OA School holds bus driver training, ‘Transporting LGBTQ Students’

About 60 district drivers and transportation employees from the OA School District attended a training course on Jan. 23 entitled, “Transporting LGBTQ Students” (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender or Questioning). OA Schools is the first district in the region to hold this training.

The 90-minute course, held in the conference room of the district’s transportation facility, focused on gender-related issues in both society and school communities. Attendees learned about laws that support the anti-discrimination of LGBTQ students, and information was provided to help increase understanding and compassion for LGBTQ students. In addition, expectations for drivers, including a self-assessment of individual potential for intolerance was discussed, among other key objectives.

A critical message that was shared is that the right to safety is equal, no matter what your life style is, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, and the obligation to protect is equal in that all students have the right to a safe and comfortable bus ride to school.  

According to a report issued in August 2016 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first nationally representative data on the health risks faced by LGBTQ students, the CDC made evident the need to accelerate action to protect the health and wellbeing of youth. Top concerns cited were being bullied at school or online, serious consideration of suicide or attempting suicide, an overwhelming feeling of sadness or hopelessness, and missing school because of safety concerns. In all cases, findings showed that LGBTQ youth were at a significantly higher risk.

The training delivered at OA Schools reinforced those statistics, and shared that LGBTQ students are most at risk for suicide, hate crimes and violence, and more likely to be targets than any other group.      

The training course, although not a mandatory state requirement as of yet, was developed by the not-for-profit group called Cyr Foundation, or the Cyr Foundation for Excellence in School Transportation. The foundation is named after Dr. Frank Cyr, who in 1939 held the first ever school transportation safety conference in New York, and is best known for establishing what we all recognize today as the signature yellow color of a school bus.

The training is available to school districts all across New York State. Cyr Foundation works in unison with the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) and the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI), along with the Utica National Insurance Group.

PTSI trainer and speaker, Betty Hughes, who previously worked as a school transportation director, delivered the training session to the OA Schools group. Hughes recognized that driving a school bus is not an easy job and encouraged attendees to, “Think with your heart.”

“Tolerance and acceptance is a major part of the job description,” Hughes said, and explained that bus drivers must set aside feelings to do the job, even if it conflicts with their own religious or personal values.  

Going forward, Tony Quaranta, OA director of transportation, said that new drivers would receive the training from designated trainers within the transportation department.  

OA Superintendent Corey Green shared in a previous press release, “At Owego Apalachin, we are always looking at ways to help us provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students, and this training is just one more way to accomplish that goal.”

At the conclusion of the training, Quaranta was confident that the training, “Hit the mark.” He further explained that the training ensures that all drivers and aides are better equipped to handle sensitive, often difficult situations.

Quaranta added, “It’s always our goal to safely transport students.”