01.09.26 - Community Newsletter
School and bus safety are always at the forefront of our work in Brunswick. As we begin the new year, my thoughts are with the families of Brayden Callahan and Simon Gonzalez, two children who tragically lost their lives in bus-related accidents before the holidays. Their loss is a sobering reminder of the shared responsibility we all have to protect our children.
Our school buses carry the community’s most precious cargo—your children. Our drivers take this responsibility to heart and care for students as if they were their own. Following my recent meeting with our District Director of Transportation, I wanted to share the steps we take in Brunswick to keep students safe and some important reminders for families and motorists.
How You Can Help Keep Students Safe
Since September, we have seen numerous instances of vehicles passing stopped school buses with red flashing lights activated. Please remember:
Never pass a bus when its red lights are flashing. This is one of the most preventable and dangerous situations.
Be aware of bus blind spots. Children should never run alongside or walk behind a bus, as drivers may not be able to see them.
Please teach your student that if the entrance door closes, stop immediately and do not run toward or chase the bus. The driver cannot see a student, and you are likely in the driver’s blind spot.
If your child misses the bus, please arrange alternate transportation. Do not follow the bus or encourage your child to chase it.
Bus drivers know their routes and hazards best. Students should always follow their driver’s instructions.
At bus stops, students should stand several feet back from the road and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.
In winter, students should not wait on snowbanks. Slippery conditions can cause a child to slide into traffic.
Crossing the street safely is critical. Please ensure your child understands and follows the driver’s signals.
Younger students should always be accompanied by an adult at bus stops whenever possible.
How We Keep Buses Safe in Brunswick
Our Transportation Department provides ongoing, year-round training to ensure drivers remain informed, prepared, and safety-focused. This includes:
Vehicle familiarization: pre- and post-trip inspections, danger zones, mirrors, dashboard controls, and safety equipment.
Driving skills training: maneuvering, turning, backing, student loading and unloading, and navigating tight or rural routes.
Student management: safe pickup and drop-off procedures, behavior management, and emergency response.
Safety procedures: regular emergency drills, evacuation practices, safe-crossing procedures, and hazard awareness.
Route training: practicing assigned routes to understand traffic patterns, bus stops, and known safety concerns.
Technology training: use of hands-free tablets, GPS navigation, speed monitoring, and tracking software.
This consistent training helps ensure our drivers remain confident, compliant with safety regulations, and focused on providing safe, reliable transportation every day.
I extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated team of bus drivers for the care and professionalism they show our students, and to our families and community members for partnering with us in this vital work. It truly takes an entire community to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school each day.
The next school board meeting is
Wednesday, January 14th at 6:30 PM.
Many of the upcoming meetings will have school budget discussions.
Ways you can watch/participate are:
In Person: Brunswick Town Hall, 85 Union Street
Television: streaming at http://tv3hd.brunswickme.org/CablecastPublicSite/watch/1?channel=1
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87278236830?pwd=eaoJk60LUhznwXgd95GHbZxZta4GBb.1
PreK Information Night is being held on Tuesday, February 3rd from 6:00-7:00 PM at Kate Furbish Elementary School located at 75 Jordan Avenue. Eligible children must be 4 years old on or before 10/15/26. Please use this QR code to learn more information about the PreK Programming at the Brunswick School Department.
Cameron Coffey
Science Teacher
BHS
Cameron grew up in Pittsford, NY and graduated from Bowdoin College.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
I'm proud to work in Brunswick because of the people! Everyone I met as a student teacher at BHS has been an amazing source of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. I'm so excited to collaborate and work with the people here.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
I love to go trail running!
Favorite line from a movie?
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
I would meet with Galileo!
What is something you learned in the last week?
I've recently been reading about the shipwreck of The Wager and the chaos that followed in a book by David Grann.
Open Employment Positions:
- Director of Facilities Management - District
- Accounts Payable Coordinator - District
- Coaching Positions have been posted! Brunswick High and Brunswick Jr. High School
- Softball, Baseball, Tennis, Lacrosse, Track, - Check them all out!
- Substitute Nurses, Teachers, Ed Techs, Tutors
- Resource Educational Technician - Brunswick Jr High School
- Self Contained Behavior Educational Technician - Harriet Beecher Stowe School
- Long Term Sub Educational Technician - Brunswick Jr High School
- School Bus Drivers!!
- Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
- Substitute Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
- ...And MORE!
We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view
all current employment opportunities!
You can view previous newsletters on our website!
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