Transportation Regulations
Board Policy: JGG-R

The Principal is responsible for developing procedures for maintaining acceptable pupil discipline on buses and for implementing the state school regulations in regard to all pupil transportation.

Administrative Procedures:

1. Bus drivers have delegated to them responsibility for maintaining proper discipline on their bus.

2. Pupil behavior problems, which develop on the bus, will be referred to the principal for disciplinary action.

3. The principal will counsel and work with pupils who have been referred by the driver in much the same way that he/she works with classroom referrals.

4. After the parents have been advised that the pupil has been a disciplinary problem on a bus, the principal may remove a pupil from the bus for a short period of time. If behavior problems persist, the principal may remove a pupil from the bus permanently. Parents are to be notified in writing and provided an opportunity for a hearing on a matter with the principal.

5. In general, the bus driver is not authorized to remove pupils from the bus; however, in serious circumstances when a pupil is endangering the safety of other riders, an offender may be ejected immediately. If such action is taken, the driver must contact the Director of Transportation who will immediately pick the student up and return to the transportation office where the parents are contacted immediately.

6. The principal is responsible for informing pupils and parents of the following state school regulations, which relate to bus safety and behavior:

Transportation Regulations

1. The driver is in charge of the students and the bus. Students must obey the driver promptly and respectfully.

2. Each student will be provided a seat. Students will be assigned seats and may not change seats unless permission is first obtained from the driver. Students must remain properly seated at all times and may not exit the bus without permission of the driver. Under no conditions are students to leave school property upon arrival.

3. Students must watch for the bus and board promptly.

4. Students must walk on the far-left side of the road facing traffic when walking to the bus stop. All students must wait for the bus off the traveled portion of the road and must never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.

5. Unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited. Do not talk loudly or distract the driver’s attention. Remember, your safety is in his/her hands.

6. Outside of ordinary conversation with immediate neighbors, minimal noise and appropriate conduct is expected. Students are to become silent at railroad crossings, stop signs, and in city limits.

7. Students must cooperate to keep the bus safe, clean and sanitary at all times. Aisles should be clear of carry-on items, legs, and feet. Consumption of food, drinks, candy, and gum are prohibited on the bus. Possession or use of tobacco products or other illegal substances is prohibited.

8. Under no conditions should any item or body part be extended outside the bus windows.

9. Students must not try to get on or off the buses or move within the bus while it is in motion.

10. When leaving the bus, students must obey the directions of the driver. If crossing the street, do so at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus. Wait until the driver signals before crossing, walk, looking both ways before entering traffic lanes.

11. Any damage to the bus is to be reported to the driver immediately.

12. Only authorized passengers will be permitted on the bus. Transportation of pets, specimens, or large projects (anything larger than a book bag or paper sack), unprotected glass items, or helium balloons is not permitted.

13. Students that ride the bus will not be kept after school without prior notification of the parents. Upon notification, parents will assume the responsibility for transportation of the student to his/her home.

14. During periods of inclement weather, students and parents are advised to listen to the radio and watch local television for notice of school closing. Listen or watch these local stations: Radio: KFDI 101.3 FM, KKRD 107.3 FM, KFH 1330 AM, B98 FM Television: KSNW-TV3, KAKE-TV10, KWCH-TV12, FOX 24.

15. The driver will make initial contact regarding bus problems. Parent cooperation in these matters is appreciated. Continued problems will be processed by the building principal and may result in suspension of riding privileges.

16. Particular guidelines may be developed at individual attendance centers to provide uniform traffic flow and student safety. All students must observe these guidelines.