ‘more restrictive’ type of service, i.e. further apart from general education busing, such as Limited Time Travel or Mini-Wagon or Lift cannot be done by a Waiver to Amend the IEP. There must be a Reconvene meeting.
Do not give up if the school psychologist and team are too busy in May and June…Reconvene meetings can occur in the summer at a Per Session site with whatever psychologist and team are present. You bring another copy of the documentation to them.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PIST supports East Harlem families displaced by the Con Ed blast
We were mentioned in a recent article about a rally which 4 PIST members attended (sorry, no link available yet).
The next rally for a community hearing is at the Con Ed shareholders meeting on Monday May 19 at 10 a.m. at Irving Place and 14th Street, Manhattan. Contact johnniestvns@aol.com
SEE eastharlemsolidarity.wordpress.com and the petition at http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/public-hearing-gas-explosion.fb56?source=c.fb&r_by=9779909
Please check our facebook page PIST NYC and upcoming Calendar email for more events of interest to school bus riders, parents and workers.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Puerto Rico school closings, hot buses media, EPP news and more
Parents to Improve School Transportation Update July 17, 2014
Contents:
1-Event Tomorrow-School closing crisis in PR;
2-Media on hot school buses;
3-EPP news (layoffs and status of Albany bill);
4-Parent Events;
5-our Boston allies
Attachment- Checklist of school bus regulations - Important!
1-Event Tomorrow-School closing crisis in PR
STEERING COMMITTEE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
WHAT: Press Conference to denounce education cuts in Puerto Rico
WHEN: Friday July 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: El Maestro, Inc. 1300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, 10459
Contact: Milagros Cancel (347)364-7506
Comité Timón’s New York chapter invites you to a press conference from the Puerto Rican diaspora to expose the violating of the rights of our children with disabilities and to say no to the closing of 80 schools in Puerto Rico.
According to recent news, the Department of Education in Puerto Rico “ reduced by more than $53 million the agency’s budget which presumably will impact in a negative way the special education students, an action contrary to the stipulations in the class action suit” headed by our committee.
We believe that among the 144,000 students with IEPs there will be many who will immigrate, seeking their education in the New York schools this September. Thus, this problematic situation could affect families and teachers on both sides.
2-Media on hot school buses (next week we'll have more):
NY 1
http://www.ny1.com/content/212096/girl-with-autism-speaks-at-city-hall-after-she-says-she-was-caught-on-overheated-school-bus/
By the way, the Jewett family reports that the same HOT bus continued to show up until WEDS 7/16! Shame on OPT.
News 12
NOTE: DOE says 'once the IEP is finalized showing A/C, the child has it within five days'. But there is no proactive outreach to parents to let them know A/C and other accommodations must be spelled out on the IEP with a specific form signed by a doctor...this form is not available online (but PIST has it if you need it)...They don't tell you that finalizing an IEP depends on the SESIS fax machine, which in the end of June was overloaded, slow and often out of service...
http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/group-calls-on-department-of-education-for-air-conditioned-buses-that-carry-special-needs-students-1.8770538
El Diario
http://www.eldiariony.com/padres-denuncian-falta-aire-acondicionado-autobuses-escolares-nyc
http://observer.com/2014/07/tish-james-sweating-un-air-conditioned-bus-rides-for-special-needs-kids/
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/public-advocate-pushes-air-conditioning-special-student-buses-article-1.1863026
At this time, the public advocate and her staff want to see the hot buses for themselves by visiting summer school sites.
If you can recommend one, these are the questions (thank you Pat): Please provide the Following information.
1. What are the total number of buses that arrive at the Site?
2a. About what time do they arrive in the morning? 2b. About what time do they arrive in the afternoon?
3. At that site what Buses / Bus Routes have the biggest problems and or HOT Buses?
Please let pistnyc@gmail.com know or call 347-504-3310.
3-EPP news (School bus job security)
According to the WARN letters (thank you Dunnys) All American laid off 260 + 103 in Queens + 401 in Bronx + 314 in Brooklyn = 1,077 drivers and matrons with experience including with wheelchair lift buses, as of 6/27/14.
Now, Reliant has a hiring fair for 800 school bus employees, looks like they are assuming no EPP--rumors are the pay is about half what it was.
Anyone want to call and see what they say the qualifications are??
How about asking how many air-conditioned vehicles Reliant even owns?
However, negotiations continue between City Hall and the Amalgamated Transit Union which recommends members hold out until August rather than accept jobs that will shortchange them (thank you Maria).
Parents can encourage NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio to restore Employee Protection Provisions, by calling 311.
Albany EPP bill: The New York State Assembly passed A 9499, and the State Senate ended the term with plans to address S 7233 in a Fall session. You can contact your state senator and NYS Governor Cuomo about approving this basic measure that impacts on the professionalism and safety of bus service.
Meanwhile, the 2015-16 school bus route bids that were postponed to 8/1/14 are now postponed to Halloween & the two days after Election Day. See http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/DCP/Vendor/RFB/Default.htm
4-Parent Events
(hopefully you are going to FUN family events but here is some serious stuff)
Free parent workshops end of July from Resources for Children with Special Needs - Manhattan/Bronx, English/Spanish - follow link for details - http://resourcesnyc.org/parents/calendar
7/26 training for parent leaders. Can anyone bring PIST flyers including the new lawyers' survey about bus conditions?
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/cej-parent-power-school-advanced-training-for-parent-leaders-tickets-11324288251?aff=eac2
SAVE DATE--We are thinking of holding school bus rights training for parents and youth on Saturdays August 9 and 16--let us know your interest.
5-our Boston allies
Follow link for Boston Herald coverage of the phony court case on School Bus Union leader Stevan Kirschbaum.
We agree with the interviewees, this is a caring person, who took time out to educate PIST by phone on everything from the 'bus route clinics' and flaws of the GPS software to the Boston Special Education Parents lawsuit and Labor law so we could better understand developments in NYC. Drop the charges! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMzICHURW44
ARCHIVES - School Year: 2012-13
Please click on Events page for 9-19-12 parent press conference on busing.
There is much to write about...This website has been neglected
but will be updated soon.
To receive PIST emails with news and events (about once a week such as what you see below) please write to pistnyc@gmail.com.
We are also on Facebook at PIST NYC and on Twitter at @pistnyc.
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Thanks to all who attended PIST meeting in Queens held Oct 6. We decided to support events such as the following 4:
1. Weds 10/10/12
New York City Council Hearing:
School Bus Service in NYC: Is DOE Meeting the Need?
1:00 p.m. (parents get to speak starting around 3:00)
250 Broadway, 16th floor Committee Room, Manhattan
Register with Sergeant-at-Arms before it starts, you can then testify for 2 minutes.
Or email comments to jatwell@council.nyc.gov
2. Weds 10/17/12 Two events:
(A)
Chancellor D. Walcott will address a “Parents as Partners” program at
Fashion Industries High School 24th St. between 7th and 8th aves, Manhattan
5:30 to 8:00 p.m
We suggest you bring a sign or question about DOE’s approach to BUSING
(B)
District 75 Community Ed. Council forum on OPT and busing
With OPT new Director Alexandra Robinson 6:30 pm
P721R, The Hungerford School 155 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10304
3. Thurs 10/18/12
Citywide Council on Special Education forum on OPT and busing
6:00 p.m. IS 259 at 7301 Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn, NY
Q & A with OPT officials---Sign up to speak 5:30---Contact ccse@schools.nyc.gov
Other information
Oct. 2012
1--Citywide Council on Special Education Related Services Survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QZ7RVJG
2--CEC 31 proposal to streamline process for gen ed bus variances
3--Read and write a letter about Early Intervention service issues at this link from the ARISE Coalition: http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/tracker?utm_campaign=pdf&utm_medium=pdf&utm_source=internal&utm_content=sites/default/files/on_page/ei_regulations_action_alert.pdf
4--Petition against NY State intention to provide "Private Confidential" student information, to a private corporation without parents' knowledge or consent! http://www.classsizematters.org/stop-slc-capture-kids-data/
Older--District 75 parent school bus survey
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DOE's OPT wants less $ invested in bussing but we need more! We need a School Bus Bill of Rights.
Please help get out the word about this week day event to dramatize our serious anger with a touch of humor:
Long School Bus routes that harm children and disrespect educational rights* are SCARY!
Join Parents to Improve School Transportation, and friends,
for a HALLOWEEN Protest
Weds 10/31/12 at 10:30 a.m.
At: Office of Pupil Transportation (aka HOUSE OF HORRORS) 44-36 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, 11101
*NYS Ed. Dept: Special education means specially designed individualized or group instruction or special services or programs, as defined in subdivision 2 of section 4401 of the Education Law, and special transportation, provided at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
Children/costumes welcome pistnyc@gmail.com (se habla español)
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SCHOOL BUS ROUTES STILL TOO LONG, FAMILIES SAY
The Queens chapter of Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST) will be at the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) at 44-36 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2012—Halloween—to protest what they call “scary” yellow bus routes.
This action is also endorsed by leaders of New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles, based in Brooklyn, and Common Sense Busing, based in Manhattan. These parent advocates say OPT’s version of busing realities differs from theirs.
“OPT officials keep repeating the line that the problem was one pre-K company, and that they solved it in the third week of school,” says Sharlene Figueroa, a PIST member from Woodside, “yet our organizations get calls, emails and Facebook comments every week from parents of bus children in all grades, citywide, who are suffering from bad routes created by OPT itself.”
Ten-year-old Kwame Stevens says, “Everyone is affected by this stuff. And we kids will fight for our rights, too!”
Retired special educator Margaret DePaula of Ridgewood insists that the conditions for students in wheelchairs on yellow buses are often unsafe. “There are no regulations about proper harnesses or headrests. Colleagues tell me buses are arriving without functioning ramps or lifts, aside from having incorrect start and end times for several sites,” De Paula states. “Disabled people fought for access to education, but today OPT’s cost cutting tactics are obstructing this right.”
All supporters of “ a safer, shorter, sensible ride to school for every New York City student who needs one” are welcome to the Halloween-themed speakout, organizers say. PIST NYC can be reached at pistnyc@gmail.com or 347-504-3310.
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Then Hurricane Sandy hit and everything was closed.
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Additional school/bus info for tomorrow
Since we sent out the below blast earlier, we have also gotten
1-- this link to new, longer list (now including several D75 sites) of closed and relocated schools thanks to Class Size Matters
http://shar.es/G1oLa
2--this list of closed pre K programs thanks to New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles:
3--this comment from a Facebook friend of PIST NYC (note that Atlantic has a few other yards but still):
"I know for certain that some Atlantic Express buses and Thomas buses were in zone A in Coney Island and went past their yards today, to take a friend to Sea Gate. It was devastating to say the least. Please be prepared to make alternate arrangements. Especially pre-schools that use Thomas. Good luck everyone & stay safe!"
4--this comment from a Facebook friend of New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles:
From schoolbook: - There are 7,700 bus routes for school students, many of which will be re-routed to accommodate students from other schools or who need a ride to their own. But the new routes are still being figured out.
5--And here's a disclaimer pasted from DOE site, also thanks to Class Size Matters:
Transportation for Staff and Students
While every effort will be made to meet limited-time travel mandates, traffic jams and long rides are likely. Due to temporary arrangements resulting from Hurricane Sandy, please be aware of the following considerations for students with specialized transportation needs:
There may be limited availability of mandated support staff such as paraprofessionals, attendants, and nurses
Direct communications with buses will be limited
It is possible that mandated medical equipment will be unavailable on some routes
Schools should advise parents to expect extended call-hold times for OPT and customer service
In cases where streets are impassable, pick-up locations may be changed
High school students will receive free MetroCards so they can travel to their new school locations.
Principals should refer families with transportation issues to the OPT hotline: 718-392-8855
Info related to getting bus kids to school Nov 5
Wishing everyone well from Parents to Improve School Transportation.
1 DOE says 96% of school buses will run, but that assumes the bus crews can get gas or other transport to the bus yard. The announced priority for gas has been first responders and transit workers.
2 We suggest parents contact your child's bus attendant by text if possible (remember they have to get up super early), if not, try the bus company, to check on true availability of your child's bus. And have some alternate plans ready.
3 OPT customer service is relocated to another site but the administrators are supposed to be at Vernon Blvd tomorrow. The recording says routes will be 'on or close to schedule'.
4 We have not found any announcement on busing for students who are staying in storm shelters. Has anyone been contacted to find out if your child is at their usual address?
5 When you get a chance, please let us know how this week goes at 347 504 3310; pistnyc@gmail.com, PIST NYC on Face book. If you have no other source for relief and volunteer info, we'll share that too, on request.
Here are excerpts from City info as of Saturday night (thanks to Movement of Rank & File Educators), and a link to a site with the closed schools (thanks to Class Size Matters).
Schools:
· Public schools will be open on Monday.
· However, 65 schools definitely will not open on Monday. This includes:
o 57 schools in 40 buildings that sustained damage from the storm
§ On Wednesday the students from these 57 schools will attend class in alternative sites.
o 8 schools where emergency shelters are located.
· There are another 178 schools still without power.
o We expect the vast majority of those will have power restored and be open on Monday.
· Note that Tuesday is Election Day and schools are closed that day.
· We are conducting extensive outreach to parents through robocalls, full-page ads in Monday's newspapers, as well as informing media outlets.
· We currently expect that 96% of school buses will be running on Monday morning, though there may be delays in pickups due to continuing cleanup on the roads.
· A reserve of substitute teachers have been called up to ensure that all classrooms are covered.
· To get all the latest information about schools for the upcoming week you can:
o Visit nyc.gov/schools <http://nyc.gov/schools>
o Call 311
o Text the words "nyc schools" to 877-877
Roadways:
· With most mass transit resuming, we expect that the severe congestion of this past week will start to lessen.
· The 3-person HOV restriction on crossings into Manhattan expired yesterday.
· The Holland Tunnel is open to commercial vehicles and buses. Details here: http://www.panynj.gov/alerts-advisories/inclement-weather.html
· The Hugh Carey Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and the Midtown Tunnel are still closed.
· Alternate side parking will not be in effect tomorrow (Sunday) and will be in effect on Monday.
· Meters are in effect.
Mass Transit:
· Subways, railroads, and buses are operating on a modified basis.
o 80 percent of the New York subway system including subway service between Brooklyn and Manhattan has been restored.
o The 4, 5, 6, 7, F, J, D and M trains are fully restored.
o The Staten Island Railway has resumed limited service.
o LIRR and Metro North are running with modifications, with large parts of the systems already restored.
o Bus service is largely restored
o Suspension of fares for MTA services is no longer in effect. Customers should expect to pay full typical fare.
o All details on MTA service status can be found at: mta.info <http://www.mta.info/>
· Staten Island Ferry service is running on its regular schedule.
· The East River Ferry is running.
· PATH service is still suspended as they continue to remove water from facilities and fix damage.
· NJ Transit services have been restored on a limited basis. Details are here: njtransit.com <http://www.njtransit.com/> .
Gasoline
· The National Guard is providing motorists and people needing fuel for generators with free gasoline at four armories in the city, as well as in Freeport, Long Island.
o There is a 10-gallon limit per vehicle.
o The locations in New York City are:
§ Queens Armory at 93-05 160th Street in Jamaica
§ Bronx Armory at 10 West 195th Street
§ Brooklyn Armory at 1579 Bedford Avenue
§ Staten Island-Elizabeth Armory, at 321 Manor Road
· Last night, the Buckeye pipeline, the interstate gasoline transmission line serving New York City, pushed 100,000 barrels of fuel into our city - the first major influx since before Sandy struck.
· It will likely take a few days before you see the effect of this additional supply at your neighborhood service station.
