I have been a bus driver since late 2006. I know the inside story, the scoop, the down low dirt of what it takes to be a bus driver, how to handle kids and adults, and how to survive on the "streets" so to speak. I used to have a blog, feel free to browse it or ask me a question here.
We generally deep clean the buses at least once per year. By that I mean get in every nook and cranny, dig out trash between the seat and walls, scrape gum off the bottom of the seats. Wash the ceiling. In the mean time, we do sweep our buses at minimum once a week. During cold and flu season we spray the seats down with disinfectant spray or wipe them down with lysol wipes and spray or clean the windows.
First yes she should be reprimanded or at least told her behavior is unacceptable. Sometimes our jobs suck but it isn't appropriate to take it out on the kids or other adults on the bus. If she really hated her job that much then she shouldn't drive a bus. That being said the only issue where she might be in the right would be where the coach wanted the team dropped off. Sometimes as drivers we are given separate instructions on how to unload and where to safely unload.
Buses are customizable in many ways. The standard basic bus has your drivers seat, steering wheel, student seats, the classic yellow body, and all the lights as required by state. Newer buses will have LED lights as these last longer. Newer buses also have a DEF system that allows for fuel to be processed cleaner than others. The customizable options are more for driver and passenger comfort like air conditioners, air ride seats for the driver, adjustable steering wheels, cruise control (some states do not allow cruise control to be used), speed governor, electric mirrors that both adjust and defrost control from inside the bus, whether to use an air brake system or not. Whether to make the bus automatic or not. Seatbelts in some states.... the options really are endless and depends on what each district needs in a bus.
Some things are outdoors events so they are affected by the weather. Other times road conditions may be dangerous for travel. Each school system takes these things into consideration before cancelling activities.
Toll Collector
What's the rudest thing a driver ever said to you?
CBP Officer
Why are so many customs officers huge jerks?
Day Care Provider
Is it ok w/your employer if you babysit one of the kids outside of daycare hours?
Our district is closed for the remainder of the academic year
What the hell???
So you expect a sub to not adjust a seat and mirrors to help them do their jobs? Things like that are a safety concern for the students. If a sub cannot see adequately out the mirrors and out the dash board you are putting the kids at risk. As far as leaving windows down, the sub should put the windows up. Radio stations are an easy fix. Have the driver put their favorite stations on a separate band. Generally radios have 3 bands of FM radio available. When they plan to be out, simply inform them to switch the band that way their presets are not messed with.
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