School Bus Conduct
As provided by law and outlined in OSSD BOT Policy
EDA - Student Transportation, transportation shall be provided to all pupils who reside one (1) mile or more from the school to which they are assigned. Transportation schedules and routes are established at the direction of the Superintendent and the Transportation Supervisor and are available in the school office.
While the law requires OSSD to furnish transportation, it does not relieve parents/guardians from the responsibility for the conduct of their child. Furthermore, the privilege of riding a school bus carries with it responsibilities on the part of the student. Drivers are expected to keep order and discipline on the bus, but their major responsibility has to be driving the bus. Therefore, students are expected to cooperate with the following regulations:
- Students must be at assigned stops 5 minutes prior to loading time.
- At no time should students touch the outside of the bus, nor hang heads, arms, legs, hands or bodies out the window of the bus.
- Immediately upon entering the bus, students are to be seated and are to remain seated until they arrive at their destination.
- Students will board the bus and leave the bus according to the instructions of the bus driver. Students are to obey all instructions of the bus driver.
- Students may not leave the bus on its way to or from the school except at their designated stop.
- Students must cross the road in front of the bus during loading and unloading.
- Students are not to throw, sail, shoot, or pitch objects.
- Drivers have the option of delegating students to an assigned seat. Students must sit in the seat assigned by the driver.
- The bus must come to a complete stop before students try to enter or exit.
- Loud talking and other loud noises are not permitted on the school bus.
- Students are not to damage any part of the bus. Students will be held financially responsible for any damage done.
- No beverages or food may be consumed on the bus.
- Chewing gum is prohibited on the school bus.
- Intentional littering on the bus is prohibited.
- Students must identify themselves properly when requested to do so by school personnel.
- Vulgar language is prohibited on the school bus.
- Students are not to harass, intimidate, or threaten other students while waiting for or while riding on a school bus.
- Fighting is prohibited on the bus or at the bus stop.
- Use or possession of dangerous objects on the school bus or at the bus stop is forbidden.
- Students will not use, sell, or possess drugs or alcohol on the school bus or at the bus stop.
- Stealing is prohibited.
- Smoking is prohibited on school property. Tobacco products are not permitted on the bus.
- Open defiance or displays of disrespect or insolence toward a bus driver are not acceptable.
- Other misbehavior as determined by the administration, including a pattern of misbehavior will not be permitted.
In cases when a child does not follow bus regulations, such behavior/conduct will be brought to the attention of the school principal or his/her designee through the issuance of a
Bus Conduct Report. At this point, the student may be placed on the discipline ladder for his/her school. If the student is a serious disciplinary problem, or a danger to himself/herself or the safety of other students, he/she may have riding privileges suspended immediately, with consideration being given to circumstances surrounding each case. In case of suspension, the parent/guardian will be responsible for providing transportation to and from school. If a student exceeds six (6) bus suspensions, he/she may be required to appear before the BOT for possible expulsion of bus privileges. See OSSD BOT Policy
JCDAD - Bus Conduct for more information.