· With the subway system back in operation, there should be considerably less congestion on our roadways going forward.
· We still encourage people to not drive unnecessarily.
2 Here is Schools official info redone as a site by Class Size matters:
http://tinyurl.com/cplwc6y
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11/8/12 URGENT-CUOMO DROPS STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL BUSES AND DRIVERS, BLAMING SANDY
NYS Governor just decided to suspend regulations for bus driver qualifications.
See below.
Obviously it is nerve wracking for parents to have bus driven by someone who yes, knows how to drive a big vehicle, but no, never trained or worked with children, period.
Did you know that in 1979 strike kids were put on Corrections Dept buses? The vehicle requirements are also compromised here.
President of ATU 1181-1061 told us today:
There is no shortage of drivers; the DOE won't allow them to follow the work. Experienced drivers and matrons are available! The companies need buses.
Do you agree that this is hasty and potentially dangerous?
We think it is important to respond to this even while we are all having to deal with other aspects of the storm effects.
Sometimes what starts out as temporary/emergency measure lasts longer, as in the destruction of public schools in New Orleans after Katrina.
More info to follow. Contact: pistnyc@gmail.com Phone: 347 504 3310 Facebook page: PIST NYC
Temporary Suspension and Modification of Statutory Provisions Relating to the Transportation of School Children in the City of New York
WHEREAS, on October 26, 2012, I issued Executive Order Number 47, declaring a disaster emergency in all 62 counties in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Hurricane Sandy has forced the relocation of 18,000 students in kindergarten through grade 8 from their regular school locations to other school buildings, while also damaging a significant number of school buses needed to transport these students; and
WHEREAS, the New York City Department of Education must arrange alternative transportation to ensure that these students are able to continue attending school;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANDREW M. CUOMO, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify specific provisions of any statute, local law, ordinance, orders, rules or regulations, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such provisions would prevent, hinder or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster, hereby temporarily suspend and modify, as the case may be, for the period from the date of this Executive Order until further notice, the following:
Section 3623 of the Education Law, and regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent that such school bus requirements shall not apply to motor vehicles operated on an emergency basis for the transportation of New York City pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to or from school or school activities;
Section 3624 of the Education Law and Section 501 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent that motor vehicles operated on an emergency basis for the transportation of New York City pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to or from school or school activities may be operated by drivers who do not meet these school bus driver qualifications but are otherwise qualified to operate such motor vehicles;
Section 140 of the Transportation Law and Sections 375 and 383 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent that provisions applicable only to school buses shall not apply to motor vehicles operated on an emergency basis for the transportation of New York City pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to or from school or school activities.
G I V E N under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this seventh day of November in the year two thousand twelve.
BY THE GOVERNOR
Secretary to the Governor
Source URL: http://www.governor.ny.gov/executiveorder/65
………………………….
November 10, 2012
STUDENTS DISPLACED BY SANDY DESERVE THE BEST IN BUSING
Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST) is alarmed by Governor Cuomo’s November 7 executive order to change what qualifies a driver to be a school bus driver and what qualifies a vehicle to be used for school transportation.
The Executive Order (http://www.governor.ny.gov/executiveorder/65) reminds us of other arbitrary decisions being decreed by State and City authorities during this crisis without input from the real stakeholders.
For example, on the eve of the November 5 return to school, NYCDOE:
(a) Claimed that 96% of bus routes would be running fine, without consulting bus workers who knew the realities of flooded out bus yards and the gas shortage;
(b) Advised people to call the Office of Pupil Transportation, but OPT facilities were still compromised by the storm: schools and parents have reported difficulty getting through to OPT and bus companies all week;
(c) Absolved OPT of responsibility for special transportation needs of students with disabilities for the return to school.
PIST extends our solidarity to families in—or displaced from—areas suffering from hurricane-related damage. Because we believe that transportation is a true extension of the school day, that can make or break equitable access to education, we want to make sure that displaced students will not be subjected to substandard busing conditions just so the City can collect attendance-based funding. Will the drivers have CPR training and background checks? Will there be seat belts? Will some children be forced to ride on Corrections Department buses?
There are qualified, trained and experienced drivers and attendants available to work—due in part to DOE’s disregard for the Employee Protection Provision, which allows school bus workers to follow the work instead of being replaced by new, lower-paid hires. There is federal and state money that could be invested in fully functional, properly equipped yellow school buses. Where is the will to make the rides safe and respectful for all concerned?
In our view, DOE’s Office of Pupil Transportation has not shown itself capable or motivated enough to maximize the quality or quantity of bus routes available to schoolchildren. This can be seen by its refusal to provide middle school busing in Staten Island during 2010-11 and 2011-12, much less in the Rockaways, and its overlong routes for disabled students every year.
We demand that all planning for implementation of the Executive Order involve those entities most disposed to give proper consideration to Safety and fair labor practices. Here in NYC, the parent and community activist groups in the areas hardest hit by Sandy, along with the unions of school and school bus employees and other transit workers, are the organizations of record for resolving this crisis, and must be brought to the table. We want the Department of Education to immediately convene a meeting with these parties to exchange information and negotiate an emergency plan.
New Yorkers who agree can call 311 to express your support for a well-thought out plan for safe, quality bus rides for all who need them. Contact pistnyc@gmail.com or 347-504-3310 or see Face Book PIST NYC to be directed to a petition and more information.
(If you are reading this on www.pistnyc.org, please go to the Press page for coverage of the post-Sandy buses)
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11/12/12 Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
The long term and indirect effects of the hurricane are coming closer to all schools and school buses, as resources are being stretched instead of replenished.
We have confirmed that certain bus companies had many vehicles destroyed by the storm, while others have had difficulty getting enough gas.
Governor Cuomo’s Nov. 7 executive order has opened up the possibility of DOE and OPT using other vehicles (which might or might not be recognizable as, or have the safety features of, real school buses) and, just as scary, of overlooking the hundreds of school bus drivers waiting for work and instead hiring unknown people who may not have been trained or even screened to work with children.
We want everyone to have access to school sooner than later, but it is unacceptable to lower the standards for safety, service and equipment, particularly for children who are already coping with tragedy and instability.
Please read our statement titled STUDENTS DISPLACED BY SANDY DESERVE THE BEST IN BUSING and let us know what you think.
Please call 311 about this, and be ready to sign our upcoming petition insisting on SAFE, FAIR implementation of this order statewide.
Meanwhile here is a round up of info about school transportation after Sandy:
1. See section titled Transportation for students at relocated schools at http://schools.nyc.gov/Home/InOurSchoolsToday/2012-2013/cancellations.htm
2. If you click Here are some frequently asked questions., you will get a long document making many claims about how DOE is meeting student needs after Sandy damage.
See the sections on School Transportation and Special Education Services.
Note what they say about siblings with and without IEPs riding same bus (finally!) and also how they expect older students without metrocards to find and pay their own way to an unfamiliar location.
3. See NY1 piece referencing the shortage of buses in the context of other school confusion, thanks to Class Size Matters, at http://www.ny1.com/content/education/171990/ny1-exclusive--students-in-displaced-schools-can-now-attend-nearest-school-they-can-get-to
4. We do not consider this an acceptable solution, but Reimbursement form and instructions for 2 out of 4 daily trips for parents transporting their own children because of Sandy, is available in many languages at http://schools.nyc.gov/Home/InOurSchoolsToday/2012-2013/cancellations.htm#transportation
5. DOE spreadsheet of schools being relocated and the host schools, with times of bus pickups is available at schools.nyc.gov. If you are near one of these sites and can check how it’s going, please tell them about our work, and then tell us what you learn including contact names. Thanks!
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WHAT PIST THINKS ABOUT THE CHARTERED COACH COMPANIES
This is what PIST thinks about the chartered coach companies, hired under the provisions of Cuomo's Nov. 7 Executive Order (http://www.governor.ny.gov/executiveorder/65):
Has any training and screening been done to qualify these bus drivers to work with children?
If the bus goes away with kids inside, no one will notice because those buses have dark windows, are not yellow, and are expected to zoom down the highway across state lines.
What supervision is being provided? In case there is a shortage of school bus escorts, we suggest that the DOE employ laid-off school aides from AFSCME DC 37, who are fingerprinted and experienced.
Aren't coach buses the ones that had the big accidents last year coming from casinos? Are the drivers working other routes at night? Are they getting union scale and benefits so they don't have to? Who is representing the drivers?
We are glad the DOE saw fit to make a plan for students whose schools were damaged, but fear these students are being thrown into random situations in school and on the bus.
As with other decisions made by the city during this crisis, we have to wonder about the rush to get them back to school. Was it based on concern for education, or just for attendance money?
-Many of us had children in unheated schools during the Nor'easter.
-Many received incorrect information in the last two weeks--or no information at all, even when calling Office of Pupil Transportation repeatedly--about bus routes or Metrocards; we were on our own to transport our children and ourselves.
-Who is checking whether the doubled up schools even have enough space, resources and personnel to provide a stable, normal school experience?
Parents to Improve School Transportation will continue to insist that, the schools most affected by Sandy deserve the safest, most child-friendly buses and drivers, and screened, trained monitors--even on general education routes. The government must take responsibility for finding and funding yellow vehicles that meet the standards for school busing for students with and without disabilities.
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11/20/12 REMINDER TO PARENTS--POSSIBLE CREW CHANGES
Please start asking your child's bus crew whether they will still be there next week, only because this time of year is usually when the drivers with seniority get to pick their routes.
Better to be informed and prepare your child than be surprised.
More explanation & details to follow.
If you want to receive regular email updates from Parents to Improve School Transportation, please send your address to pistnyc@gmail.org.
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Parents to Improve School Transp. Update 12/6/12--News & Events, 1 attachment
News
1. Amalgamated Transit Union local 1181-1061 reports that all of their laid-off school bus drivers and escorts were rehired for routes created by November. This is in contrast to previous years when it took until late Spring to restore jobs lost in September.
Do you suppose this had anything to do with the major outcry from parents this year that led to press conferences, city council hearings, and much media exposure? We do...please stay organized!
2. Families who are now dealing with busing and OPT for the first time because of disaster response deserve our solidarity in light of the governor's corner-cutting (see articles on the Media page of www.pistnyc.org and PIST NYC facebook timeline). The flip side of item 1 above is that hundreds of 'casual' union drivers and escorts who are certified by the DOE and ready to work full time are only being used to fill in here and there, while the displaced schools are riding with uncertified drivers on casino-type coach buses. Please write to pistnyc@gmail if you want to be involved in petitioning for equal standards for post-Sandy school bus riders.
3. Links to 3 recent articles on school bus accidents. Our hearts go out to all those injured and/or traumatized. The DNA Info online paper is asking PIST for comment.
Perhaps yellow buses would be safer overall if they were under direct control of the state DOT instead of all this subcontracting via OPT, where job security for experienced drivers is being threatened. What do you think? Maybe parent leaders or disability self-advocates should be brought into the contract bidding process.
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121203/morrisania/nine-people-hurt-school-bus-accident-near-boston-road Comment: Did OPT quickly call the parents?
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121203/east-flatbush/5-children-injured-after-school-bus-van-collide-on-utica-avenue WHY are kids on the bus at 6:00 a.m.?
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121128/ridgewood/school-bus-carrying-special-needs-students-rear-ended-queens Comment: WHY were 40 children with IEPs on an elementary school bus? When will the child-to-adult ratios on the IEP be considered? This is point #2 on our Bill of Rights.
Events/Organizing
1. PIST will be doing outreach at the Queens Family Support Conference, see attached brochure.
Monday December 10th 2012! 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM!
Resource Fair 11:AM - 3:00 PM will include tables from:
Queens Council on Developmental Disabilities
New York State OPWDD
Bernard Fineson Developmental Disabilities Services Office
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
NYC Department of Education, District 75,
Office of Vocational / Transition Services
New York Hospital of Queens - Center
for Developmental Disabilities
Travel Directions to Flushing Sheraton Hotel
Hotel is at corner of 39th Ave. and Prince St. Two blocks
from Main St. / Flushing Subway Station.
#7 Train to Flushing/Main St.
LIRR—Flushing Station
Buses: # 66, 17, 27, 48, 20A, 20B
Municipal Parking available in the area accessible via 38th Avenue or 39th Avenue West of Main Street.
Visit the Website for conference information
www.qcdd.org
Write back if interested in meeting us there: pistnyc@gmail.com
2. Here is another event on Monday (evening):
High Stakes Testing: Helping or Hurting Education?
What: Panel discussion and community forum on the impact of high stakes testing on curriculum, instruction, and learning
When: Monday, December 10th, 6:00 – 8:30 PM (see flyer for details)
Where: The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center
3940 BROADWAY @ 165 STREET (A/C/1 trains to 168th Street station)
Panelists: Brian Jones, Dr. Pedro Noguera, Senior Deputy Chancellor Shael Polakow-Suransky, Diana Zavala
Sponsored by: Change the Stakes, The Shabazz Center, The Harlem/Washington Heights Education Film Screening & Discussion Series (Total Equity Now, Community League of the Heights, and the A.M.E. Zion Church on the Hill), the Offices of Council Members Ydanis Rodriguez and Robert Jackson, and CEC 6.
Please RSVP via email to changethestakes@gmail.com or by joining the Facebook event
** Spanish language translation will be available **
Download Printable and Electronic Flier with additional details for event in English and Spanish
3. Here are some free workshops offered this month by Resources for Children with Special Needs:
Your Child's Best Champion!
Tues, 12/11/2012 - 9:00am - 11:00am--Bronx
Gain the skills and confidence you need to speak, listen, and advocate on behalf of your child.
Your Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is going through many changes. This will impact your very young or school-aged child. These workshops are grouped by your child's age, and address basic information you will need as the system undergoes fundamental reform:
· Learn about current eligibility and services
· Plan for upcoming changes to service
· Understand how these changes will impact your child
Prepare for Change--Transition Age
Thurs, 12/13/2012, 10:00am-12:pm--Manhattan
Special Education Basics
Tues, 12/18/2012 - 9:00am - 10:30am -- Bronx
This quick but thorough journey through the NYC special education process will help you chart the best course for you and your child.
Turning 5 - Manhattan
Tues, 12/18/2012 - 9:30am - 11:00am -- Manhattan
Navigate the important transition to Kindergarten with your child with special needs.
These workshops are free, but registration is required.
For a full description of workshops visit:
www.resourcesnyc.org/trainings
More info/register by phone: 212-677-4650
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12/22/12
Season’s Greetings from Parents to Improve School Transportation
Urgent: Sneak attack on busing safety as Winter Break begins
Some parents received a letter signed by Chancellor Walcott on Friday 12/21, admitting that DOE is beginning the process of lowering the funds for bids for school bus transportation in the 2013-14 school year (Mayor Bloomberg and Gov. Cuomo have been working up to this since summer of 2011). Just like last November, the letter lists pathetic ‘plans to provide alternatives’ to school busing in case this move provokes a strike.
PIST believes the DOE hopes to manipulate parents into thinking that their cost-cutting executives care more about our kids than do the union drivers and attendants who ride with the students five days a week.
Parents be warned: an attack on the budget for school bus contracts is an attack on safety and stability for our children who ride yellow buses, in the short and long term. Like factories that subcontract for Walmart, the bus companies will drop quality and maintenance standards in order to make money. Like Walmart, the DOE will claim they're not responsible for any tragedies that occur.
We are preparing a very different letter that we will share soon, and gathering more information on how to collectively oppose this chaos. Please send questions and comments to pistnyc@gmail.com or on Facebook at PIST NYC.
***The From Day One Coalition will be having a press conference at the Tweed Courthouse on Sunday, December 23, at 2:00 PM, in which several elected officials will be in attendance.
