I have been a bus driver since late 2006. I know the inside story, the scoop, the down low dirt of what it takes to be a bus driver, how to handle kids and adults, and how to survive on the "streets" so to speak. I used to have a blog, feel free to browse it or ask me a question here.
The thingamajigger is likely the digital camera system. The blinking light says its running. There may be a red button on it that the driver can push for automatic student ejection (just kidding) though really if they push that button it marks the tape and allows the driver to return to that moment in order to view what happened on video. Other flashy items on the dash may be the student lights or the left or right indicators.
Generally no.
It depends on the district and situation. Some districts require you to cross children yourself to prevent more accidents which requires you to regularly leave your seat. Other districts have a strict policy of no unattended bus.
Personally if I have to speak with a parent or teacher for longer than just 30 seconds in order to protect the privacy of a child I'll step off the bus.
Because sometimes they can hear that music over their headphones. I try to keep the music at a reasonable level so we all get along.
Navy Officer (Former)
Just how educated is the typical US military serviceman?
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Which cable company do you think has the absolute worst customer service?
Report it to the boss and the boss goes and gets the meat if its a deer. If its a smaller animal like a squirrel we don't generally report it. If its a dog or a cat we let the boss know that way if an angry parent calls he can say keep your animal inside next time.
This is true. Radio usage is monitored and restricted by district.
We go through background checks but even those aren't foolproof.
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