Transportation

The rules and regulations listed below are the results of a careful study based on the experiences we have had in operation of our school bus system. Cooperation and courtesy in following these will permit us to better serve all students. Please go over these rules with your children so they will know what is expected of them when they ride the bus. All school rules are in effect on the bus. Violators will be referred to school administrators for disciplinary action.

1. Be on time at your designated bus stop. Buses can not wait for tardy students. A good rule of thumb is to be at the designated stop at least 5 minutes before the noted pickup time. In times of inclement weather, students should start walking towards the bus stop as the bus approaches.
2. Obey the driver’s rules and directions. This will help the driver to assure safety for all.
3. Expect to walk some distance to a bus stop. Stops are designed to be as safe as possible while exercising the maximum efficiency needed to meet budgetary constraints due to the state’s cuts in transportation funding.
4. Stay off the roadway while waiting for the bus. Form a line and get in single file to board the bus.
5. Cross only in front of the bus when crossing a road or highway. Never cross in back of the bus.
6. Remain seated at all times the bus is in motion. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter or leave the bus. Enter or leave the bus only through the front door except in case of emergency.
7. Do not leave the bus without the driver’s consent. Other than at school and their home students will not be permitted to leave the bus without written authorization from the parent and the school administration. No unauthorized stops will be made.
8. Occupy the seat assigned by the bus driver. Keep feet out of aisles, off of seats and off of the back of seats. You may be required to sit three to a seat to accommodate all students who wish to ride the bus.
9. Musical instruments and other large objects may only be brought on the bus if all items will fit on the student’s laps and do not block the driver’s view or take up additional seat space. No items may be placed on the floor, on seats by themselves or in the aisles for safety reasons.
10. Keep head, arms, and hands inside the bus at all times.
11. Observe classroom conduct. Avoid disturbing noises and distractions as the driver must be able to focus on the safe operation of the bus. Do not shout out the window at passing persons or vehicles.
12. Be courteous. Profane or vulgar language is prohibited.
13. Help keep the bus clean. No gum chewing, no eating and no drinking on the bus.
14. Be considerate and helpful to smaller students.
15. Report any damage observed to the driver immediately. Damage to the interior or exterior of the bus caused by a student will result in the student paying for those damages and possible suspension from riding the bus.
16. Note that riding a school bus is a privilege and not a right. Bus drivers and/or school administrators will decide which seat a student will occupy.

For the safety of all, only students, the bus driver and/or approved school officials are permitted on the bus during its operation. Parents or patrons who wish to speak with the bus driver need to call the bus driver or the administration office to have any necessary conversations. Drivers have been directed to tell anyone not approved to be on the bus that they may not enter the bus nor have a conversation while the bus is in operation.

1. State law does not require that door to door pickup and delivery of students who ride a school bus.
2. There are no special laws or regulations for transporting kindergarten students.
3. No state law specifies the maximum distance a student may have to walk to a bus stop.
4. State law does not specify the maximum distance between two bus stops.
5. There is no maximum riding time for students in kindergarten through grade twelve.
6. It is the parents’ responsibility to see their children get to and from the bus stop.
7. Parents are responsible for the conduct of their children until the bus arrives at the stop on the way to school and after the children leave the bus after school.
8. State law authorizes the local school board to designate school bus stops.
9. Schools may load up to the legal seating capacity on a bus.