8600A - TRANSPORTATION

Southern Local School District

Administrative Guidelines

8600A - TRANSPORTATION

	A.	Administrative Responsibility
		Ultimate administrative responsibility for the transportation program shall rest with the Superintendent of Schools. This responsibility may, in part, be delegated to the Transportation Supervisor, who reports to the Superintendent. The administration should adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies established by Federal, State, and local authorities.
		The Transportation Supervisor is responsible for planning, operating, and maintaining the services provided by the School District. Included within this scope of responsibility are the following:

		1.	planning and analyzing bus maintenance program,
		2.	preparing State Education Department reports,
		3.	assisting in school bus driver personnel supervision and training,
		4.	assisting in transportation budgeting process.

The Supervisor's role in the transportation process requires cooperation and the establishment of effective communication with the drivers. The Supervisor is responsible for the following:

		1.	providing adequate supervision at bus loading and unloading zones.
		2.	requiring that student observe classroom conduct on the school bus.
		3.	taking prompt action on all behavior problems.
		4.	enforcing safe traffic guidelines on the school site.
		5.	reporting any overcrowding and other unsafe condition or practice relating to the transportation program to the transportation administrator.
		6.	coordinating with principals to inform students of the necessity of following safety guidelines.

	B.	Parent Responsibility
		Parents of students riding the buses should make their children aware of the importance of adhering to all the rules set forth by the District for student riders.
	C.	Student Surveillance
		In accord with Board policy, the transportation director may install the appropriate equipment for video-taping the interior of the buses while transporting students. S/He should follow the District's purchasing practices (AG 6320A) in obtaining such equipment and abide by the following guidelines for the use of such equipment:

		1.	Arrange for the installation of a box in a location on each bus that will allow for the camera to record all students.
		2.	Develop a plan whereby the camera(s) is installed in the box on a rotating basis and so students are not aware of the installation.
		3.	Record the date, time, and bus number of each video tape and maintain the tapes in a secure location for a period not to exceed the school year.
		4.	Establish a procedure whereby no one observes a tape without the prior authorization of the appropriate principal who shall ensure that any observation is done only by those who are authorized to view student records and is conducted in accord with AG 8330 - Student Records.
			Any disciplinary action resulting from the use of the video tapes shall be determined by the appropriate principal who shall ensure that due process is provided to the students involved, in accordance with Board policy and administrative guidelines relating to discipline. Any use of photographs obtained through the use of video tapes shall be in accordance with Federal and State law.

	The transportation director shall be responsible for reviewing the tapes for the purpose of assuring that bus safety procedures are being followed properly and the buses are being operated in accord with District guidelines and State law.

D. Student Responsibility

Students are expected to behave in a manner which does not interfere with the driver's ability to operate the bus in the safest way. The basic rules to be followed on the bus, which are to be posted on each bus, include the following:

Automatic suspension after due process:

			a.	Student behavior at the school bus stop must not threaten life, limb, or property of any individual.
			b.	Students must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.
			c.	Students must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the bus except for prescription medication required for the student.
			d.	Students must not put head or arms out of the bus windows.
			e.	Students must not fight on bus.
			f.	Students must not smoke or use tobacco products on the bus.
			g.	Students must not light matches or lighters on the bus.
			h.	Students must not possess dangerous weapons or objects on the bus.
			i.	Students must not commit any acts of vandalism to the bus nor commit acts of theft to bus equipment.
			j.	Students must not commit any other act of misconduct that endangers the safety of any individual.

		2.	The principal will take the actions listed below for any of the following bus conduct violations:
			FIRST OFFENSE
			A warning to the student with a report to the parents.
			SECOND OFFENSE
			One or more detention sessions and a report to the parents. The number of detentions will depend upon the seriousness of the infractions.
			THIRD OFFENSE AND EACH SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR:
			An automatic suspension of the student's riding privileges, following the due process procedure, and a written report mailed by the principal to the student's parents/guardians, Treasurer, and Superintendent within twenty-four (24) hours explaining the reason for their child being suspended from riding the school bus. The length of time for the suspension of this privilege will be for a period of not less than two (2) nor more than ten (10) school days.

			a.	Students shall arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
			b.	Students must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stop.
			c.	Students must go directly to an available or assigned seat.
			d.	Students must remain seated keeping aisles and exits clear except when loading and unloading.
			e.	Students must not use profane language.
			f.	Students must refrain from eating and drinking on the bus except as required for medical reasons.
			g.	Students must not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.
			h.	Students may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps and are not dangerous.
			i.	Student must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise.

Violation of any of these rules is sufficient cause for the issuance of a report of misbehavior by the bus driver. The driver, in applying the rules fairly, can issue verbal warnings and assign seats prior to filing a written report. Disciplinary action resulting from the receipt of a written report shall be carried out by the principal and reported to the Superintendent. Repeated or severe misbehavior can result in the suspension of bus privileges.

	E.	Principal's responsibility is to hear/investigate/dispose of transportation problems related to student conduct.
	F.	Special Services
		In compliance with Board policy, the transportation services may be provided for field trips, co-curricular trips, and extra-curricular trips, including athletics.