From Day One says, “Mayor Bloomberg intends to propose a Request for Bid (RFB) without the Employee Protection Provision/Mollen Agreement. This is the agreement that ensures that trained and experienced drivers and matrons are the ones serving our children during their travel to and from school.”
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12/23/12 BRIEF REPORT ON SCHOOL BUS PRESS CONFERENCE
These are the media we saw at today’s press conference about school bus contract bids: Channel 41, 47, Fox 5, ABC7, WCBS 880 AM, DNAInfo, World Journal. Please let us know if you find any coverage.
The lawyer for ATU 1181 responded to Bloomberg’s statements about the legality of dropping seniority protections. Apparently Bloomberg held a press conference on Friday, stating that his ‘hands are tied’ because the law does not require Employee Protection Provisions in all contracts. The lawyer reminded us that a law requiring EPP in all contracts passed the State Assembly and Senate but was vetoed by Cuomo at Bloomberg’s explicit request. (See attached letter).
He and former Board of Ed president Bill Thompson both explained that in 1995, the city reassessed the hiring system and decided that industry-wide seniority is a good way to ensure safety and continuity for the students. The messed-up routes our disabled pre K students had in September were an example of DOE giving contracts to companies who had never done this work before.
Other politicians who spoke for prioritizing Safety over cost cutting were Leticia James, Jumaane Williams, Bill deBlasio, Bill Thompson, John Liu, Robert Jackson, Elizabeth Crowley and Vincent Gentile. The program was facilitated by Minister Kirsten John Foy on behalf of the From Day One Coalition.
A couple of concerned parents and teachers stood in solidarity. Our signs said “Don’t Walmart-ize our school buses” and of course, Parents to Improve School Transportation. From Day One is trying to get a permit for a parent led rally later this week on the steps of City Hall. Please keep in touch for details. Prepare your children, they have a place in this effort! We all know the school bus is their lifeline. Let's unite to make that lifeline stronger, not allow Bloomberg and Cuomo to make it weaker.
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SCHOOL BUS NEWS 12/28/12
1) Next step in bidding on our kids' buses for next year is Thurs. Jan 3 at 1:00 p.m. at 30-30 Thomson Ave, LIC (next door to OPT).
Of course this is a tricky time of day for parents who have to meet the bus.
Please let us know if you would consider going there to observe.
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/DCP/Vendor/RFB/Default.htm
2) Please stay tuned for a petition from parents to the Mayor based on the statement below, and other updates, in the next day or two.
3) Please tell us whether or not your child's school has held any bus evacuation drills this year.
4) Above is PIST Statement to parents at this critical moment for NYC school busing.
Please feel free to comment, post, forward, print & share.
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WHY IS THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN UP FOR BIDDING? 12/20/2012
We are parents who organize other parents to demand better conditions for the education and transportation of students with and without disabilities.
We do not accept “cost cutting” as a reason to force children onto long, twisted bus routes that stop at too many schools; routes that make many children miss school breakfast, classes, Related Services and/or Extended Day. We are sick and tired of violations of legally mandated transportation accommodations—such as limited time travel and climate control—that cause kids with special needs to arrive physically and mentally drained to school and home: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Feducation&id=8816875
We are fearful of inadequate equipment on wheelchair buses. We want more, not less training for bus crews. We are angry at the lack of policies for separating teens from little kids on specialized transportation. We think it’s hypocrisy for the DOE to suddenly start documenting bus evacuation drills that we have been demanding for two years (http://www.pistnyc.org/bill-of-rights.aspx) but have yet to witness.
At this time the authorities, from Governor Cuomo to Mayor Bloomberg to Chancellor Walcott—who have never reached out to parents like us about the above concerns—are speaking and acting in favor of more “cost cutting” in the yellow bus system.
They are attempting to establish contracts for pre-K without the job protection and related benefits that all bus workers in K-12 have had for more than thirty years, known as Employee Protection Provisions or EPP. This would set a precedent for the other age groups to eventually lose these protections also.
We disagree because the working conditions of bus drivers, escorts, and mechanics are the riding conditions of our children.
EPP = SAFETY! Having people with industry-wide seniority follow the work when different companies win bids means the adults on the bus: know what they are doing, are trained in emergency first aid, and are less afraid to point out potential safety hazards to their boss. School bus drivers should be able to support themselves without a second job, and to retire before their reflexes slow down.
EPP = STABILITY because a decent wage and benefits package means lower turnover and less burnout. Children who see familiar adults on the bus over the years feel safer and behave better.
EPP = BEST PRACTICES. School bus companies are in business to make money, so a contract without enough funding for training, dry runs, equipment, repairs and maintenance will pressure them to lower standards. Don’t our children deserve safe, quality service?
EPP is not only for the union. IT IS OUR TAXES AND RESOURCES BEING PUT TOWARDS ALL CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS!
When we read NYCDOE messages, we remember their record of downplaying the importance of school bus conditions to ensure these rights.
In September, when Autistic three-year-olds had three- and four-hour bus rides with inexperienced ‘competitive bid’ companies, Bloomberg said, “My understanding is they’re actually doing a pretty good job.” (http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/09/11/cbs-2-gets-action-in-outcry-over-nyc-special-needs-bus-problems/)
In October, when parents, Deaf students and educators, and school bus union leaders began to testify at Council Member Robert Jackson’s Oversight Hearing on School Busing, the DOE officials walked out. (http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2012/10/parents_of_special-needs_children.php; http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Parents-of-Special-Needs-Students-Frustrated-over-School-Bus-Problems-173583021.html)
In November after Sandy, authorities rushed to reopen schools—even those without heat or with mental health shelters inside. Following Cuomo’s executive order (http://www.governor.ny.gov/executiveorder/65) to drop regulations on vehicles and drivers, they placed students from the hard-hit areas on casino-style buses (http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121116/new-york-city/city-turns-coach-buses-shuttle-kids-from-schools-closed-by-sandy#ixzz2G7VY6L64).
With the NYSED regulations gone until further notice, EPP may be the only regulation on busing services that is in effect at this time!
In December, with families still reeling from Sandy and Sandy Hook about to begin winter break, the NYCDOE admitted in writing that they want to cut the cost of employing people who provide a vital service to 15% of schoolchildren: yellow school bus drivers, matrons/attendants, and mechanics. The authorities appear willing to risk a legal strike at the cost of our children’s ability to get to school. (http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Transportation/default ) UNACCEPTABLE!
The new bid proposal even recommends busing general and special education students together in 2015, despite the concerns of parent leaders. (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/special_ed_bus_kid_mix_en_route_gjavbRvbC4q6HTt0VYKQ6L?utm_medium=rss&utm_content=Local)
Of the two parties to the union contract, we have found that it is the union who agrees with parents on not wanting to throw away standards, while the authorities seek to sell our children’s safety to the lowest bidder.
Please contact us for more on how and where to protest this type of bidding. Parents should not be the last to know what goes on in bid meetings that involve children’s lives. You can also call 311 today and tell the mayor you support EPP.
Parents to Improve School Transportation
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https://www.wnyc.org/story/303294-talk-of-school-bus-strike-heats-up/
Jan 6, 2013 · by Brigid Bergin Beth Fertig has the latest on possible school bus strike
City officials are bracing for a potential strike of city school bus drivers as early as Monday morning. The weekend saw an escalation of the standoff between Local 1181, the union representing some of the drivers, and the Department of Education which is seeking bids for new contracts covering bus routes for some of the city's special needs students.
It's the first time the city has sought to renegotiate these contract in 33 years; the union is concerned that new bus
contracts don't include job protection for current drivers and bus matrons. The union argues it's a matter of safety: more experienced drivers will keep students safer.
"We do not want to strike," said Local 1181 president Michael Cordiello at a rally Sunday. "A strike is the last card we want to play. But if we are given no other alternative and no other option, we will do what we need to do to protect the children of the city of New York and to protect the workforce of the school bus industry."
But Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott said that safety is not the issue.
"Seniority doesn't guarantee safety," said Walcott at a briefing Sunday to update parents and students on how the city is preparing for the potential strike. "Good drivers, good bus companies guarantee the safety record of the person coming in and therefore the safety of our students. We would never ever allow our students to be put in harm's way."
In the event of a strike, city officials have already set up contingency plans for families of students who receive yellow bus service. For families that are not near public transportation, the D.O.E. will offer
some reimbursement for travel costs at the rate of 55 cents per mile or for the cost of cab or car services.
The D.O.E. said it would also issue MetroCards to the students at the school's general office. Parents of students with individualized education plans (IEPs) in grades K-2 may also request an additional MetroCard so they can be escorted to school.
But these contingency plans aren't sitting well with parents of special needs students, like Madeline Sinor. She was at the rally in City Hall Park Sunday to support the yellow school bus drivers who she said are with special needs students like her daughter, "every morning and every afternoon."
"Some of these kids that they transport have serious medical issues," she said. "MetroCards are not going to do the job."
Union officials said they do not oppose the city's contract bid itself. What they want is for it to include the so-called Employment Protection Provision, which would guarantee job safety of current bus drivers and matrons.
City officials argue that they can't include the Employee Protection Provision because a court ruled it was illegal for a similar contract bid last year.
Cardiello said the union wants to sit down at the negotiating table with the city. Chancellor Walcott confirmed the city has not engaged in talks with the union since it sent out the contract bid on Dec. 21, 2012.
A system-wide strike would impact more than 152,000 students.
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ATU 1181-1061 announced School Bus Strike, join by parents, unions and council
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvN_fIbUwQQ video unavailable 2022 see photos and later coverage
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PARENTS CITY WIDE STRATEGY MEETING January 19, 2013 , 12 noon
THE MAYOR’S ANTI-UNION ATTITUDE IS HURTING OUR SCHOOLCHILDREN!
Family members of bus-riding students need mutual support to address three concerns:
1. Problems people are experiencing with the city's 'alternative transportation plan'
2. How to get our children to school and back during this strike, or get their mandated instruction and therapies by other means
3. How to help the drivers and matrons bring the strike to a speedy resolution that benefits the long term safety and education of NYC students with and without disabilities. In other words, how to get Employee Protection back into the bids!
Parents to Improve School Transportation invites all who are willing to exchange ideas and take on some of this work to a:
CITYWIDE STRATEGY MEETING
Saturday January 19, 2013
12 noon to no later than 3:00 pm
at Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181-1061
101-49 Woodhaven Boulevard
Ozone Park, Queens, NY 11416
Building has parking, elevator and accessible restrooms
Near A train Rockaway Blvd. stop--which has long staircase
This is not a media event or a political rally. This is a working meeting! Bring your skills, information and energy. Children are invited to create artwork about the school bus, to send to the picket lines.
RSVP: pistnyc@gmail.com, 347-504-3310 (se habla espanol)
For those who want to do something right this second, you can:
a) sign and share the petition at aflcio.org/safety1st
b) comment on the facebooks and twitters of the NYCDOE, Mayor Bloomberg, the media, etc.
c) visit any of the bus garages where pickets are happening 24 hours a day, see http://nysaflcio.org/strike-supportpicket-locations/ d) translate this message to another language
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Reunion sobre ESTRATEGIA a Nivel de CIUDAD Sabado 19 de enero ,2013
Estimados Padres, Defensores y Activistas,
Como ya saben, el alcalde aún no ha acordado re-abrir petición de contratos a las compañias de autobuses escolares para que legalmente se pueda incluir la Provisión de Protección de los Empleados en las propuestas de contrato para las rutas 2013-2017, y por eso los miembros del Sindicato “Amalgamated Transit Union L. 1181” se fueron a la huelga.
Las familias de los estudiantes que viajan en los autobuses escolares necesitan apoyo mutuo para enfrentar tres asuntos:
1. Problemas que enfrentan con el plan de la ciudad de ‘transporte alternativo'
2. Como llevar a nuestros niños/as a la escuela y de regreso durante la huelga y como cumplir con las instrucciones (estudios) y terapias obligatorias
3. Como apoyar a los choferes y sus asistentes en huelga para que puedan llegar a una resolución rapida que beneficie a largo plazo la seguridad y la educación de los estudiantes neoyorquinos con y sin discapacidades
Padres par Mejorar el Transporte Escolar les invita a un intercambio de ideas y a participar en la labor:
Reunión sobre ESTRATEGIA a Nivel de CIUDAD
Sábado 19 de enero, 2013
12 medio día a no más de las 3:00 de la tarde
en sindicato Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181-1061
101-49 Woodhaven Boulevard
Ozone Park, Queens, NY 11416
El edificio tiene estacionamiento, elevador y baños accesibles
Cerca tren A en la parada Rockaway Blvd. –que tiene escalera muy larga
Esto no es un evento para los medios de comunicación o manifestación política. ¡Esta es una reunión de trabajo! Venga con energia, información y listo para prestar sus conocimientos.
Se invita a los niños/as a crear dibujos y arte sobre los autobuses escolares y la huelga para enviar a los piquetes.
RSVP: pistnyc@gmail.com, 347-504-3310 (se habla espanol)
Para los que quieran hacer algo ahora mismo, ustedes pueden:
a) firme y circule la petición en aflcio.org/safety1st
b) comente en facebook y twitter de la NYCDOE, el alcalde Bloomberg, etc.
c) visite cualquiera de los garages donde están los piquetes 24 horas del día, vea http://nysaflcio.org/strike-supportpicket-locations/
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Kids Draw the News: Bus Strike Comic Strip
https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/kids-draw-the-news-bus-strike-comic-strip/
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1) NEXT PIST MEETING IS SATURDAY JAN. 26 AT 60 WALL STREET FROM 12 TO 3. RSVP pistnyc@gmail.com
2) LEAFLET RECOMMENDED FOR MASS DISTRIBUTION IS ATTACHED. TRANSLATION HELP STILL NEEDED.
3) HANDOUT FOR PARENTS IS ATTACHED ALSO. TRANSLATION HELP STILL NEEDED.
4) SOMEONE ELSE BESIDES US NOTICED THE BOSTON EXAMPLE
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/bus-strike-lessons-found-boston-article-1.1245442#ixzz2IoWjhejV
2 attachments —
Don'tLetBloombergThrowOurChildrenUnderTheBus 1-23-13.pdf
ADVICE FOR PARENTS DURING BUS STRIKE.pdf
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Solidarity Car Caravan Sat , Feb 2,2013 support ATU 1181-1061 & Parents NY flyer
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Unity Car Caravan Citywide - support ATU 1181-1061 School Bus Workers Boston flyer
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Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization ( IFCO ) Support School Bus Workers
nterreligious Foundation for Community Organization
Supports NYC School Bus Drivers Strike to
Protect the Safety of School Children
On January 16th some 8,800 school bus drivers, attendants (often called matrons), and mechanics who belong to Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181 went on strike after city and school officials declared their protection provisions are now “illegal” and can’t be part of future contracts the city has with private bus companies. Instead of hiring workers directly, the New York City government contracts private companies to bid on routes. At least 1,100 routes, including those for students with special needs, are up for bid this year.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and School’s Chancellor Denis Walcott have painted the strikers and their union as holding students, who depend on school bus transport, hostage out of selfishness and greed. But workers explain that at the heart of this fight is the right to maintain employee protections that enable workers to keep their jobs when bus routes pass from one contractor to another.
The workers get no paid sick days, work only 40 weeks of the year and are forced to collect unemployment the other 12 weeks of the year, which provides less than half their salary. The workers say they are open to the bidding process but they insist that the EPP be a part of the bid in order to protect long-term employees.
A growing number of parents of New York City school children are voicing their support for the school bus drivers and matrons. They say it is the Mayor and the Chancellor who are holding school children hostage. They says that the Employee Protection Provisions or EPP guarantee that our children will be supervised by experienced and skilled workers and that the safety and security of the children safely transporting children back and forth to school is the top priority. And the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) agrees.
