School Bus Regulations

Bus transportation is a privilege. Any violation of the following rules may be cause for suspension of this privilege.

1. Be on time. The driver has been instructed not to wait for you. Wait for the bus on the side of the road; do not fool around or play while waiting for the bus.
   
   
2. Line up before entering the bus and wait for the bus to stop before boarding or leaving the bus.
   
   
3. If you cross a highway to board or get off a bus, do not do so until the bus driver signals that all is clear and that you may cross the highway. Always cross in front of the bus.
   
   
4. Remain seated while the bus is in motion. Our buses may be equipped with video recording equipment to document unsafe behavior.
   
   
5. Pupils getting on the bus first in the morning should sit in the back seats. Those getting off last at night should sit in the rear of the bus. Driver may assign seats.
   
   
6. Conversation with the bus driver is not to be carried on while the bus is in motion.
   
   
7. Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus.
   
   
8. Use of vulgar language and loud or indecent talk is prohibited.
   
   
9. Smoking in the bus is prohibited.
   
   
10. Eating in the bus is prohibited.
    
    
11. Leave and enter the bus only at the entrance door except in case of emergency. Emergency exit drills will be conducted during the school year in order to acquaint children with the possible exits in case of emergency.
    
    
12. Obey the bus driver at all times.
    
    
13. Students taking part in school activities that require bus transport must ride the bus going to the affair and must ride the bus on the return trip. No permission will be granted to ride in another conveyance, with the following exceptions:
    
    a. Where consent of parent is secured ahead of time in writing.
    b. Where parents request and receive such permission, in person, from the principal of the school where the child attends.
    c. Where the teacher in charge of the activity grants such permission upon written or personal request of the parent. When any of the actions (a through c) are taken, the bus driver concerned shall be notified of the change in writing.
    
    
    

ROUTING, SCHEDULING, AND BUS STOPS
Bus routes are established to ensure the safety of our students. Whenever possible, main highways and dangerous intersections are avoided for safety. Buses do not go into courts, cul-de-sacs or dead-­end streets to pick up or drop off students. There are a few approved exceptions for buses that can safely enter and exit without the need to back up. Bus stops are centrally located so that they are accessible to many children. Stops can be up to 3/4 mile from your home. Because of bus schedules, school starting times and other factors, the number of bus stops must be limited for each route. Placement of stops must be accomplished according to guidelines that include safety, accessibility, distance and routing. The complexity of our program does not allow for door­-to­-door pickups, a stop on every corner, or a stop within sight
 
of your home. Please accompany your child to and from the bus stop. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their children to and from the bus stop.


CAMERAS ON SCHOOL BUSES
Cameras may be used on school buses transporting students to and from school, extracurricular activities and athletic events.


TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBILITY POLICY
Grades K­-2 – All children.
Grades 3-­8 – Children residing more than 3/4 mile from student’s home to school. Grades 9-­12 – Children residing more than 1 mile from student’s home to school. Private/Parochial School – Children residing within 15 miles from the school they attend.


PRIVATE/PAROCHIAL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS
Parents requesting transportation to private or parochial school for the upcoming school year must submit their request prior to April 1 of this year. Request forms are available from the transportation office (266­5400 x435) or can be printed from the district website “forms” link.