Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-0290
Governor Introduces School Bus Safety Task Force after Fatal and Dangerous Accidents Straddle State
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt today introduced the Missouri School Bus Safety Task Force to examine issues surrounding school bus safety in the state following three school bus accidents in Kansas City, Hannibal and St. Louis.
"The events of last week are a tragic and unfortunate reminder that it is not enough to assume school buses are safe. It is not enough to hope that existing laws, regulations and inspection processes are sufficient." Blunt said. "This task force will conduct the first ever comprehensive review of school bus safety, from school bus driver licensing to seatbelts."
The nine-member Missouri School Bus Safety Task Force will consider all aspects of school bus safety and will make initial recommendations to the governor before the start of the next school year.
The panel will work with the various state agencies involved with school bus safety in Missouri. The Department of Revenue issues school bus driver licenses. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education develops bus safety policies and standards, based on state law. And, the Missouri State Highway Patrol screens driver backgrounds and inspects buses.
Panel members include:
Mark James, Chairman, of Liberty – James is the Director of Public Safety. He is a former Missouri State Highway Patrolman and a former ATF Special Agent.
John Davies, of Independence – Davies has been the Transportation Director for the Independence School District since 1997 and is the former Safety Director for Pace School Bus Company.
Vicky Williams, of Jefferson City – Williams has worked for 24 years with MODOT’s Highway Safety Division. She is also the Program Specialist for Drunk Driving Countermeasures.
Tina Zubeck, of Platte – Zubeck is the School Board Secretary for Platte County R-3 School District and is President of the Missouri Parent Teacher Association State Board.
Sherry Huffman, of Hartsville – Huffman has been in education for 22 years in the Hartsville School District. She served 11 years as an elementary school principal in the Hartville R-III School District. She taught secondary, then elementary education for eleven years.
Ed Hillhouse, of Franklin County – Hillhouse is the Presiding Commissioner of Franklin County. He is a past Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Meramec Valley R-II School District, where he worked for 25 years.
Robert Baine, of Florissant – Baine has served as the attorney for Hazelwood School District since 1979.
Dr. Leanna Depue, of Warrensburg – Depue is the Director of the Missouri Safety Center at CMSU. She is a recipient of the Distinguished Service to Safety Award at the National Safety Council Congress, the highest award awarded to individuals.
Tim Flook, of Liberty – Flook is a member of the Missouri House of Representatives and represents the 34th District.