IFCO joins the workers and the parents of New York City school children in their demand for better conditions for the education and transportation of students with and without disabilities.
We join the workers and the parents in refusing to accept “cost cutting” as a reason to force children onto long, twisted bus routes that stop at too many schools; routes that make many children miss school breakfast, classes and related services. Our school children should not be denied legally mandated transportation accommodations—such as limited time travel and climate control—that cause kids with special needs to arrive physically and mentally drained to school and home. These children deserve adequate equipment on wheelchair buses as well as well trained bus crews.
Hard working parents entrust these bus crews with the saftety and welfare of their precious children. We can demand no less. But unfortunately goverment authorities -- from Governor Cuomo to Mayor Bloomberg to Chancellor Walcott -- are attempting to establish contracts for over a thousand routes without the job protection and related benefits that all bus workers have had for more than thirty years.
Opponents of the bus drivers and matrons argue that this strike is illegal and that these workers are making unfair requests…..this is simply factually incorrect.
It is a fact that some students really need yellow bus services to get to school! Metrocards and taxis are not realistic solutions for most families. Even Access-a-Ride drivers can’t supervise and nurture children; besides, it takes 8 weeks to register.
It is a fact that the goal of the strike is reasonable. All ATU 1181 wants is to continue the seniority hiring list which provides job security for the most experienced school bus employees, with no change in pay or benefits. They simply want to ensure that they as working parents can ensure their employment to care for their families during this highly unstable working climate – nothing more, nothing less. Students and families also want safe, dedicated, knowledgeable bus crews!
It is a fact that the strike is legal. The National Labor Relations Board ruled in Spring 2012 that the City of New York is not a third party to the contracts.
It is a fact that Mayor Bloomberg and the Department of Education had a choice to either include or exclude Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) in bidding, and chose to exclude it. The claim that EPP is illegal is an excuse to cheat the children and workers out of decent standards.
This struggle, at its most basic level, is a fight about justice. The reality is that without Employee Protection Provisions, the workers may lose their wages, their benefits and possibly their jobs.
As a faith-based organization commited to the attainment of civil and human rights and grassroots social change, IFCO stands in solidarity with the school bus workers and the parents in this struggle. When injustice and indignity can longer be tolerated, people wil rise up and engage in struggle to correct those conditions. It is this unbreakable spirit that we at IFCO honor and support.
In 1955 when it came time to launch the Montgomery bus boycott Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., declared that there comes a time when people get tired of being trampled over by the iron feet of oppression. He said there comes a time when people get tired of being plunged across the abyss of humiliation, where they experience the bleakness of nagging despair. He went on to say there comes a time when people get tired of being pushed out of the glittering sunlight of life's July and left standing amid the piercing chill of an alpine November.
Fifty-eight years later, once again, we have arrived at that time. As people of faith we join the stikers and the parents of New York City school children in adopting the weapon of protest to call attention to this injustice.
It is time to stop blaming the workers for defending themselves.
The workers are not calling for a raise. They are not calling for an increase in benefits. They are simply calling for job security and a system that provides for the safety and well-being of school children. IFCO joins them in that call.
We join parents in calling on Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, and Chancellor Walcott to show some care for the children NOW by negotiating to extend EPP into the 2013-2017 school busing contracts so the strike can end.
Safe busing, and educational civil rights—now and in the future— depend on this first step.
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FEB 2: JOIN THE CITYWIDE SOLIDARITY CAR CARAVAN, NOON - 4 PM in NYC
STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH 8800 NYC SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS AND MATRONS TO DEMAND SAFETY FOR THE CHILDREN and JUSTICE FOR THE WORKERS!
10:30-NOON: Bring your car to Madison Ave. and 23rd St. to get set up with signs and a route
Noon-3:00 PM Drive through communities, converge on Mayor Bloomberg's house, 17 E 79th St, New York, NY
For details and logistical information, contact Parents to Improve School Transportation: 347-‐504-‐3310 (se habla español); pistnyc@gmail.com; Facebook PIST NYC
DONATE TO PIST PIST FIGHTING FUND APPEAL
Call Mayor Bloomberg at 1-888-833-7428 and tell him the Employee Protection Provision (EPP) belongs in all school bus contracts.Sign the petition at: http://nysaflcio.org/safety1st/, which also lists picket lines you can visit to learn more.
The 8,800 school bus drivers, matrons and mechanics of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181-1061 have been on strike since January 16th, fighting the anti-union Bloomberg administration's attempt to take away their job and contract security. As the New York State AFL-CIO wrote, "For the first time in 30 years, the mayor has removed a requirement that keeps the most qualified, experienced, and skilled drivers on the job." He did not have to do this and he can put it back legally!
If the contracts go forward on Feb. 12 without the Employee Protection Provision (EPP), bus companies can stop hiring from the citywide seniority list. This would only raise profits for them, not funds for classrooms. And it would lower the safety and quality of busing. We don't want the children on non-union buses that pay minimum wage.
Here is the leaflet issued by Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST):
Parents to Improve School Transportation: 347-504-3310 (se habla español);
pistnyc@gmail.com; Facebook PIST NYC DONATE TO PIST PIST FIGHTING FUND APPEAL
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Coverage of Feb. 10 march and rally
Sunday, February 17, 2013 10:20:00 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUDT9KBfIng
Strikers and parents march across the Brooklyn Bridge
This is a nice slide show of the Brooklyn Bridge march
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fleshmanpix/sets/72157632755604742/show/
Parents Ride Shotgun For Striking Bus Drivers
By Joe Maniscalco
To the chagrin of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the most powerful voices speaking out in support of striking ATU workers on February 10, belonged to disgusted parents of New York City public school kids who blame the three-term executive - and not the union - for stranding their children at the curb. (Read More and watch video)
This describes march and also the Feb 9 city council hearings
http://www.workers.org/2013/02/12/tell-nyc-mayor-bloomberg-stop-bullying-our-families/
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FEB. 12 BID ON NEW BUSING CONTRACTS
Well six parents went inside the bid for a couple hours and sat right behind the OPT gang. Behind us were lots of ATU members. We saw figures go onto a big spreadsheet, we saw some press and we saw a lot of security telling us to put down our signs that said SAFETY 1st. Outside were more strikers and more supporters. Scariest thing was a company whose name was --- Logistics. As if our children are just packages to be moved...
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Accidents with non union 'replacement' buses Feb 12 and 14
Please see press release we sent out on 2/13, far below with picture from accident on 2/12.
Please note first picture from accident that occurred yesterday 2/14 in Park Slope, Bklyn, 5th Ave. & 14th Street.
Victim was taken by ambulance to hospital. Safety Coach is a non union company.
Double runs are not only making children miss school time, but probably contributing to the rush and thus the danger.
On top of that, we have reports from parents about replacement crews who failed to secure nursery school children in car seats!
What else is Bloomberg willing to risk just to get his way?
We ask our friends and fellow parents, will you help us keep the pressure on the administration, where it belongs?
Parents to Improve School Transportation - PIST
14 INJURED IN BUSHWICK CRASH INVOLVING NON-UNION SCHOOL BUS COMPANY
Crash Shows Bloomberg's anti-Union Vendetta Endangers Schoolchildren
Parents Group Calls for Independent Community Investigation of Bushwick Crash
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tony Murphy 347-602-1584 Sara Catalinotto 347-504-3310
Fourteen people in Bushwick were injured -- eleven of them children -- when a car was slammed into by a school bus that union sources say was operated by the non-union Fortuna Bus Company.
The accident took place at 8:00 AM on Tuesday -- the very same day that Mayor Michael Bloomberg opened up bids to companies that are no longer required to hire school bus drivers and matrons of Amalgamated Transportation Union Local 1181, now in its fourth week on strike.
The school bus drivers and matrons now striking for their jobs have widespread support in the city, including from parents and families whose lives have been upended by the strike. They say Bloomberg's attack on the drivers' job security is creating a climate of tension and fear -- and blame the disruption in their lives on him.
"This is just one of many reasons why 'replacement' bus crews are rejected by parents," said Sara Catalinotto, a founder of Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST). "Leaders of PIST, the CCSE and other parents councils want the mayor to negotiate and get the experienced drivers and attendants back to work. Guaranteeing their job security is how Bloomberg can guarantee the safety and IEP rights of bus-riding children now and in the future."
Catalinotto -- one of the speakers at the Sunday rally where 5,000 union members marched for job protection -- said that parents are calling for an independent investigation by Bushwick community members into what caused the accident.
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PIST shows some love to bus workers on Valentine's day
Two PIST members delivered Carnations and bags of chocolates to the matrons and drivers picketing at Liberty and Sheffield Avenues in Brooklyn at the 8:00 a.m. shift change. A picture is below--see PIST NYC on Facebook for more.
Another PIST member delivered bags of candy and confetti to the Ridgewood Atlantic Express Yard picketers closer to the 12 noon shift change.
Yet another joined a special picketline outside the entrance to Barclay Center where Bloomberg was delivering his State of the City speech. We are looking for the coverage of the many interviews done, mostly in Spanish, by Bronx PIST leader Milagros Cancel.
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School bus strike declared over Feb 15
On Feb 15, after the five Democratic party mayoral candidates issued an appeal to the union*, the executive board of ATU 1181 voted to suspend the strike and 'continue the fight for EPP in other ways**'.
PIST and other parent groups are discussing ways to challenge what they consider the authorities' disregard for the civil rights and safety of school bus children, made apparent by the attitude of the current mayor. Bloomberg and the DOE brag that some $40 million was saved during the strike, but one-third of students with disabilities missed many days of school, while non-union replacement buses got into accidents.
The bus parent organizations have grown in awareness and anger at the disregard the authorities have shown for our children's needs, and we are intending to keep the pressure on for school busing that is safe and fair for all concerned.
To the politicians who pressured the union to wait until next January with no concrete promises, we ask:
What will busing look like from September until your inauguration? Our children do not have a guarantee until a critical mass of experienced matrons and drivers have a guarantee. We maintain that the future--of busing safety and of respect for attendant services as an IEP mandate--is at stake. DO NOT sell out the E.P.P.
To the members of 1181: We are inspired by your fighting spirit which is based so much on LOVE for children.
**http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/02/15/sources-new-york-city-school-bus-strike-apparently-will-end-tonight/
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Advocate groups going forward with 2/21 meeting
The ARISE Coalition & The Citywide Council on Special Education present -
Where Is The Bus?
Is your child missing instruction because of the bus strike?
Is your child missing other services? After school programs?
How do you know the driver or matron is certified?
Have you been reimbursed?
What can you do if you can’t afford to pay for car service yourself?
What are your options for alternate travel?
What should you do to ensure that your child receives their
mandated transportation services?
Join us at a PUBLIC SPEAK OUT!
Sponsored by The ARISE Coalition &
The Citywide Council on Special Education
Invited DOE representatives will be in attendance to answer any
questions that you may have and provide updates.
Thursday, February 21, 2013 6:00 pm at
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Please keep comments to less than five minutes.
Translation services will be provided.
~ Refreshments will be available ~
RSVP: (718) 391-8354
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SCHOOL BUS FAMILIES CONDEMN POST - STRIKE ATTACKS ON MATRONS' AND DRIVERS JOBS
Call for City Investigation Into Bus Company Violations of the WARN Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tony Murphy 347-602-1584
PIST hotline: 347-504-3310
Entrevistas en Español: Milagros Cancel 347 364-7506
Thousands of families found out yesterday that their drivers and matrons who recently stopped striking are still not back on their routes, due to companies assigning those jobs to others who only began working during the strike as replacements.
Sara Catalinotto of Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST) said, “We have been contacted by several angry parents whose children were met by new hires on Wednesday morning instead of the experienced matrons and drivers they expected.”
Jofaz Transportation laid off 109 matron/escorts, citing financial impact of the strike. A Google search reveals that Jofaz is linked to Boro Wide Buses as well as to limousine, coach and other transportation fleets around New York State. Mother of six Fatima Prioleau, whose youngest rides a wheelchair bus, finds it “frustrating to see this happening to the lowest-paid and women.” She called for other advocates to “get on this” along with PIST NYC and ATU 1181, the union of the laid off former strikers.
Margaret DePaula, a retired special educator whose grandchildren ride a yellow bus, emphasized that these cases indicate what will happen if, as Mayor Bloomberg wishes, companies are allowed to hire who they want—minus the EPP seniority list that the strike attempted to maintain.
DePaula charged the DOE with disregarding safety by “keeping extra drivers in the role of escorts with only a very short emergency training” as opposed to the full certification process and professional development days completed by the women who are now idled.
PIST dad Johnnie Stevens added, “We will continue to fight for a School Bus Bill of Rights to keep high standards for busing services.The security of our children is interconnected with the security of the workers who provide transportation, which is a special education right as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).”
“These companies are in violation of IDEA and also of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). The WARN Act requires companies with more than a hundred workers to give 60-day notice before closing a plant or enacting mass layoffs,” Stevens continued.
“We call on New York’s Democratic candidates for mayor who have expressed support for the union to immediately – not after the next election -- launch an investigation of these violations,” Stevens said. “As Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn especially is in a position to make this happen, including emergency legislation that would give the city enforcement powers -- i.e., a WARN Act with teeth."
"The bus companies have thrown workers out in the street. That's no way to treat workers who have been attending to the needs of our children for decades. We need a city council investigation now." Stevens concluded.
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Report from Parent Speak out 2/21/13
The strike was a confrontation between the business approach of the mayor which is that ‘companies should be able to hire whoever they want’ versus the union’s approach that ‘experience counts’. The use of replacements and the attempted lockouts show that if given a chance, many companies will go for less-qualified people who they can pay less. PIST believes it is necessary to have Employee Protection Provisions, among other standards for what constitutes good busing.
If the DOE wants to save money it can try for $175 M per year in Medicaid reimbursements rather than cheapen this important and legally mandated service. See http://www.uft.org/testimony/cost-pupil-transportation
On Thursday February 21, 2013, about fifty parents and others attended an evening Speak Out on the Bus Strike sponsored by the Citywide Council on Special Education and the ARISE Coalition at Brooklyn Borough Hall. PIST had four people there; a fifth was waylaid by problems with Access-A-Ride. One of the statements we gave (Sara’s) is attached.
Parent advocates from Common Sense Busing, JCC-Manhattan, RCSN, D75 Council, and PTA presidents joined individual parents in denouncing the city’s lack of a plan to meet our children’s educational needs before, during and after the strike.
Above all there was righteous anger that Chancellor Walcott as of Monday was still bragging about supposedly saving $60 million through the strike. There were many examples given of children who regressed by missing school and therapies; of families set back financially by the city’s failure to prevent or resolve the strike.
DOE representatives from the Division of Special Education and from Office of Pupil Transportation defensively claimed that the number of District 75 students who missed all 17 school days during the strike was 1,250. However if the roster for D75 is 23,000 and (taking the figures cited Thursday) if the average D75 attendance is 85% but was under 75% throughout the strike, then 10% or 2,300 missed school each day.
This does not count absences in D1-D32, which are not sorted by bus riders (including general education) and non bus riders, or in charter or non-public schools or Yeshivas also served by OPT. While DOE claims that it has now requested data from the non-public specialized schools, there was no mention of surveying community schools. PIST knows from our own members with children with Autism that they tended to miss about a day a week due to being overwhelmed by the change in routine and/or by the sensory assault of riding crowded mass transit systems. As Milagros added, the quality of therapy sessions was gone when the student arrived soaking wet from walking long distances to school in rain and snow.
