Bus Safety, Conduct & Discipline

Bus Safety Rules

The following safety rules shall be followed by students as related to boarding, riding, and exiting a bus:

1. Students will board and exit the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest his or her home.
2. Arrive at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the scheduled stop-time and wait a safe distance from where the bus stops. Three giant steps away from the stop is a good rule.
3. When the bus arrives, do not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop. Form a single line and board the bus (no pushing or breaking in line). Students will go directly to their assigned seat and sit in a safe position.
4. Students will keep books, band instruments, feet, and other objects out of the aisle of the bus. Objects carried on the bus must be small enough to be held in the lap of the owner.
5. When it is time to exit the bus, students will wait for the bus to come to a complete stop with parking brake engaged before getting up from the seat.
6. Upon exiting the bus, students needing to cross the street shall wait until directed by the bus driver before crossing immediately in front of the bus.

Bus Conduct Rules

The following rules will apply to student conduct on District transportation:

1. Observe the same conduct as in the classroom including cell phone use.
2. Enter the bus and immediately go to the assigned seat.
3. Talk in a normal tone of voice.
4. Remain seated and facing forward in the assigned seat until time to exit the bus.
5. Keep head, hands, and feet, and other objects to oneself; avoid tampering with bus equipment.
6. Use acceptable language; obscene, profane, unacceptable language, and/or gestures is prohibited.
7. Refrain from eating and/or drinking on the bus; keep the bus clean.
8. Refrain from throwing objects within the bus or out of the windows.
9. Follow all rules outlined in the District's Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct, as well as safety rules, established by the driver.

Guidelines for Disciplinary Action

The following rules will apply to student conduct on District transportation:

1. The following procedures will be adhered to when inappropriate behavior occurs on a bus serving a regular route or an activity trip.
2. The driver or other district employee will attempt to correct the misbehavior of the passenger(s).
3. If the driver or district employee is unable to resolve the problem, the parent of the student will be notified.
4. If the driver, other district employee and parent are unable to resolve the problem, the principal will be notified as soon as possible.
5. The principal or designee will investigate the incident and notify the driver of the action taken.
6. If the misconduct is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the principal will send written notice of the violation to the student's parent within 24 hours, in accordance with law.
7. If determined necessary by the principal, a conference involving the principal, the student passenger(s), the driver, and parent(s) will be held.
8. The principal may suspend the student's bus riding privileges or other listed behavior modifiers in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
9. In the case of serious misconduct that endangers the safety of other passengers or the driver, the driver has the authority to call for law enforcement assistance; the principal and parent(s) will be notified of the situation as soon as possible.
   
   In such an instance, the student will not be provided bus service until a conference involving all persons listed above has been held, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

S37.126 Disruption of Transportation

1. Except as provided by Section 37.125, a person commits an offense if the person intentionally disrupts, prevents, or interferes with the lawful transportation of children to or from school or an activity sponsored by a school on a vehicle owned or operated by a county or independent school district.
2. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.  The fine is $180 minimum to $500 maximum plus court costs.

Disciplinary sanctions and changes in transportation for a student with a disability will be made in accordance with provisions in the student's Individual Education Plan.