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As the end of the 2023-2024 school year quickly approaches, the KSDE School Bus Safety Unit is providing the following information about events and workshops:
CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory Event
May 29-30, 2024 Hiawatha USD 415 Note: Entry-Level Driver Training Theory will be administered on May 29 with the exception of Haz Mat which will be done on May 28 if there is enough interest. Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/CDLTesting.aspx Note: There are three CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory events scheduled this summer. All are designed for an individual who does not have a CLP (CDL learners permit – has not yet taken and passed the CDL written test). Individuals who attend this event will be given the written test by Kansas Department of Revenue staff just as they would if they went to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The CDL people will work with everyone and everyone leaves with their CLP. These individuals will also be given entry-level driver training which is required for all new drivers. The CDL people will enter the ELDT theory training into their TPR (Training Provider Registry). If your individual has not yet taken the written test, attendance at one of these events is highly recommended. Your new non-CDL person needs to study the appropriate sections of the CDL manual before attending. The CDL manual is online at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/cdlhandbook.pdf See page 28 of the manual for the appropriate sections.
Train the Trainer June 17-22, 2024 Topeka Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/TraintheTrainer.aspx Note: This class is limited to 24 individuals and as of this week, 11 positions remain available as of May 6. This course is highly recommended for anyone who trains new bus drivers in your district. CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory Event June 25-26, 2024 Maize USD 266 ELDT will be administered on June 25 Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/CDLTesting2.aspx
Transportation Directors Workshops July 9, 2024, Dodge City July 10, 2024, Maize July 11, 2024, Kansas City 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/TransportationBasics.aspx Note: This course is highly recommended for any new transportation director or existing one who would like a refresher. Reasonable Suspicion Training for CDL Supervisors July 17, 2024 Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) Topeka Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/AlcoholandDrugTraining.aspx Note: This is mandated training for anyone who supervises CDL holders. This is free training and the KSDE School Bus Safety Unit offers it once a year. This mandated training can also normally be obtained from your CDL drug and alcohol consortium/third party administrator.
CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory Event July 23-24, 2024 Southeast of Saline USD 306 Note: ELDT Theory will be administered on July 23 Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/CDLTESTING3.aspx
School bus, activity bus and school vehicle inspections
Between June 1 and September 30 each year, all Kansas school buses, activity buses and school passenger vehicles shall be inspected. The inspection process is two parts with the first part being conducted by a mechanic knowledgeable about the mechanical systems of school buses and has a letter certifying his or her qualifications. After the mechanic inspection is completed and documented on the appropriate form provided by KSDE, each bus and school passenger vehicle shall be inspected by the Kansas Highway Patrol to determine whether the mechanical inspection was completed and the school vehicle is equipped with the appropriate safety devices and those devices are in proper working order.
Forms have changed; however, KSDE will accept the older forms with a revision date of January 2019. Mandated use of the new forms (revised May 2024) will be mandated October 1, 2024. Click here for the bus/school vehicle forms and information.
PLEASE NOTE: Make sure you are prepared for inspection upon the troopers arrival. Do not waste their valuable time. Make sure your vehicles are clean and inspection ready upon their arrival.
CDL Status and medical self-certification
The KSDE School Bus Safety Unit is strongly recommending that district transportation directors, or someone on the transportation staff, take time this summer and check the CDL status and medical self-certification category for all district bus drivers. Time spent now may save an inordinate amount of time and frustration later. This is an easy process as opposed to spending considerable time dealing with the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Driver Solutions after a driver’s CDL status is downgraded. If the school bus driver works and drives only for the school district, KSDE recommends he or she be a category #2 on their medical self-certification. Category #2 drivers: DO NOT send a copy of your medical examiners certificate to the state. Only the school district is required to have a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate. Category #2 is an interstate classification which means the driver can legally drive a school bus out of state. Drivers can change their medical self-certification category at any time if they were to get a job where a category #1 was required.
Note: As an employer, please note that employees’ CDL records are considered an open record under K.S.A. 74-2012.
Click here for Kansas Department of Revenue’s (KDOR) free CDL status and medical self-certification category check website.
Click here for KDOR’s online medical self-certification change website.
Click here for more information from KSDE regarding CDL categories and recommendations.
In this edition | Feature Story | Assessments and Accountability | Reporting and Operations Standards and Instruction | Student Health and Nutrition | Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition
Questions about this page contact:
Denise Kahler (785) 296-4876 dkahler@ksde.org
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The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.org or by 785-296-3201.