We also know that children regularly missed hours due to difficult commutes in the morning and/or having to be picked up early in the afternoon so that siblings could be picked up on time. We know that adults lost hours and days of work. Everyone should be documenting all of this! To summarize, whatever DOE ‘saved’ came at the price of our children’s educational and related services and our family incomes.
Thus far the DOE’s only plan for restoring missed related service sessions is to have (overworked) therapists at the school evaluate each child in their caseload to determine how much help they actually need (!) and then provide extra sessions on lunch hour and after school. This will possibly be handled differently at private schools where attendance was only 30%, gee thanks. In other words, NO PLAN.
Several members at the panel expressed the end of whatever trust they had in DOE to genuinely include students with disabilities equally with other students. Please read and comment on this: http://www.schoolbook.org/2013/02/21/bus-strike-took-huge-toll-on-special-needs-kids/
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On Wednesday February 20, 2013, public schools were back and so were MOST school bus drivers and matrons who had been on strike. However, it took until the end of the week for owners at Jofaz Transport/Boro Wide Buses/Canal Escorts in Brooklyn, Reliant in the Bronx, and Rainbow/Citywide/All American, to agree to stop locking out hundreds of workers. As of Friday, 20-25 highly experienced Tufaro Bus employees are still waiting to be placed back in their assignments--which are now being filled by undertrained emergency replacements or by office workers who used to drive the bus years ago. See http://rakiasrants.tumblr.com/post/43570517962/were-some-of-the-atu-1181-drivers-who-participated-in
**Parents whose children have not yet been reunited with the bus crews they had before the strike have every right to complain to the company and OPT. We all should be alert to the potential for harassment that would indirectly affect our children. Remember, each company keeps a long list of petty violations ranging from driver not wearing a tie, to first aid kit missing 1 bandaid, to a homework page on the floor of the bus. These are used to squeeze money out of the union members’ paychecks rather than to actually improve service or safety.
***IF YOU MEET A ‘MATRON’ WHO WAS ‘CERTIFIED’ DURING the strike, you can be sure that this person did not receive the full training modules approved by committee members from the Citywide Council on Special Education and District 75 Council some years ago. Complain in writing and copy it to pistnyc@gmail.com.
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Parents to Improve School Transportation Update 3/5/13
BUSING NEWS; ORGANIZING; EVENTS AND PETITIONS
BUSING NEWS
As far as we know, Rainbow and Tufaro are still locking out about 100 drivers and matrons in all; the union is seeking relief under the National Labor Relations Act. Parents have made a statement to both the companies and to the DOE, as well as asking the City Council Speaker to address this with emergency legislation.
Attached is a letter--which you can still sign by replying to pistnyc@gmail.com, and a picture (credit to Raven Rakia, 1181: A Documentary) from our modest press conference last Friday March 1. Thank you to all who came out on short notice.
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Here are two journalistic pieces by parents whose kids’ buses have replacement drivers since the strike:
http://insideschools.org/blog/item/1000595-strike-is-over-but-the-bus-is-still-missing.
http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/featherstone-bring-back-the-old-school-bus-drivers-1.4749369
Thank you, Abigail and Liza!
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Here are two articles summing up the strike which include quotes from PIST (NYC teachers’ union paper and national pro-worker paper):
www.uft.org%2Fnews-stories%2Fbus-strike-over-battle-isn-t
http://www.workers.org/2013/02/26/lessons-of-the-nyc-school-bus-strike-was-it-worth-it/
Attached also is a thank you from the union ATU 1181 to school bus parents, please read.
ORGANIZING
*PIST signs and flyers were visible at the St. Patrick’s for All parade from Sunnyside to Woodside on Sunday March 3. Thanks Johnnie & friends from Community Labor United for Postal Jobs and Services.
*PIST will present at a Parent Association meeting in a D75 school next Monday, thank you Ms. Green.
*Many of us are bringing flyers about school bus rights to the parent teacher conferences at our children’s public schools as follows:
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Early Intervention budget Q&A (Thanks to Paola)
Rescheduled EICC Meeting, Friday, March 15th 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM videoconference (4 locations, must register to attend)
The Department will convene a meeting of the EICC by videoconference tomorrow, March 15, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Department will hear Council member's comments on the Executive and legislative one house budget proposals related to the Early Intervention Program, and answer any questions that members have about the status of the Department's implementation of the budget reforms from the enacted SFY 2012-13 budget.
The Open Meetings Law (OML) requires that EICC meetings be open to the public. Four meeting locations have been reserved that can provide the necessary videoconferencing capability and accommodate a public audience. Registration and Photo ID are required for entrance into all of these locations. Please use the information below to register for the location that is most convenient for you.
Location 4:
NYS Department of Health
90 Church Street - 4th Floor, Conference Room 4C
New York, NY 10007
All Council and public attendees must register. Send email to marosecurity@health.state.ny.us, with copy to par09@health.state.ny.us
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Also TODAY
Those seeking reimbursement from NYCDOE for strike-related transportation expenses, Friday 3/15 was the stated deadline. See below.
http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/6CCE5636-FF6D-4011-AD17-AB13E5C7B1ED/0/EnglishReimbursementFormInstructionsSampleFormRevised122112.pdf
However you can still file complaints with the Federal DOE within 180 days of a violation of student rights.
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html?src=rt
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RECENTLY
On 3/14, Margaret got out PIST flyers to parents at the press conference about privacy invasion by DOE and also to parents protesting a school closing
Coverage here http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/student-data-compiling-system-outrages-article-1.1287990#ixzz2NW6nerO9
During the week we got out PIST flyers at various schools parent-teacher conferences.
Next week D75 schools have theirs. Write back if you need hard copies.
Remember we have English, Spanish, Haitian Kreyol, Mandarin.
Coverage of March 1 PIST delivery of complaint letter to Quinn and others is here
http://www.workers.org/2013/03/08/parents-demand-union-school-bus-crews/
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03212013 School bus companies gone wild
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03182013 Lockouts, who to write to at DOE
Update: About 24 (the majority) of experienced drivers and matrons at Tufaro Bus are still locked out, while the number at Rainbow/All American/Citywide is down from 87 to 30. Parent letters to the DOE and the press have been successful in aiding the ATU's negotiation campaign to restore these folks, while they also a wait a ruling from the NLRB.
Parents--please do not accept under-trained, under-qualified bus crews while the real crews are ready and willing to attend to your children properly.
The Deputy Chancellor over OPT is Kathleen Grimm kgrimm@schools.nyc.gov,
OPT Executive Director Alexandra Robinson
arobinson21@schools.nyc.gov
OPT CEO Eric Goldstein
egoldstein@schools.nyc.gov
Remember to cc pistnyc@gmail.com so they know you have an organization behind you!! And don't forget your local councilperson needs to know this issue matters! Things will be 100 times worse in September if parents don't REBEL now against the trend towards throwing away senior drivers and matrons to save the companies a few dollars.
Related note: Atlantic Express bus company has been advertising jobs at reduced wage levels compared to the current going rate (eg. Matrons $10/hour)
Please see calendar below for places where you can meet other parents and education activists.
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1.
Result of random hiring during the strike where the owner (Joe Fazio) went out of his way to keep experienced union matrons from returning to their jobs:
Sleeping child left on a school bus! The child’s mother said that the driver and the matron were both new and both started after the school bus strike. She said that she felt they weren't trained enough. http://www.ny1.com/content/education/178945/ny1-exclusive--bus-driver--matron-arrested-after-allegedly-leaving-student-sleeping-on-manhattan-bus
2.
Please read the article at this link to get information on pay and benefit cuts that companies are imposing on school bus workers RIGHT NOW.
Bear in mind, the contracts have not expired yet (1/7 will expire in June), and the new low bids are not awarded yet.
At the moment, these companies are being paid as much as ever because their contracts were signed 5 or 4 or 3 years ago.
If they will violate contracts they signed with their employees, what else will they violate?
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/exclusive-school-bus-operators-cut-workers-pay-benefits-article-1.1294501#ixzz2OBLIZdYQ
As parents, we hope that these abuses will not bring about another strike in the 2012-13 school year, or a series of strikes every time the companies commit unfair labor practices.
We hope for--and will fight to attain--constructive improvements and investments in proper school busing, not slicing and dicing that destroys it.
The DOE and Bloomberg are not blameless, since they placed the emphasis on requesting low bids in the first place.
Taking care of our children is not work that should be set up on a part time or 'casual' basis but that is the logical conclusion of this trend.
Stability for our kids depends in part on security and benefits that will keep drivers and matrons invested in their jobs.
Today a 20-year driver was telling PIST all about the bus drills that she reminds the school to hold with her by the due dates.
We don't know if the March/April drill will happen, now that she is locked out of returning to her job! The majority of children on that route can not verbalize events to their parents.
If there are different drivers and matrons every week, who will even be able to keep track of whether drills were held?
The school administration didn't even know there was a replacement driver until they called the original driver when parents complained that their children were not home yet.
The shuffling that is known to be occurring within the companies who locked people out, also seems to be trickling out to other companies--even ones that were not on strike in January.
We need to keep a flow of information and documentation among bus parents, bus workers, and sincere educators to pinpoint the problems and demand solutions collectively.
Please do not hesitate to tell us about anything that seems unusual.
3.
Margaret did outreach at two D75 schools this week.
Milagros and Sharlene were at a mayoral candidate forum in Washington Heights tonight,
letting them know that there is a crisis to be addressed RIGHT NOW, not just after the election and inauguration.
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03242013 UPDATE INCLUDING ARTICLES ON BUSING CONTRACT ATTACK
This is a reminder of our efforts to bring awareness of the school bus problems to a bigger audience, and to organize ourselves for what's left of the school year.
As a veteran matron said on the PIST NYC facebook page:
Dina Nero It's really a shame, once all the senior people are phased out I don't know who will want this job.... Drivers hired after January 1st will be getting paid $14.50 an hour for a big bus and $11.50 an hour for a van, they will have no paid holidays or days off (no school= no pay) they will be guaranteed 5 hours per day and pay 9.5 % for medical benefits for individual only if they want family coverage they will have to pay the difference, no other benefits and pay will only be increased by 1 a 2 % per year. Why would anyone want to pay all the money it takes to become certified for such a little income. It's scary to think of who will be driving your children!
At the bottom are links to 2 articles of interest to school bus parents.
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy Spring Break in spite of it all,
from Parents to Improve School Transportation
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Today Sunday March 24 from 12 noon to 3 pm at 8th Avenue and 31st-33rd Street, Manhattan
there is a big rally with the state federation of labor against the sequester cuts,
and with the four post office unions against threats to thousands of postal facilities and tens of thousands of jobs.
PIST has a chance to first gather with tenants and seniors in the nearby Chelsea neighborhood
from 10 a.m. to 11:30 at 9th Avenue and 15th-16th Streets
in front of a post office that they are fighting to keep from being closed,
to talk and share flyers and listen to songs, and then march over.
We have some signs and flyers that say SAVE THE POST OFFICE, SAVE THE SCHOOL BUS!
The idea is that those who need a service and those who would like to keep working to provide that service are sticking together to fight those who would degrade or remove that service.
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Tuesday March 26 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
Parents to Improve School Transportation organizing meeting
Topics: Membership drive, Organizing to prevent another crisis now and in the Fall.
Questions 347 504 3310
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Two pieces on the contract slashing that the bus companies are trying to impose
http://www.schoolbook.org/2013/03/21/school-bus-workers-facing-major-pay-cut/
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/exclusive-school-bus-operators-cut-workers-pay-benefits-article-1.1294501
Report on the 3/21 Citywide Council on Special Education meeting on curriculum changes
http://www.schoolbook.org/2013/03/22/more-planning-needed-for-special-ed-students-under-common-core/
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April 19 Rally to SAVE BUSING!
We will fight to SAVE BUSING!
What has Bloomberg’s DOE done to school bus riders?
Provoked a strike by attacking the seniority hiring list known as EPP; then bragged about saving money while thousands lost instruction & therapies
During the strike, DOE memo to bus companies said to “replace” fully trained attendants, who know about disabilities, with hastily certified 2nd drivers; DOE did not respond to numerous accidents and safety violations
After the strike, DOE let several companies lock out experienced workers, leaving many students without a reliable bus; let companies keep less skilled, lower paid ‘replacements’ past the maximum time on the memo
Now silent, while their own contractors try to turn special and general education busing into a part-time casual workforce without a living wage.
Does DOE care about students or about profit margins of bus corporations?
Transportation is part of the civil right to a Free, Appropriate Public Education! Destroying the working conditions on the bus means destroying the riding conditions! Do we have to have a school boycott to get this taken seriously?
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Update including expose of Bloomberg's lies about EPP
4/14/13 Busing Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation
Look what the mayor’s own lawyers have said: Employee Protection Provisions are not illegal. Here is link to column by Juan Gonzalez on April 11:
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bloomberg-lied-bus-strike-job-protections-illegal-article-1.1314408
Told you so! Please get this article around with the link and/or tweet it using
http://nydn.us/10Q2Cis
REMINDER—BUILD THE RALLY FOR THIS FRIDAY
We will fight to SAVE BUSING!
Join our Parent & Student Rally:
Friday April 19, 2013 at 12 noon
65 Court St. Brooklyn, NY 11201 (outside Dept. of Education offices including the Contracts Division)
Subways: A,C, F to Jay St-Metrotech; 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall; G to Hoyt- Schermerhorn; N, R to Court Street
Contact Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST):
pistnyc@gmail.com 347-504-3310 (se habla español)
Facebook PIST NYC Website www.pistnyc.org Twitter @pistnyc
We are more convinced than ever that neither the mayor’s Department of Education nor the bus companies can be trusted to put the interests of our children first—unless we organize and apply multiple forms of pressure.
On Friday April 19, we will be at the foot of the DOE building that houses the Contracts Department—the same one which made it okay for school bus companies to have second drivers represent themselves to unsuspecting families as fully trained matrons during the recent strike.
EVERYONE IS INVITED, not just parents & students—please try to arrive before 12.
Note that drivers have explained to us that the company owners’ recent contract attack means each person will have about $90 less in their weekly paycheck starting this week.
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3. Thank you to all who are helping PIST get the word out about the April 19 rally: at the Queens Family Resource Fair, on radio shows in 3 boroughs, at a testing opt out info meeting, a “Poor Peoples March” planning meeting, a UFT Manhattan Parent Outreach meeting, and to schools, buses, over email, Twitter, the telephone, and more. Please keep up the great work!
This week we hope to join the Dignity in Schools press conference on Monday at City Hall, the fighters against unfair charter school co-locations on Wednesday at the PEP being held in Prospect Heights HS auditorium. See PIST email from April 7 for info.
4. Save the dates – more info to follow or you can search online
April 27 ARISE Coalition Assistive Technology Conference
April 27 D75 Best Practices Conference at P369K
Weekend of April 27-28 Performances by Bklyn Miracle Project Theatre Co. $20
May 11-12 45th anniversary Poor Peoples March, Baltimore to Washington D.C. The Sunday May 12 (Mothers Day) portion of the march begins at 10 a.m. and will be led by women in tribute to Coretta Scott King’s role in the original march.
May 17 Healthy Teen Relationships Conference
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Reminder about OPT forms due before school ends 5. End of school year reminder: you want to have your child’s bus accommodations paperwork ready before June to have a chance at correct bus placement in September. Make those doctor appointments…
Contact pistnyc@gmail.com if you need further instructions or forms and are unable to get them from your child’s school quickly enough.
Note: Special Education teachers do not have the ability to add specialized transportation in an Annual IEP review meeting; however they can assist you to continue it. Only a meeting with a school or district psychologist can add new busing services.
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Walcott Plans to Bid Out Additional Contracts on April 30
Paste this link to read DOE post, titled “Chancellor Walcott Announces Estimated Savings from Bus Bids Received This Winter and Plans to Bid Out Additional Contracts”:
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/mediarelations/NewsandSpeeches/2012-2013/042613_busbids.htm
Here are a few things we noticed.
