School Districts Required to Post Notices on Buses Warning Against Unauthorized Boarding

July 30, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

A new state law has taken effect which requires school districts to post notices on school buses warning that unauthorized persons may not board.

The law further requires the training standards for school bus drivers established by the state departments of education and safety to include procedures concerning persons improperly on school buses; and requires student transportation management training for transportation supervisors appointed by local LEAs, charter schools, and charter management organizations to include procedures concerning persons improperly on school buses.

“No one is allowed on a school bus unless authorized by law enforcement or faculty of the school, “said Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins.

“For example, if a bus is in an accident where the kids have to stay on the bus until law enforcement arrives, a parent cannot get on the bus to remove their child. The new law is intended to keep our kids safe,” said Chief Collins.

The law as adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the governor is as follows:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-2008, is amended by adding the following as a new subsection:

( ) In order to maintain safety on school buses, each LEA shall post a notice in a conspicuous place on each school bus in operation by the LEA to notify others that no person shall enter onto school buses except for those authorized pursuant to subsection

(a). The notice must include appropriate contact information in case of an issue on the school bus.

SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-2107(g), is amended by adding “procedures concerning persons improperly on school buses pursuant to § 49-6-2008,” after “mirror usage,”.

SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-2116(b), is amended by adding the following to the end of the subsection:

The annual training and management training program must include procedures concerning persons improperly on school buses pursuant to § 49-6-2008.

SECTION 4. This act takes effect July 1, 2024, the public welfare requiring it.

July 29, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

A Golden Reunion!

Fifty years after they began their education journey, members of the very first kindergarten class at DeKalb West School gathered together again Saturday evening there to celebrate and reminisce.

Twelve of the 22 students from the 1974-75 kindergarten class attended including Steven Brown, Jon Foutch, Tim Rowland, Mike McMillen, Karen Robinson, Kellie Sandlin Taylor, Stacey Mullinax Martin, Monica Kimbrell Reynolds, Leigh Ann Williams Prince, Tony Vickers, Kerry Davis, and Greg Fish.

Four former educators at DeKalb West School now retired joined the celebration including Carolyn Mullinax, Genrose Davis, Carol Hale, and Danny Parkerson who is also a former principal there.

The event featured decorations, a meal, cake, and displays of memorabilia from that time period including school yearbooks and class photos.

DeKalb West School opened its doors for the first time 50 years ago starting with the 1974-75 school year consolidating the Alexandria, Liberty, and Dowelltown elementary schools.

July 29, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb Utility District, in collaboration with the State of Tennessee, has created and registered an official apprenticeship program for Water Systems Operations Specialists.

“Jon Foutch, the General Manager at DUD, was instrumental in this process resulting in the signing of the new apprentice, Thomas (Brey) Dedmon,” said Ellie Buckner, MBA Business Services Marketing Coordinator of Workforce Connections.

“As a part of his apprenticeship, Brey learned his position and attended classes to become a better employee while on staff as a paid employee. He will receive a national credential upon the completion of his apprenticeship. Workforce Connections was privileged to fund Brey as he completes his apprenticeship and looks forward to providing Smithville with future on-the-job training opportunities,” said Buckner.

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