Hillsborough school bus drivers get bonus training, promises

Students had the day off in Hillsborough County on Monday, but among the staff who had to work were the county's school bus drivers.

They spent part of the "teacher work day" at Tampa's King High School learning how to manage student behavior. Basically, they received two hours of instruction in CHAMPS, a system schools use to manage student behavior.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, drivers were advised to make their expectations clear, to publicly praise, but privately criticize, and to greet each child by name. CHAMPS stands for Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, Participation and Success.

Also Monday, Superintendent MaryEllen Elia promised drivers they will all get pay raises, subject to School Board approval. And the district is on track to buy 100 new buses a year.