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Hunt's Transportation service, Lindstrom, conducted its back to school workshop for 35 school bus drivers and 15 school district type III van drivers on August 18.

The 6-hour class was conducted at the middle school media center, the Supt. Michael McLoughlin, giving the welcome message and some facts and figures on school bus drivers, and school bus safety.

The drivers were took a series of training sessions that were backed by written examinations. Drivers are required under rules and regulations to show proficiency in many areas.

The guest speaker was State Trooper Sergeant Paul Davis who heads up the safety and enforcement of school buses in the Metropolitan area. Along with videos, personal stories and facts and figures, he did training on railroad crossings, pre-trip bus inspections, authorized school bus stops and child safety.

The presentation went into depth on the drivers commercial drivers license, DWI, cellular phone and texting, post crash inspections, post crash drug and alcohol testing and reporting of stop arm violations.

The drivers were allowed time for questions and answers. What was unique about Sergeant Davis is that he does drive a school bus and is a parent of a school age child.

The long day ended with a pizza lunch. Also attending during the day was Heide Miller, Chisago Lakes business and transportation director.

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