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Transportation Department » Rules of the Bus

Rules of the Bus

Bus Rules for Safety and Respect (in accordance with ORC 3301-83-08: see below)

 

1.  Waiting for the Bus:

  • Students should arrive at their designated stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time and be viewable to the driver.
  • For safety, students should remain in their safety zone while waiting, within the driver’s view. This means no playing in the street, ditches, or waiting inside vehicles.
  • At the bus stop, students should behave in a way that ensures everyone's safety, respecting the well-being of all individuals.
  • Students should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the doors to open before approaching, especially in winter when there’s a risk of slipping.
  • Students crossing in front of the bus must wait for the driver’s hand signal before proceeding.
 

2.  Riding the Bus:

  • Please keep pens, pencils, or any sharp objects safely stored in book bags while on the bus.
  • Glass containers of any size are not allowed.
  • Pets or animals, of any size or kind, are not allowed on the bus.
  • To ensure safety, students should avoid hanging items from book bags, as they can get caught in doors or handrails; drawstrings on clothing should be short
  • Students must go directly to an available or assigned seat as soon as they board the bus. If there are assigned seats, they should sit in their designated area and stay seated until the bus stops.
  • Students should remain seated with aisles and exits clear to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
  • For everyone's safety and comfort, students are asked to keep noise levels low and maintain respectful behavior, just as they would in a classroom.
  • Profanity and the use of alcohol or drugs on the bus are not allowed.
  • Eating and drinking are not permitted on the bus.
  • For safety, students should not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.
  • Students may carry items that fit comfortably in their lap. Anything larger should be transported through other means.
  • Skateboards are allowed only if they fold and fit inside the student’s book bag.
  • Students should only leave or board the bus at their assigned location, unless they have a signed parental AND administrative authorization in hand.
  • For safety reasons, students are to keep arms and head inside the bus at all times and refrain from any unnecessary physical contact with others.
  • Items that could be considered weapons are not allowed on the bus under any circumstances.
  • While on the bus, cell phones may be used at the driver’s discretion for listening to music, but only with headphones or earbuds.  Recording others is strictly prohibited per board policy (visual or audio recording).

 

3.  Departing the Bus:

  • After leaving the bus, students should go directly to their designated safe area. For example, they should not stop to retrieve mail or other items.
  • Crossover Students:
    • Walk ten giant steps ahead of the bus until you can see the driver’s face.
    • WAIT FOR THE DRIVER'S SIGNAL.
    • Cross to the outside edge of the bus when the driver signals that it’s safe.
    • If the way is clear, cross quickly. If it’s not clear, return to the curb and wait for the signal.
    • If the driver sounds the horn, this signals danger. Please wait for the signal to cross.
 

By following these guidelines, we help ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone on the bus! Thank you for your cooperation.

 

 

3301-83-08 Pupil transportation management policies

 

School districts are required to develop transportation management policies.  These policies should be designed to ensure the safety and welfare of all school bus passengers and shall include:

 

  1. The school bus driver’s authority and/or responsibility to maintain control of the pupils. 
  2. The pupil’s right to “due process” as provided for by the policies and procedures of the educating agency.
  3. Pupil management and safety instruction policies shall include the following:
  1. Pupils shall arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  2. Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stops. 
  3. Behavior at the school bus stop must not threaten life, limb or property of any individual. 
  4. Pupils must go directly to an available or assigned seat so the bus may safely resume motion. 
  5. Pupils must remain seated keeping aisles and exits clear. 
  6. Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.  
  7. Pupils must not use profane language. 
  8. Pupils must refrain from eating and drinking on the bus except as required for medical reasons. 
  9. Pupils must not use tobacco on the bus. 
  10. Pupils must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the bus except for prescription medication required for a student. 
  11. Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from or into the bus.  
  12. Pupils may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps (see paragraph (J) of Rule 3301-83-20 of the Administrative Code).  A clear aisle to the exit door must be maintained at all times. 
  13. Pupils must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise. 
  14. Pupils must not put head or arms out of the bus windows. 
  15. Guidelines will be formulated for the use and storage of equipment and other means of assistance required by preschool and special needs children. 
  16. Drivers and bus aides must have access to appropriate information about the child to the degree that such information might affect safe transportation and medical well-being. This information must be readily accessible in the transportation office. All such information is strictly confidential.  
  1. Suspension, expulsion or immediate removal from bus. 
  1. The superintendent or superintendent designees, or principals are authorized to suspend or remove pupils from school bus riding privileges. 
  2. Immediate removal of a pupil from transportation is authorized. A pupil immediately removed from transportation must be given notice as soon as practicable of a hearing which must be held within seventy-two hours of the removal. The notice shall also include the reason for removal. Immediate removal is authorized when the pupil’s presence poses a danger to persons or property or a threat to the safe operation of the school bus. Length of time removed from ridership shall be in accordance with policies of the school bus owner. 
  3. School bus drivers shall report in writing to the appropriate administrator all rule violations or conduct that justify immediate removal, suspension or expulsion. 
  4. Suspension or immediate removal of preschool and special needs children may require a modification of the above procedures and shall be accomplished in accordance with the law.