(Louisiana Association of School Transportation Officials)
Final reservation date to ensure negotiated rates is February 14, 2017
Link to 2017 LASTO Spring Conference registration form will be forthcoming
The presentation of Colors and Pledge by JROTC
Click the Picture Above to see the video
LASTO 2017 Agenda
Session 1 Day 1
Presentation Operation Life Saver
Presenter Josh Fletcher - Canadian National Railroad Police Service
In The Interest of Safety
Operation Lifesaver Web site
Email Joshua Fletcher
Session 2 Day 1
Presentation Senate Bill 204 Committee Report
Presenter George Horne - Horne Enterprises
Senate Bill 204 Committee Report
Child Safety Restraint Systems on School Buses(Training Video)(CD)
Email for George Horne
Session 3 Day 2
Presentation DOT Drug Testing Requirements and Mandated Record Keeping
Presenter Kathy Gonzales
DOT Drug Requirements and Mandated Record Keeping
Federal Drug & Alcohol Testing Brochure
Email for Kathy Gonzales
Vendor Presentation
Presentation Propane Powered Buses
Presenter Mr. Doug Miller
Propane Web site
Session 4 Day 2
Presentation Transporting Students With Special Needs and Valuable Resources for Supervisors and Transportation Staff
Presenter George Horne
Students with Disabilities
Email for George Horne
Session 5 Day 2
Presentation Responding to Threats to Our School Transportation Systems
Presenter Steven Haynes
Specialized Risk
Mr. Haynes Email Address
Hot Topics
Lifetime Achievement Award - Mr. Willie Jones
Accepting the Lifetime Achievement award from Mr. Steve Vales for Mr. Willie Jones is Mr. Jones' Wife and Daughter.
On March 9th, the 2017 LASTO Lifetime Service Award was posthumously presented to long-time member Mr. Willie Jones. It was our honor to have Mrs. Jones, accompanied by her daughter, to receive the award on Willie’s behalf. After visiting with his family, it was clear to me that Willie’s most important legacy was that of husband and father.
Although recently retired from the Desoto Parish School Board, it is clear Willie excelled throughout his career at all points. From farm life as a youth, to educator, to Principal, to Director of Federal Programs, Willie steadily advanced. Along the way, Willie absorbed responsibility for Desoto Parish’s Transportation Department and became an active member of LASTO. In time, improving his district’s transportation program became a passion and a focus. Eventually he became a Louisiana Department of Education School Bus Driver Master Instructor. In that capacity, Willie not only trained drivers but also the trainers of drivers.
Willie’s friends within the Louisiana Association of School Transportation will miss him. My only regret is that our plan to recognize our long-time friend and colleague came after his passing. With gratitude and appreciation, we remember Willie’s many years of distinguished service to pupil transportation in the State of Louisiana and his friendship.
He will be greatly missed.
Steve Vales
President – LASTO
Link to Mr. Jones Retirement Article
Parents Entering the Bus
Although we were unable to discuss this topic due to time constraints there is a link to a pamphlet by RC Kelly Law Firm about unauthorized individuals entering a school bus.
New Driver Training Standards
Feds Set Training Standards for New Bus, Truck Drivers
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
FMCSA Establishes National Training Standards for New Truck and Bus Drivers
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