That projection, or forecasting of special needs transportation is very difficult to do beyond the actual numbers of special needs students who require bus transportation. When new school buildings are planned the transportation director is an important part of that planning process and a member of the planning committee. The configuration at a new school site of the school loading zone, street and entrance or exit configuration all make significant reductions in problems associated with school transportation and pupil safety. For special needs students being transported to the new school removal of architectural barriers and full compliance with the ADA is an important factor. The length of the school loading zone, the loading platform area configuration, student crosswalk placements and the estimated number of school buses that will be parked all are considerations about which the director must sensitize others.
Some school systems have no difficulty recruiting bus personnel.
They can choose among applicants for the basic skills and experience backgrounds that best fit their needs. Most other school systems have an ongoing challenge to obtain and retain good school bus personnel. Special needs driver recruitment usually comes from the existing and experienced group of regular drivers who bid for positions in special needs that provide more hours, fewer students and more opportunities for midday or supplemental runs as well as field trips. Special needs driver assistant recruitment does not come from an existing group of assistants since regular drivers and routes typically do not have driver assistants on regular buses. Driver assistant recruitment is more difficult and challenging to secure persons with a commitment to direct special needs student service.