has a close working relationship with the TSA and we will continue to collaborate with them on matters related to security for our school buses and our children . These will include sharing bulletins about potential compromises to our security as well as training and protocols for keeping our fleets , our drivers , and our children safe from threats of all forms .
National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB ):
The National Transportation Safety Board , or NTSB , is an independent investigatory and recommending entity . It has no regulatory authority or role in our government . NTSB has offered numerous recommendations for increased safety on our roads , waterways , rail systems and in the air . When they make recommendations on school bus safety matters , they will often tag one or more recommendations to the attention of NAPT or other associations with the intent of getting the information out to our constituents and providing education and development opportunities consistent with the recommendation . NAPT has enjoyed a strong and collegial relationship with the NTSB and in particular the past several chairs and vice-chairs . We look to continue that healthy and productive relationship .
Department of Education ( ED ):
The Department of Education carries out oversight and provides funding for numerous services and activities within our school systems nationwide . These include regulations and guidance for the delivery of education services to students with disabilities , as well as students who are homeless or in foster care . While the department does not provide any direct funding to our school systems for school transportation , there are funds available under so-called “ TITLE I ” programs that can support transportation for students who are homeless or in foster care programs . The department also is responsible for many of the regulations and provisions related to the reduction of bullying in our schools and on our school buses .
Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ):
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency , as the name would suggest , is directly related to issues of ensuring cleaner air , water and resources . Over the years , we have encountered the Environmental Protection Agency on issues related to school bus idling and emissions . We would expect that the new administration to reinvigorate closer government review and enforcement in these areas as it begins to advance both American and international climate initiatives .
Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ): And with the pandemic , we are hearing more and more from subagencies and purpose-driven entities like the Centers for Disease Control . These agencies provide us guidance on health-related matters such as vaccines but also hygiene , personal protections , and safe travel arrangements . These agencies have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis and response . Accordingly , NAPT will continue to monitor and share information provided by HHS and its sister agencies of CDC and the Food & Drug Administration ( FDA ), as the pandemic continues and as new strategies emerge for its mitigation .
Federal Budget Development
There will also be activity in terms of presentation of an annual budget for the federal government . The new administration must produce a so-called “ skinny ” budget by the statutory deadline , rather than the full-blown budget document normally produced each year for Congressional action . To the extent that proposals are made by the new administration related to COVID relief for schools , NAPT will keep you informed with basic information and analysis of the funding . We note that there is movement to provide funding for electric-powered and other alternatively fueled school buses and we will be on the alert for such developments on your behalf .
Closing
NAPT has always approached various regulatory agencies on a collaborative basis . We work to build relationships with them and assist them in understanding the issues that matter to school transportation operators and professionals . At times , we find ourselves embroiled in a principled debate with agencies over issues like seat belts on school buses ( NHTSA ) or entry-level driver training rules ( FMCSA ). Regardless of those issues , our strong relationships have allowed us to provide you access to the highest levels of those agencies at conferences and webinar settings on a frequent basis . As the new administration fills out their line-up of cabinet and agency leaders , we will be observing and identifying places we must work harder to build new relationships with new officials . We will share those observations and new faces with you here in these pages of School BUSRide .
VIRICIDE • INSECTICIDE BACTERICIDE • GERMICIDE DISINFECTANT • DEODORANT SANITIZER • MILDEWCIDE FUNGICIDE • BACTERIOSTATIC FUNGISTATIC
PERIOD !
That ’ s right
PERIOD !
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