The DOE: plans to bid out another roughly 3,100 routes on April 30 for contracts expiring in 2014. These routes serve approximately 18,000 school-age students with disabilities during the school year and approximately 17,000 students during summer school.
We say: How are you announcing this on April 26 and not telling us the place or time? Those 35,000 students are our children, not Walcott’s or Bloomberg’s.
It states: The estimated $100 million savings is on top of the estimated savings of $95 million from Pre-Kindergarten bus contracts that were bid out in 2011.
We say: We remember the nightmare pre-K routes this Fall. How dare they still brag about that?
Mr. Walcott claims, “In our preliminary review of the new bus bids, we see an estimated savings of $100 million over five years and these savings will go directly to schools for our students and teachers,”
We know it is going directly to mind-numbing test prep and testing that our kids just suffered through this past week at the expense of instruction and related services.
About the strike, the statement says: The DOE could not legally include job guarantees in the bids.
We say: Read what your own lawyers wrote about EPP in the current bus companies’ case to take job guarantees out of their contracts also. DOE can legally include Employee Protection Provisions in all bids. (see video below and http://nydn.us/10Q2Cis )
They say: During the strike, the city assisted parents in finding alternative means of transportation.
We say: Thousands missed days and weeks of education. Shame on DOE.
STOP LYING TO PARENTS! NO BIDS WITHOUT COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT! KEEP THE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS AND MATRONS WHO KNOW OUR KIDS!
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Bloomberg The Liar – Video - 19 minutes - NY City Council Members Crowley, Jackson, James, Eugene and others call out the Mayor and Chancellor for lying about the legality of EPP, their excuse for not canceling the contract bidding that triggered the strike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2WPLcnk3Po&sns=fb
(Leticia James calls for Christine Quinn to subpoena Bloomberg and Walcott around 3:30 to 5:30).
Thank you to Maria Gentile for providing us with this resource.
We hope to get it around by social media and public access cable stations.
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Advice, Hot Bus protest coverage, call the Governor
August 29, 2013 Update from Parents to Improve School Transportation/Padres para Mejorar el Transporte Escolar
CONTENTS: School bus news; Other events; Next meetings;
School bus news-5 items
1. The Office of Pupil Transportation has posted some routes that you can check using your child’s OSIS ID number at https://www.opt-osfns.org/opt/Resources/SchoolRouteStSearch/SearchResult.aspx
We have heard from New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles that the routes look messed up already (!)
2. We also have reasons to suspect that the companies that were given 1,100 routes (after bidding low without Employee Protection this February as Bloomberg insisted) have yet to finish hiring and training enough drivers and matrons to do the work properly.
We know from published want ads that they are offering matrons $300-$325 a week and drivers about $500 a week, for a 40-week year.
A parent called JOFAZ and PHILIP on 8/12 to inquire about the vacancies. When she asked if you need experience to be a driver, one company said, “Not really,” and the other said that experience helps but it’s not necessary. When she asked if you need experience to be an escort, one company said, “That’s what the class is for,” and the other said that training is good enough. They said if you go through the training class on August 17, 18, 24 and 25, (which costs $350) you are hired.
So please be on alert now more than ever. We hear that in order to save money, OPT is allowing consolidation of pre-K and K-12 routes. With underpaid brand new people, just as the strikers warned about.
3. Bus evacuation and safety drills are required 3 times a year. Please try to find out whether your child has had an on-the-bus drill by Sept. 17. For more info contact DePaula@mindspring.com
4. Painful but practical advice:
Whenever you get route info, call OPT, the company and the school (school staff returns Sept. 3) to make sure they all have the same information, especially correct dismissal times and medical codes. Record or take notes on each conversation. But be ready for it to change, and then this process will have to be repeated…
If you get a route letter, fill out the form; if not, get a page ready yourself with the names of responsible people. If the bus is so late on the first morning that you give up and take the child to school yourself, it is likely that they also won’t pick up the child from school in the afternoon without this document. HAVE ALTERNATE PLANS FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL at least!
Keep a small notebook for writing down facts about problematic bus trips, and your complaint numbers.
That said, WE DO NOT ACCEPT that everything should be so hard for families who rely on the service of school transportation, whether general or special education. We know it can be done more humanely and that is why we fight for a SCHOOL BUS BILL OF RIGHTS. Please stay in touch with pistnyc@gmail.com and on Facebook PIST NYC, hotline # 347-504-3310.
5. Special thanks to Cheryl, Deirdre Griswold and Domenick Rafter for these press reports from the PIST demonstration against hot summer school buses:
(U.S.)http://thefilam.net/archives/12223
(Philippines) http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/321459/pinoyabroad/news/new-york-parents-demand-for-airconditioned-schoolbuses-for-their-special-needs-children
www.workers.org/articles/2013/08/15/pist-protests-bus-conditions/
http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/parents-protest-hot-school-buses/article_7e8c5f8e-a219-5c37-99e3-d801f95062b0.html
Other Events-3 items
1. Thank you to Belinda, Milagros, Margaret and Johnnie for representing PIST at neighborhood events, education and labor meetings, candidate events, and the 50th anniversary March on Washington!
2. Thursday September 19, 6 pm, Citywide Council on Special Education public meeting on Equal Access for ALL is at a school where co-location is a threat to programs for students with disabilities: PS 149 M, 41 West 117th St., NY NY 10026 Confirm at 718-391-8354
3. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CALL and/or email the Governor in support of A 8060/ S 5848 to enhance school bus training and job security at
http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php (topic “Education”) or call 518-474-8390.
Next Meetings
PIST has a working meeting on Tuesday September 3 at 5:00 p.m. at 147 West 24th Street, 2nd floor.
CID-NY has graciously offered to host a public meeting for school bus parents with legal experts. Date and details to be confirmed.
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29 de agosto 2013 Noticias sobre el transporte escolar
Consejo a padres de familia, protesta contra guaguas calientes, llama el gobernador, y mas
Padres para Mejorar el Transporte Escolar
Noticias sobre el transporte escolar – 5 cosas
1. Se puede ver algunas rutas ya usando el numero de identificacion “OSIS” de su hijo en https://www.opt-osfns.org/opt/Resources/SchoolRouteStSearch/SearchResult.aspx
Ya oimos de los New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles que las rutas aparecen malas…
2. Tambien nos preocupamos que las contratistas que ganaron 1,100 rutas (con bids bajos sin seguridad del empleo este febrero como Bloomberg insistio) todavia no han encontrado bastante choferas y escoltas para emplear, entreñarse y hacer este trabajo adecuadamente.
Sabemos gracias a los ‘want ads’ que estan pagando $300-$325 semanal a las escoltas y mas o meno $500 semanal a los choferes, para 40 semanas.
Una madre llamo a dos companias (JOFAZ y PHILIP) el 12 de agosto para preguntar sobre los empleos. Cuando preguntó si hace falta experiencia para ser chofer, una compania le dijo “Veramente no” y la otra dijo que la experiencia ayuda pero no es necesario.
Cuando preguntó si hace falta experiencia para ser escolta/matrona, , una compania le dijo “Por eso hay una clase” y la otra dijo que el entreñamiento es suficiente. Le aseguraron que si recibes clases en el 17, 18, 24 y 25 de agosto, (a precio de $350) recibes el empleo.
Pues por favor ponse mas en alerta que nunca. Para cortar sus cuestos, tienen posibilidad de combinar las rutas de pre-K y de K-12 en las misma guaguas. Con gente sin experiencia y dinero malo, como nos avisaron los huelgistas.
3. Consejo practico:
Cada vez que recibes informacion sobre una ruta, llama OPT, la compania y la escuela (la facultad regresa el 3 de Sept.) para asegurarse que todos tienen la misma informacion, especialmente hora correcta para la salida y codigos medicales correctos. Grava o apunta notas sobre cada conversacion. Pero preparate que puede cambiar de repiento, y entonces tenga que repetir ese proceso…
Si recibes una carta con la ruta, llena la tarjeta de emergencia; si no, prepara una pagina con los nombres de personas responsables para su hijo.
Primer dia: Si decides llevar su hijo sin guagua lo mas probable es que esa guagua no va a buscar su hijo por la tarde porque faltan el documento mencionado arriba. ORGANIZA PLANES ALTERNATIVAS!
Prepara un cuadernito donde puedes apuntar datos de cada viaje problematico y los numeros de queja.
Explicamos eso pero NO ACCEPTAMOS que la cosa sea tan dificil para las familias que depienden en el servicio de transporte escolar, ni en la educacion general ni especial. Sabemos que puede ser hecho en una manera mas humanistico; por eso luchamos para un PROYECTO DE LEY DE DERECHOS EN EL TRANSPORTE ESCOLAR.
Por favor mantenga contacto con pistnyc@gmail.com y/o en nuestra pagina en Facebook PIST NYC, linea informative # 347-504-3310.
4. Cada alumno que monta la guagua debe tener simulaciones sobre seguridad en la guagua 3 veces al año. La primera se toca en o antes del 17 septiembre.
5. Muchas gracias a Cheryl, Deirdre Griswold y Domenick Rafter para esos articulos en la prensa sobre la protesta que PIST hizo en contra de guaguas calientes durante los programas de escuela del verano:
(U.S.)http://thefilam.net/archives/12223
(Philippines) http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/321459/pinoyabroad/news/new-york-parents-demand-for-airconditioned-schoolbuses-for-their-special-needs-children
www.workers.org/articles/2013/08/15/pist-protests-bus-conditions/
http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/parents-protest-hot-school-buses/article_7e8c5f8e-a219-5c37-99e3-d801f95062b0.html
Otras Actividades-3 cosas
1. Gracias a Belinda, Milagros, Margaret y Johnnie quienes representaron PIST en varias actividades de la comunidad incluso la Marcha en Washington ayer!
2. Jueves 19 de Septiembre, 6 pm, Consejo Cuidad de Educacion Especial reunion publica sobre El Acceso Igual para TODOS, toma lugar en una escuela donde hay “co-location” que amenaza los programas para estudiantes con descapacidades: PS 149 M, 41 West 117th St., NY NY 10026 Confirm at 718-391-8354
3. SIGUE CONTACTANDO el Gobernador en apoyo de la A 8060/ S 5848 para subir las niveles de entrenamiento y seguridad del empleo de gente que trabajan en los buses escolares POR FAVOR. Telefono: 518-47-8390, Planilla Electronica: http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php (topica “Education”)
Proximas reuniones
PIST tiene una reunion el 3 de Septiembre a las 5:00 p.m. @ 147 West 24th Street, Manhattan, 2do piso.
Favor de avisarnos si piensa en venir. Sus hijos estan bienvenidos.
El grupo CID-NY ha ofrecido su oficina en Manhattan para un taller en Septiembre sobre derechos legales de nuestros hijos.
Se anuncia la fecha y mas detalles pronto.
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ARCHIVES - School Year: 2011-12
September 27, 2011 8:47:00 PM
Fulton Houses Tenant Association presents:
School Bus Rights for All Children Now!
--394 bus routes were cut in September 2011
--Many routes are too long, hot, or crowded
--Children miss hours of school every week because of this!
--Office of Pupil Transportation does not involve parents, drivers, matrons, or school staff in decisions that affect 150,000 children’s education
WHAT CAN WE DO?
--Get together and discuss ways to organize for a "School Bus Bill of Rights" and help pass ‘Aniya’s Law’ in NY State
--Share ways families can try to improve their own bussing in the meantime
Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Hudson Guild Fulton Center
119 9th Avenue between 17th & 18th Streets
Co-sponsored by:
Fulton Houses Tenant Association (contact Miguel Acevedo, 646-671-0310)
Rosa Maria de la Torre, Tenant Organizer (212-714-8198)
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011 7:53:00 PM
NEW PARENT-FRIENDLY DATA ON SPECIAL ED BUSING ISSUES
The Public Advocate’s report came out on October 14, http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/schooltransportation
Please read it and use the feedback form.
We are glad that the office of Bill de Blasio listened carefully, quoted PIST by name, and recognized some of the issues that we stressed, notably the unacceptable length of bus routes today, the Office of Pupil Transportation’s lack of information, communication, sensitivity, accountability, or adequate follow up to busing complaints; Aniya’s Law for Staten Island; etcetera.
They stopped short of calling for a task force of parents to monitor the complaint resolution process, though people from CCSE brought it up, and it is in PIST’s School Bus Bill of Rights (we say panel of parents, drivers/escorts, and educators).
The research turned up some interesting things about how contracts are assigned to companies and the increased spending on transportation without the same increase in quality.
The analysts were unable to locate budget lines for dollar amounts cut when routes are cut; in hindsight this could be because the DOE annually budgets low--based on knowing they will temporarily cut nearly 400 routes each September. Thus the report did not emphasize the layoff problem as a root of the overcrowded routes.
The direct quotes from parents on the survey question of how busing affects the child’s school day are very telling; we are glad these voices are getting a hearing.
Thanks to Ursulina and Edie for the hard work, which we think will help the cause.
(At least one PIST parent has spotted television coverage of the report’s release on NY1 and another has posted the report on Facebook. Please send any media links to pistnyc@gmail.com so we can share them further.)
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011 7:35:00 AM
PIST REPORT FROM CCSE OCT. 20 PUBLIC MEETING ON BUSING
The Citywide Council on Special Education’s October 20 public meeting for parents to address Office of Pupil Transportation reps was very interesting.
Again we saw: cases of very young children placed on buses with teens with severe emotional disorders; bus drivers testifying that there should not be routes cut when school begins; rides that deprive children of socialization with their peers at the start of the day in “inclusion” settings; routes that violate time limits written on the IEP; parents having to lay out money for transportation while waiting for OPT errors to be fixed, and other horror stories. PIST commented that the current approach to bu$ing makes education less Free, Appropriate and Public than our children are entitled to.
This year, OPT was ready with a slick power point and not one but three excuse-makers, I mean, executives. Mr. Scarpa promised to let schools be involved in routing if the principal designates a person who s/he trusts to see the children’s addresses (rscarpa@schools.nyc.gov for Manhattan and there are others in each other borough, see below*); Mr. Carney denied the rumor that the inspector division was closed, asked us to contact him (rcarney@schools.nyc.gov) if ever in doubt of school bus rumors; and I believe it was Mr. Jacobsen who said there is money for drivers to receive school specific training for working with the children more effectively to prevent and resolve behavior issues (OPT Training 718 482-3797 ejacobs2@schools.nyc.gov ).
Lauren Katzman of DOE Special Education stated that Transportation should be treated as a related service—part of the child’s education—and suggested bus teams should be invited to discuss Behavior Intervention Plans when that is part of the student’s IEP.
John Englert of CCSE reminded everyone that the idea of a parent-led Busing Task Force could take on new life in this 2-year term of the Council. PIST looks forward to doing whatever we can to support that.
The meeting was beautifully translated Spanish/English, attended by children, and filmed by a CUNY journalism student.
*The OPT point people by borough are:
James Campbell (SI), Frank Jackson (Queens), Richie Scarpa (Manhattan), Diane Beediahram (Brooklyn), Seth Brown (Bronx).
Some find email better for addressing bus route problems including violations of time limits, overcrowding, late arrivals, etc., than phone calls to Customer Service. The usual rule is to take the first initial and the last name @schools.nyc.gov but there are exceptions.
