Driver in Fatal Idaho Motorcoach Accident also SB Driver

District said not to be aware of her other job but adds, 'This is not uncommon'

By Lisa Hudson

Officials for the Nebo, Utah, school district confirmed on Oct. 13 that the motorcoach driver involved in the fatal rollover accident on days previously in Idaho has been employed with their district since January 2003.

According to a report from the Desert News, Debra Jarvis, who was operating a charter for Lake Shore Motor Coach Lines, was driving members of the American Fork High School Marching Band back from a competition earlier in the day when she apparently "blacked out for unknown reasons." The bus veered off I-15 and rolled over, partially ejecting Heather Christensen, a band instructor, who had tried to grab the wheel and take control of the bus. Christensen died at the scene from her injuries.

The newspaper also reported that district official said Jarvis has "an excellent driving record" with the district and recently passed a physical.

District spokesperson Lana Hiskey acknowledged that they were not aware of Jarvis' employment with Lake Shore but also indicated, "Many of our employees have more than one job."

The situation raises not only the question of Jarvis' hours of service, which the motorcoach company is bound by federal law to ensure that drivers don't exceed, but also an interesting HR question: do you know which, if any of your employees hold jobs in addition to their school transportation one, and do you know what they are?

Are there compelling reasons why you should or perhaps rules/policies that say you can't? We want to hear from you—what records, if any, are kept for your district or operation?

Why or why not?

Hail, Hail the Band’s All ... Wait, Where Did it Go?

A quick look at how the economy is affecting school activity trips ...

As has been documented for sometime during the current economic recession, schools have been forced to make deep cuts to their transportation operations to ensure money continues to flow into classrooms. In additional to reductions in regular routes and school bus driver positions, a popular victim has been school activity trips and namely school bands. Take what has happened to the award-winning Richland High School band in Texas’ Birdville Independent School District.

Budget cuts have forced the band to decline an invitation to attend the prestigious Bands of America Grand National contest in Indianapolis this November. Bus transportation to such events held outside the greater Fort Worth area can cost the school district $2,000 a day not to mention competition entry fees, motel rooms and food. Last year, the American Association of School Administrators surveyed members and found that nearly half reported cut backs to student field trips. With many months, at least, remaining before the economy turns and state budget deficits affecting upwards of 48 states, things are getting tighter and tighter for schools