Final School Bus Safety Task
Force Meeting Before Recommendations to Gov. Blunt
JEFFERSON CITY, August 10, 2005— Over the past
two months Gov. Blunt’s School Bus Safety Task Force has heard
from experts in the field, reached out to school bus drivers and compiled
statistical data. Tomorrow members are expected to reach a final consensus
on recommendations to improve and build on school bus safety.
Director James expects to deliver the final report
to Gov. Blunt at the beginning of next week.
“I am confident the governor will be pleased
with the direction the task force has taken as we are comprehensively
making recommendations to improve training, staffing, and equipment,”
James said.
Director Mark James will be available for comment at the lunch break
and again at the conclusion of the meeting. Please contact Terri Durdaller
at (573) 751-4819 or (573) 301-2023 to set up a time.
WHO: Director of Public Safety Mark James
WHAT: School Bus Safety Task Force
WHEN: Thursday, August 11, beginning at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Truman Building Room 870
Task Force Panel Members include:
Mark James, Chairman, of Liberty – James is the Director of
Public Safety and 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.