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SUMMARY OF BRIEFING WITH ATU 1181-1061 LATE OCT. 2011
PIST had our first 2011-12 meeting with the Amalgamated Transportation Union local leadership. A few things we learned:
The legislation to guarantee that pre-K and Early Intervention busing will be covered by an Employee Protection Provision, which retains drivers and escorts who have training and experience, was passed by both houses in Albany but VETOED by Governor Cuomo—who had received a letter from NYC Mayor Bloomberg asking him to veto! These bids are coming up soon. If OPT and companies do not respect EPP on principle, they will put NYC at risk of a school bus strike. This issue is serious within the ATU contract. They do not want their jobs going to temp agencies and neither should we as parents support worse wages/working conditions that will surely follow from weakening of job protections in the bus sector. This feels like another case of powerful politicians making young children the victims of their cost-cutting tricks. Please be ready to make some noise about this! Stay in contact (www.pistnyc.org, PIST NYC page on Facebook).
The route changes that often occur on October 31 in relation to Extended Day session changes are not negotiated with the driver and escort unions.
The seniority pick that happens in mid November leads to route changes for some people on the Monday after Thanksgiving. This is something that the union retains only because the routes are done so poorly in September. If OPT created routes that were capable of staying the same, drivers would pick in August and leave it alone.
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OUTREACH AROUND NYC IN EARLY NOVEMBER
November 5 at Hostos College, PIST got to meet and greet education activists from the Bronx and beyond in an exciting workshop within the “People’s Assembly”. We thank the South Bronx Community Congress and other sponsors for inviting us.
November 7, we stopped briefly at a ‘General Assembly’ on the steps of Tweed after school. A large crowd of students, parents, and advocates voiced their outrage at the direction of public education under mayoral control and the undemocratic Panel for Education Policy. Thank you Teachers Unite for inviting us first among others. Meetings to continue this line of organizing will be held each Sunday at 12 at Zuccotti Park, Broadway and Liberty, Manhattan.
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BUSES FOR STUDENTS IN THE SHELTER SYSTEM
We are seeking ways to connect with families, activists and advocates of and for homeless students who may need busing in order to stay in one school as they move through the city’s shelter system. Busing should be helpful, not a new source of stress, for children dealing with inadequate or unstable housing. Contact pistnyc@gmail.com if you have suggestions or are active in that area.
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PIST REACTION TO DOE ATTACK ON SCHOOL BUS WORKERS
The Chancellor's letter of 11/18/11 is painting a picture of rogue workers trying to deny our kids a ride to school for no good reason, but our experience has been that it is the DOE's own Office of Pupil Transportation which puts both the children/families and the drivers/escorts in a bad situation every year with route cuts, unnecessarily long rides, and other abuses. Families are now being thrown into turmoil with false media rumors that a strike will start on the 21st.
An Employee Protection Provision is something parents support because we want trained, experienced and decently paid workers handling the youngest children with disabilities. This EPP has been in the K-12 contracts since 1979; it didn't cover pre-K only because pre-K wasn't universal at the time. This summer, both houses in Albany passed a bill to extend EPP to pre-Kindergarten and Early Intervention busing, but Cuomo vetoed it at Bloomberg's request.
Nobody wants a strike, but PIST members who I have heard from are willing to join ATU 1181 picket lines in support of a fair deal for the workers AND the kids in the long run.
We have no reason to trust the DOE to come through with carfare and Metrocards--these are things parents often ask for in crises caused by OPT mismanagement of busing, which are routinely denied. It would be hypocritical of Bloomberg's appointees at Tweed to suddenly find the money and staff to figure this out, now that it is a question of opposing advancement of union rights.
In any case, Metrocards and cabs are no substitute for a yellow bus with a trained escort, especially not for children in wheelchairs or with visual impairment, for instance, nor for 8 to 10 year olds whose parents are not even covered by this hypothetical plan.
We contend that our children need a School Bus Bill of Rights with transportation overseen by those with the most at stake: families, educators and bus workers.
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IN THE BUS UNION'S OWN WORDS 11/19/11
Statement from ATU Local 1181 President Michael Cordiello
Although Mayor Bloomberg’s failure to put the safety of New York City children first makes a strike likely, there are no immediate plans for one. The issue here is getting children to school safely and securely. All the Mayor has done is create more chaos, instability, and concern among parents about NYC school buses, which have already been poorly managed for years.
The crucial provisions the Mayor has suddenly eliminated not only ensure a stable, experienced workforce – they protect the hundreds of thousands of city children who get to school every day in the hands of that workforce. The casting away of experienced, well-trained employees in favor of companies who are simply seeking to provide bare-bones service at the lowest possible cost is a risky, ill-conceived public policy that directly threatens the safety and security of our children. If we want a frightening example of this, we should look no further than the Bronx casino bus accident that killed 15 last March. Deregulation of the intercity bus industry has turned intercity buses into sweatshops on wheels, where lack of driver training and employment standards have caused a spike in fatal crashes across the country.
The last thing we need is to bring that level of risk to the buses New York City parents depend on to get their children to school safe and sound.
Furthermore after spending three years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees standing by our side and defending employment protections for school bus drivers, the Mayor has inexplicably and duplicitously flip-flopped on decades-old city policy. When it comes to school children the Mayor should be more concerned about safety; not just cutting costs.
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RELAX ABOUT STRIKE BUT NOT ABOUT SAFETY
PIST was an invited guest at the monthly membership meeting of school bus drivers’, escorts’, and mechanics’ Local 1181 ATU on November 22. This was clearly NOT a meeting to hold a strike vote. The president went over the union’s position on Employee Protection Provisions but no date was set for a strike vote, let alone a strike.
PIST described how parents were made to worry all weekend by media reports--traceable to Mayor Bloomberg—that a school bus strike could or would happen on the 21st. On Monday, some students came home with forms requested updated emergency contacts specifically in case of a sudden strike. President Michael Cordiello replied that never in the history of the local would they strike in the middle of the day and leave children stranded.
Leaders of PIST and of CEC 31 are some of the parents who agree that job security for trained, experienced bus workers leads to a standard of quality and stability for our children. Other special education parent groups are more focused on fighting service cuts disguised as ‘mandate relief’—for which PIST thanks and admires them—or are understandably upset by the prospect of disabled children missing school in the event of any strike.
Even if one believes the unions are motivated only by self-preservation, aren’t their working conditions still our children’s travel and safety conditions?
In that auditorium on Tuesday night, the nods and looks of concern on a rainbow of faces created a sense that these workers have much more empathy for school bus families than we ever get from the agencies in charge of pupil transportation.
Meanwhile, a school bus combusted in midtown Tuesday, shortly after breaking down and being evacuated. Thankfully, no one was hurt. We have to wonder why a bus in such bad shape was on the road in the first place. If Bloomberg can find $1.3 million to throw at the MTA to counter an undeclared yellow bus strike (NY Times 11/19/11), where is the investment into bus repairs/maintenance? Where is the leadership to make sure bus evacuation drills occur twice a year as promised by Chancellor’s Regulation A-801?
Back at the 1181 meeting: a driver raised that her company had shown a training film that instructed drivers to check their bus battery, etcetera—tasks that should be assigned to a trained bus mechanic instead. Would an inexperienced, non-union driver feel empowered to question this big company?
PIST thinks parents should take this moment when school busing is in the news to expose the root problems; to seek relief for families coping with bad routes (such as distribution of those alleged already-paid-for Metrocards to people with OPT complaints); to seek the truth about the bus fire and inadequate inspections; to call Bloomberg out for the things that have gone on in OPT; and to not let ourselves be used against a group of people who provide a vital support service to our children’s civil right to an education. What do you think? Tell us at pistnyc@gmail.com or on Face Book at PIST NYC.
……………..
PIST COMMENTS TO ATU PRESS CONFERENCE 12/06/11
Students with Disabilities have the right to a Free, Appropriate Public Education under federal law. Anyone who undercuts yellow busing is undercutting the delivery of this civil right. Not every neighborhood school has the services or programs to meet every special need. There has to be free busing—with trained, experienced drivers and escorts—so that our kids can get where they belong, safely and on time, and in a frame of mind to learn!
Busing in NYC has many problems, but not because of the bus unions. Parents to Improve School Transportation campaigns for a School Bus Bill of Rights, to address the issues in a pro-active way. We have gotten more of a sense of genuine concern from school bus unions like ATU 1181—whose members come from the same working-class communities as the children, and who know what bus conditions are like—than we get from Bloomberg or his appointees in charge of Pupil Transportation.
We have noted Deputy Chancellor Grimm’s practice of cutting out 3 to 400 routes each September, until some parents file complaints or threaten to sue; this leads to complicated long routes that forceour children to miss many hours of school each year. Even these temporary layoffs are unacceptable; they provide a hint of the Bloomberg administration’s agenda to provide as minimal a service as they can get away with, in disregard of student rights.
ATU is an endorser of and contributor to our School Bus Bill of Rights. They support the grievances of bus parents. They like we, are tired of Tweed’s unsafe and insensitive “cost-cutting” approaches. They, like we, want more, not less, funding and training invested into school busing.
We as bus parents support Employee Protection Provisions, and decent wages and benefits in every ATU contract. These are hard-working people who provide a vital service to our children’s education. A billionaire who would refuse to grant job security to senior bus employees is basically saying to parents: Anybody off the street can take your little ones to school; qualifications don’t matter. WE DISAGREE.
We are standing with the bus unions to insist that our children’s safety is not turned over to the lowest bidder, despite the Mayor’s apparent wish to do so. We want drivers and escorts who don’t have to spend each trip wondering if they will have a job, or a living wage, or a pension, next year. We want drivers and escorts who feel empowered to point out potential safety hazards before incidents occur. WE WANT UNIONIZED, TRAINED DRIVERS WHO KNOW HOW TO HANDLE OUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN!
This multicultural city has a long way to go to make a fair education accessible to all children, regardless of disability or income or housing. Better busing can only help, and that’s why we are here today.
……………..
REPORT ON DEC. 6 ATU PRESS CONFERENCE
On December 6, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181-1061 gave a rebuttal to NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s false announcement (Nov. 18) of an impending citywide school bus strike. The billionaire politician’s attempt to turn parent anger against these workers—instead of against his corporate attack on public education—was beaten back, as sixty people participated in a noon press conference called by ATU on the City Hall steps, including speakers from Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST), Class Size Matters, and the Coalition for Educational Justice.
Teamsters’ Local 854, who also operate school buses, other Teamster leaders, and two major, militant unions now in contract negotiations here—Local 32-BJ of SEIU (building services) and Local 100 of Transport Workers’ Union (public transit)—sent delegations and their leaders gave statements. Local elected officials and religious leaders also joined in the rainy-day gathering (partially pictured above).
Local 1181 President Michael Cordiello assured parents, “there will be no strike this holiday season.” Cordiello made it clear that school bus drivers, escorts and mechanics hope to avoid a strike in the interest of fellow working class families who depend on their services, but that the city’s wish to “ship out school bus contracts to the cheapest bidder” would lead to unsafe conditions for bus children.
A key issue in contract negotiations now open for next school year is job security for qualified, experienced people who are responsible to transport children aged 18 months and up. Over sixty thousand of the 150,000 yellow bus riders in NYC are students with disabilities. As PIST grandmother Margaret DePaula said, “Anyone who undercuts yellow busing is undercutting the delivery of their civil rights” for equal access to education. She added, “We want unionized, trained drivers and escorts who know how to handle our special needs children!”
New Yorkers are urged to call the mayor’s and chancellor’s offices (212-788-3000 and 718 935-2000) to express support for Employee Protection Provisions in all school transportation contracts. Upcoming ATU 1181-1061 contract rallies will be announced on www.pistnyc.org(Events page; or scroll down on the Home page to News). Readers can find more coverage of Tuesday’s press conference at the same website—or on Facebook at PIST NYC—along with statements which have been circulating among parents in weeks prior, denouncing Bloomberg’s hypocritical scare tactics.
TWU L. 100 is also fighting for a no-layoff clause and other measures to make mass transit as safe as can be for those who work and ride on city subways and buses—including hundreds of thousands of other public school students and employees. That local’s next contract rally is December 15 at #2 Broadway starting at 4 p.m.
The crowd at Tuesday’s press conference underscored the links between transportation and education, and between job security and rider safety. As one sign read, “School Bus Parents & Unions UNITE for Safety, Better Routes, Disabled Rights!”
……………..
ARCHIVES - School Year: 2010-11
Saturday, June 11, 2011 11:07:00 AM
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION FORMS
Does your child need/have limited time travel, mini-wagon or other specialized transportation mandates on the IEP? Has your child’s school given you a medical release form and a form for transportation accommodations? You want these on file with the school before OPT starts routing for September, so make that doctor’s appointment if you haven’t already. Write back if you need them.
Saturday, June 11, 2011 11:10:00 AM
EDUCATION CUTS
We are very concerned about all cuts threatened to public education. At the NYC level, even the 'alternative cuts' proposed by Speaker Quinn actually threaten the loss of $7.5 million or 1% of current school transportation funding. What does that mean -- won't our students with disabilities be the most vulnerable? At the state level we have discovered a proposed bill to stop providing an escort on each special education vehicle and instead limit escorts on buses to students who have this service specified on the IEP--without advising parents that they need to seek this 'privilege'. This was tried in Michigan but parents and escorts mobilized and stopped the bill.
The Quinn information was in NY Times by way of Leonie Haimsen:
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 9:26:00 PM
BILL OF RIGHTS UPDATE
The School Bus Bill of Rights has gained the endorsement of these two elected parent bodies:
Community Education Council 31, Staten Island
Citywide Coalition on Special Education …
and of these two strong fighting individuals:
Margaret DePaula, Retired Special Educator, Wheelchair Advocate
Crystal Alfano, NYC Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles
Latest brochure is being updated to reflect all of the above. Special thanks to Mike R, Rebecca R, and laborgrafix.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 9:18:00 PM
BUS RIDES WITHOUT A/C
Congratulations to Jennifer Choi, Diana Marenfeld and Mr. Louis Brown for bringing the issue of overheated buses to the public through 6/20 NY Daily News article. The reporter quizzed PIST about why routes are so long (thanks Crystal).
We are disgusted that anybody’s children are suffering this, and it should not take a ‘scandal’ to change this (one or two buses at a time) but rather should be prevented by strict standards such as those laid out in the School Bus Bill of Rights.
Thursday, June 30, 2011 8:29:00 PM
Staten Island schoolgirl killed in dash for city bus
Read the story » https://www.silive.com/northshore/2011/06/child_struck_by_vehicle_seriou.html
The facts that stand out to us are that in September of 2010, Office of Pupil Transportation Executive Director Matthew Berlin stated in court that public funds should not be used "to bus seventh- and eighth-graders on Staten Island. Even if it cost a dollar," (SI Advance), and in June of 2011, a precious child died on the dangerous streets of Staten Island on her last day of 7th grade, instead of having a yellow bus waiting for her right outside school. This is the mindset that our disabled children who do have school bus service are up against, which is why Parents to Improve School Transportation was formed. It is bad enough having to beg for air conditioning on hot days, and routes that get kids to school on time; now we have this tragedy to add to the list of OPT policy outcomes. We mourn Aniya Williams and we will continue to organize for a sane approach to busing in this city.
riday, July 22, 2011 11:04:00 PM
Here are three events that deal with school busing, coming up in the next week and a half, and suggested phone call and letter sending to be done at any convenient time.
1====ATU LOCAL 1181-1061 RALLY ====
SAVE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS
SUPPORT THE E.P.P.
EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PROVISION
YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE
182 REMSEN STREET
BROOKLYN, NY
(FOUNDER HALL AUDITORIUM)
MONDAY, JULY 25th, 2011
10:00am – 12:00pm
1a==========================================
Protect our city’s most PRECIOUS CARGO
*Keep safe, experienced school bus drivers behind the wheel
*Trusted matrons and well-trained mechanics working on school buses.
