<p> Florence Unified School District Transportation/Support Services Department – Administrator’s Report April 2013</p><p>Transportation Highlights</p><p>During break, our Transportation Route Coordinator worked on our new routes for next year. Routes were adjusted, changed and fine-tuned and various scenarios were considered. Because of the new start times, several bus drivers ran test runs to ensure the 45 minutes between school start times was sufficient to drop, pick-up and drop students at all schools. This 5-minute decrease in start times from this year greatly effects bus stop times. Drivers who drove the routes for efficiency recorded each bus stop and documented arrival times at each school. All routes went well and we anticipate a smooth transition next year.</p><p>Trips and sport runs continued during break and mechanics worked diligently catching up on routine preventive maintenance on our buses. Several buses were transported to and from Phoenix for warranty repair.</p><p>The Transportation Department finished up the break by participating in our mandatory bus evacuation drills. This month will complete these evacuations until next year.</p><p>Facility Highlights</p><p>Custodial/Maintenance Staff provided security at Circle Cross Ranch School this month due to an incident at the community park across from the school. School was placed on instructional lockdown until the incident was cleared by Pinal County Sheriff’s Department. </p><p>On April 24th a Homeland Security/Table Top Activity Shooter exercise will take place at Poston Butte. This exercise involves the Pinal County’s Sheriff’s office, Florence Police Department, Rural Metro, South West Ambulance, Poston Butte High School, Banner Gateway Hospital, Pinal County Emergency Services Department and our Transportation Department will all participate. This exercise will involve a life-like scenario and all agencies will participate as if an actual active shooter is present at school.</p><p>The exercise will include Vice Principals from all schools, key district personnel, as well as Transportation. The Culinary Arts students will be providing lunch for all attendees. </p><p>Safety and security are still a priority at all sites. Staff has been meeting with vendors to see what security systems are best for our schools. Vendors have demonstrated some communication devices and key-card entry systems. Staff has had Technical Support involved with vendors in demonstrating keyless entry systems at various school sites. Staff and Tech Support will continue to fine-tune the security system to find which best fits the needs of our schools.</p><p>Grounds and Maintenance</p><p>Because of the rain this past month, weeds at all sites were out of control. Weeds were mowed, pulled, sprayed and chopped. All maintenance personnel, special projects staff, and some custodians joined efforts and worked diligently during break to get the weeds under control. As of last Friday, all school grounds were neatly groomed. Special thanks to all who pitched in with hoe’s, mowers and rakes; job well done! </p><p>The tennis courts at the Florence High School are currently being patched. The maintenance will continue until all holes and crackes on the court surface have been filled and sealed.</p><p>Special Projects Preparation and planning for the graduation ceremonies next month has begun. Stages, sound systems, and football field grooming is currently underway. </p><p>Challenges</p><p>Weeds still continue to be a challenge for Facility staff. Transportation is also challenged with providing a 3-tier bus route for next year. As always, Transportation and Facilities personnel will pull together so that this year and next year our schools will look outstanding and students will be provided with a pleasant ride to school!</p>