ADMINISTRATIVE

During the last several years, the Department of Education has 
been developing a recertification component for school bus driver 
trainers.  During technical advisory committee meetings, the 
component that was considered the most important element for 
school bus driver trainers was staff development.

In an effort to strengthen the skills of current school bus 
driver trainers, the Department will offer staff development 
training during the summer at selected sites around the state.  A 
group lunch will be provided each day; however, until the survey 
forms have been returned, it will not be known what other 
expenses, if any, the Department will be able to reimburse.

As a reminder, State Board Regulations, '4.15 states, 'Local 
school bus driver training instructors...shall attend a 
recertification course every five years.'  This regulation
became effective July 1, 1994; therefore, by July 1, 1999, every
school bus driver trainer in the state certified prior to July
1, 1994, must complete a recertification course sponsored by
the Department.  This summer course will satisfy the
recertification component.

Thank you for supporting pupil transportation activities in the 
Commonwealth and I look forward to having your staff participate 
in this activity.  Confirmation letters will be mailed in June.  
If you have any questions, please call Dr. Barbara V. Goodman at 
(804) 225-2037.

Please use the attached sign-up sheet to respond by MAY 3, 1999.

PDS/aam

Attachment:     A hard copy of this memo and its attach-
                ment will be sent to the superintendent's
                office.