*Tell the NYC Department of Education to support the Employee Protection Provision.
*Call NYC School Chancellor Dennis Walcott at 718-935-2000
2====================
Citywide Council on Special Education CALENDAR MEETING AGENDA
Date: Thursday, July 28, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street - Court Room
Brooklyn, New York 11209
5:30 PM -Public is invited to sign in to speak
Public Meeting 6:00 PM
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. President’s Report
3. “Aniya's Law”- School Buses for 7th/8th Graders
PUBLIC FORUM
The Public is asked to keep comments to a minimum of three minutes
Additional material from the old pistnyc.org site follows - some media links may have expired
Feb 2015
Reporter Melissa Russo interviewed the parents and broadcast the following report:
Public Advocate Letitia James, Students, School Advocates Join To Call On DOE To Provide Air Conditioning In All School Buses Transporting Special Needs Students
District 75 Student Ahjaah Jewett, Advocates Note That Some Special Needs Students Are Non-Verbal
(New York, NY)— On Friday, July 11, 2014, Public Advocate Letitia James was joined by special needs students, Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST), and other school advocates in calling on the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to provide air conditioning in all school buses transporting special needs District 75 students, and to include such a provision in future contracts with busing companies.
New York City’s 23,000 District 75 students consist of some of the most vulnerable youth in our school system, including students on the autism spectrum and with severe disabilities. Some students are non-verbal or otherwise may be unable to communicate physical distress. The commute to their schools can span 2.5 hours daily depending on their location. Some District 75 parents have complained of their children arriving home sweating and overheated.
Ahjaah Jewett, 13, a District 75 student joined her mother in speaking on her experience on a hot, overcrowded school bus. After complaining numerous times about overheating to the bus driver, Ahjaah called 9-1-1 and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The Jewett family noted that drivers must be sensitive to communicating with children who are non-verbal or have uncommon speech patterns.
“We must do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our most vulnerable students. I join parents and school advocates in calling on the DOE to do a better job in overseeing their contracts with bus companies that do not comply with the NYC Administrative code. Too many parents state that they have called the DOE's Office of Pupil Transportation, yet the office has not been responsive to their concerns,” said New York City Public Advocate Letitia James.
“As the President of the Citywide District 75 Council, and a parent of two students who attend District 75 programs, I find it very reprehensible that students with and without disabilities find themselves on school buses that are not equipped with working air-conditioning units. This is simply not acceptable! Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) cannot accept the excuses of the bus company owners considering the amount of money being spent on contacts that service all NYC students. This needs to be rectified immediately and we look forward to hearing back from OPT on this matter,” said Gloria Corsino, President of Citywide Council for District 75.
“As this administration makes sweeping improvements in a number of areas, it is my hope that they will look closely into taking the necessary steps to provide air conditioning on school buses that service our most vulnerable students. As all New Yorkers know, it can be brutally hot during the summer months, especially in vehicles that have sat in the sun for hours. I echo our Public Advocate's request that the DOE look into this matter so that we keep our special needs students safe,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, District 10.
According to New York City Administrative Code, “Any bus or other motor vehicle transporting a child with a disability to and from a school in the city pursuant to any agreement or contract shall be air-conditioned when the ambient outside temperature exceeds seventy degrees Fahrenheit.”
March to April 2014
1) From 3/26/14:
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/252547921.html
[To quote our sister busing advocate Carin van der Donk:
Just one note: those delays mentioned are NOT caused by the bus drivers. Usually they are just as frustrated as the parents with the routes they are given. The delays are caused by buses that break down a lot, inept routing by OPT, over crowding, students from different school sharing a bus route and other such preventable reasons for delays.]
2) From 3/27/14:
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/252783331.html
[which shows some silent footage of the press conference before the hearings]
3) And in the city government video files from the hearings about busing on 3/27/14:
http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Video.aspx?Mode=Auto&URL=aHR0cDovL2NvdW5jaWxueWMucGVnY2VudHJhbC5jb20vZmxhc2gvbWVkaWFfcGxheWVyXzc5OGMuc3dmP3NlcnZlcj1ueWMtcnRtcC5wZWdjZW50cmFsLmNvbSZhY2NvdW50PWNvdW5jaWxueWMmdmlkZW9GaWxlbmFtZT1OWUNDLVBWLTI1MC0xNjE0MDMyNy0xMzE3NTkubXA0&Mode2=Video#.UzTWUGpM_IE.facebook
This one is over 2.5 hours long...the panels involving parents are around the 1:44 mark. The Deputy Chancellor in charge of OPT did not show her face but has a statement read beginning at minute 7.
The company owners did not attempt to defend their practices either.
4) Another article and video can be seen at http://laborpress.org/sectors/green-initiatives/3480-doe-mia-at-employee-protection-provision-hearing
5)
Typical of the problem, 250 Staten Island drivers and matrons face layoff according to
http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/ic_bus_got_outbid_250_staten_i.html#incart_river
Again we ask, WHY IS OUR CHILDREN'S SAFETY UP FOR BIDDING?
November to December 2013
http://www.wnyc.org/story/advocates-report-details-two-months-school-bus-woes/
Report by team of Norman Siegel, Civil Rights attorney
http://laborpress.org/sectors/green-initiatives/3149-school-bus-co-goes-belly-up-post-epp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=LaborPress&utm_campaign=3470602_December+19%2C+2013&utm_content=WatchVideoofparentsandATUatTweed&dm_i=1JEK%2C22DXM%2C8G9WKA%2C7G7WV%2C1
9 minute video of Dec 17 rally, Tish James responds to letter from parents
Article on Dec 17 rally, video available to subscribers
http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/schools_chancellor_to_parents.html#incart_m-rpt-1
Dec 17 Quotes Sara of PIST
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/school-bus-company-shutting-article-1.1552472
Dec. 19 page 2 of Daily News informs about OPT letter and ATU comments
Coverage of issue on 12/19 featuring Carin of Common Sense Busing and caring Matron
Start of School Year 2013-14
Sept 7 Article on letter from Attorney Norman Siegel to Chancellor Walcott with last year's complaint patterns: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/special-ed-parents-doe-fix-bus-fiasco-article-1.1448322
TV Oct. Office of Pupil Transportation inducted into the Hall of Shame http://www.myfoxny.com/category/233240/shame-shame-shame
TV Please follow the link here http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/ to see major news coverage of four bus families shown Weds 10/2/13 (title-- I-Team: School Bus Headaches, length-- 4:05) and follow up story shown Thurs 10/3/13, in which the investigator questions Chancellor Walcott; interviews Norman Siegel; and gets comments from mayoral candidates (title-- I-Team: DOE Responds to Students Being Trapped on School Buses, length-- 5:48)
Regarding the contract negotiations:
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/gonzalez-judge-decision-victory-bus-drivers-article-1.1444999
Cartoon by PIST supporter Tony M on the ruling that said cutting wages of school bus employees this past Spring was an unfair labor practice:
http://www.uft.org/editorial-cartoons/wheels-bus
The editorial text is here http://www.uft.org/editorials/bus-worker-cuts-nixed
Summer 2013 campaign vs. hot buses
www.workers.org/articles/2013/08/15/pist-protests-bus-conditions/
http://thefilam.net/archives/12223 Queens parents demand air-conditioned buses for special needs children 8/9/13
http://thefilam.net/archives/11991 Mother fights City Hall for air-conditioned buses for special-needs children 7/10/13
PIST gets a little mention here
http://www.workers.org/2013/07/30/nyc-communities-fight-for-transit-and-housing-rights/
SPRING 2013
Two pieces on the contract slashing that the bus companies are trying to impose
http://www.schoolbook.org/2013/03/21/school-bus-workers-facing-major-pay-cut/ http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/exclusive-school-bus-operators-cut-workers-pay-benefits-article-1.1294501
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ending of the strike (see below for coverage of parent attitudes during the strike)
http://capturingautism.com/2013/02/19/the-bus-strike-is-over
http://www.workers.org/2013/02/19/digamos-no-a-los-ataques-del-alcalde-bloomberg/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/drdunk_greg/sets/72157632744309503/
http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/177186/si-matron-with-disabled-son-says-strike-was-worth-it/
http://campusprogress.org/articles/with_strike_over_whats_next_for_nyc_school_bus_drivers/
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
LINKS TO SOME COVERAGE OF 2013 SCHOOL BUS STRIKE JAN. 14 TO FEB. 21
PIST Sara http://riverdalepress.com/stories/Parents-prepare-for-looming-bus-strike,51681
Jimmy from ATU, Sara from PIST on radio http://wbai.org/server-archive.html Select program Building Bridges and Date Jan 14, 2013, first 20 minutes
Parent blog http://capturingautism.com/2013/01/14/were-paying-school-bus-drivers-too-much-really/
Slide show of announcement of strike includes PIST and Common Sense Busing
http://www.eldiariony.com/No-anticipan-fin-huelga-buses-escolares-NYC-fotos#.UPdihLpFF2A.email
PIST Sara and others on radio on January 16 http://www.wbai.org/articles.php?headline=School%20bus%20drivers%20in%20New%20York%20are%20off%20the%20job%20-%20fighting%20to%20protect%20their%20livelihoods
Comments including PIST Susan’s http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/175544/the-call-blog--day-one-of-school-bus-strike/
PIST Sara http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2013/01/16/bus-drivers-strike-disrupts-school-system
SPANISH LANGUAGE TV
“Other side of the coin: What do the drivers want?” http://univisionnuevayork.univision.com/videos/video/2013-01-16/la-otra-cara-de-la
2 ATU members http://univisionnuevayork.univision.com/noticias/aldespertar/video/2013-01-17/choferes-union-huelga-dudas-bloomberg
PIST Johnnie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/17/nyc-school-bus-strike-second-day_n_2494529.html
ATU Henriot and CM Charles Barron http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/175566/union-members-rally-outside-brooklyn-bus-depot/
Coney island http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/175569/standoff-continues-through-school-bus-strike-s-second-day
PIST Susan http://www.thenation.com/blog/172222/nyc-bus-strike-kicks-fight-privatization-yellow-buses
Juan Gonzalez column http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/gonzalez-mayor-stop-blaming-bus-workers-article-1.1242198
PIST Milagros on TV http://univisionnuevayork.univision.com/videos/video/2013-01-18/tercer-dia-de-huelga-de
Parent article http://www.thenation.com/article/172288/good-matron-hard-find
PIST Kwame cartoon contest http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/kids-draw-the-news-bus-strike-comic-strip/
Drivers & Matrons are Parents Too video (8 min) http://youtu.be/RI0XoHUjzP4
The Chief coverage is getting better. Links only let you read first two paragraphs:
PIST press statement picked up http://www.workers.org/2013/01/17/nyc-school-bus-drivers-forced-to-strike-for-safety-security/
PIST Sharlene and JR on TV http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/news/local/Mother-of-4-Struggles-to-Get-Kids-to-School-During-Bus-Strike/187156541
Teacher speaks out on TV http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/School-Bus-Strike-New-York-Drivers-Union-Matrons-School-Students-187266821.html
Daily News finally something favorable http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/hamill-bus-drivers-unjustly-targeted-bloomberg-article-1.1243365?pgno=1
Coverage of Feb. 10 Brooklyn Bridge march and rally
http://www.workers.org/2013/02/12/tell-nyc-mayor-bloomberg-stop-bullying-our-families/
Coverage of CCSE parent letter charging violation of rights http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/city-adhere-federal-act-mandating-transportation-disabled-students-article-1.1263449?pmSlide=0
Impact on disabled students, United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucpnyc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=buIWJcNSKnL6G&b=6592393&ct=12939157¬oc=1
Bids http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/176903/city-moves-forward-with-review-of-school-bus-bids
Parent article on exclusion of students with disabilities http://www.schoolbook.org/2013/02/21/bus-strike-took-huge-toll-on-special-needs-kids/
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
http://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-real-issues-behind-looming-bus.htm
Blog from NYC Public School Parents featuring PIST statement also seen on this Home page.
Another issue we have with the new bid scheme. Unfortunately some commenters have the issue for the opposite reason (fear of people with disabilities)
Cable TV report on press conference responding to Mayor Bloomberg's 12/21 press statements & explaining how EPP = Safety
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/12/23/city-officials-blast-mayor-bloombergs-removal-of-employee-protection-provision-from-school-bus-contracts/
Radio report on press conference responding to Mayor Bloomberg's 12/21 press statements & explaining how EPP = Safety
Regarding another way that busing is important for equal educational opportunity, and how city is blaming union for its own failure to come through with a bus plan
Link to article on some of the problems of temporary busing after Hurricane Sandy
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121116/new-york-city/city-turns-coach-buses-shuttle-kids-from-schools-closed-by-sandy
Link to article on use of charter buses for schools dislocated by Hurricane Sandy. Thanks Jill Colvin for the research and for including us. See Home page blog for more on this issue.
Link to NY 1 piece on Nov. 13, 2012 first day of temporary busing
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2012/10/parents_of_special-needs_children.php
Blog coverage of parent testimony at City Council Hearings
Video and article from 10/10/12 City Council Hearings
http://www.ny1.com/content/education/170519/city-council-discusses-bus-issues-with-doe
New York 1 article on Hearings with emphasis on contract issues
http://www.schoolbook.org/2012/10/09/school-bus-delays-come-under-council-review/
Only mainstream article in this set that mentions parents have busing organizations! Disclaimer from Sara: I can’t speak for my son but I am pretty sure he would not say he “suffers from” being exactly who he is. This goes to show that we need more awareness even from people whose intentions are good. By the way, after this article OPT added a route to 206.
http://www.workers.org/2012/10/06/parents-protest-long-twisted-school-bus-routes/
Article by a PIST parent on the September 19 From Day One press conference
09/19/12 http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Feducation&id=8816875
Education Reporter Art McFarland September 19 From Day One press conference, with PIST members and others
09/12/12 http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-09-12/news/33794965_1_bus-rides-angry-pols-autistic-boy
09/10/12 http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/autistic-boy-3-delirious-mom-angry-five-hour-school-bus-ride-home-manhattan-brooklyn-article-1.1155602?pgno=1
Early installment in a series instigated by our friend Crystal of New York City Parents Fed Up with Transportation Troubles!
08/23/12 http://statenisland.ny1.com/content/top_stories/167435/fight-over-staten-island-school-bus-service-goes-on
Gen Ed bussing was restored due to community pressure, but some schools were kept out by a grandfather clause
(please wait for update from archives for 2011-12 school year; the next several are from 2010-11)
Daily News - Parents of special-needs kids furious at bus rides without A/C; complain to NYC, get shortened rides
ATU - Local 1181 and PIST
UFT - Educators denounce layoff threat as scare tactic
Examiner.com - NYC Dept of Education: Pupil Transportation Breach of a Duty of Reasonable Care
NY1 - Special Needs Preschooler Left Alone On School Bus
PIST - January 22 Meeting Press Release
SI Live - Legal bid to restore school buses continues
NY1 - Brooklyn School Bus Crash Injures 10
Ellen Mc Hugh - CCSE Public Meeting with Matthew Berlin, Director of OPT
InsideSchools.org - The wheels on the bus go round and round and round . . .
El Diario - Piden mejorar rutas de transporte escolar
NY Post - Special-ed bus-service outrage
NY1 - Parents Rally For Improved School Bus Service
Daily News - 'Abusive' bus rides: Long trip for special ed kids
Daily News - Special needs kids plagued by late buses, forcing them to miss first class of day sometimes
Workers World - PIST demands end to long bus routes
Other News
NY1 - Questions Remain About MTA's Blizzard Preparedness
Telemundo - En vigencia nuevas tarifas de MTA
Able New York - The Newspaper Positively for, by, and About the Disabled
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