1. The School District operates under the supervision and authority of the Board.

2. Student transportation is the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools.

3. The Supervisor of Transportation is responsible for all phases of the program except the handling of student discipline problems. Student discipline is the responsibility of the Principal.

4. The Supervisor of Transportation administers the student transportation program with the help of his/her staff and bus drivers.

SOURCE: Winston County Board of Education, Double Springs, AL
ADOPTED: JULY 7, 1998

FILE: TCB
JGG
STUDENT DISCIPLINE ON SCHOOL BUSES

Transporting of students to and from school and/or school sponsored activities is a vital part of the School District's role in providing for a free and appropriate education for the youth in our county. The fundamental goal of the transportation department is to provide reliable and safe transportation for all students residing in areas served by the School District. Good behavior on the part of students while being transported contributes positively to the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of the School District's transportation program. Therefore, it is important for parents/guardians and students to understand that the student behavior code set by the School District and individual schools are applicable to students while being transported via school bus. While school itself is concerned about good behavior for various reasons, another factor is involved when we talk of good behavior on the school bus. That factor is SAFETY. Inappropriate and potentially dangerous behavior by students on school buses is one of the greatest threats to safety of students and bus drivers. The ability school bus drivers to drive defensively, to be alert to all driving hazards, and to make quick decisions is often dependent on orderly and well behaved student passengers. It is evident that high standards of discipline and good behavior must be maintained at all times in order that drivers perform their work well. The manner and proficiency with which they handle student discipline problems will determine to a great extent how successful they will be as school bus drivers.

In addition to the applicability of the School District's Student Code of Conduct and local school rules and regulations on student conduct, the following regulations shall apply to all students riding School District-owned or leased buses/vehicles:


1. Students are responsible to the bus driver while riding the bus.


a.)Students shall not ride school buses on trips other than regular runs without filing permits with the principal that have been authorized by their parent(s) or guardian(s) for such trips. 

b.)Students should observe classroom conduct (except for ordinary conversation) at all times when getting on, off, or riding the bus and shall be subject to all school rules and regulations. 

c.)Students shall be required to get on and off buses only at stops approved for them and at no other stops without the written approval of the principal. 


Students should adhere to the following rules when boarding and riding school buses:

1. Be on time at the designated pickup sites;

2. Stay off public roads while waiting for the bus;

3. Wait for the bus to stop before attempting to board;

4. Keep all body parts inside the bus at all times;

5. Assist in keeping the bus safe and clean;

6. Refrain from loud talking or behavior that may divert the driver's attention. Profane, indecent, or abusive language will not be permitted.

7. Refrain from damaging the bus (pay for any damage to seats, windows, etc.);

8. Do not bring bottles, cans, food, balloons, etc. onto the bus;

9. Leave no books, lunches, etc. on buses;

10. Keep aisles of the bus unobstructed at all times;

11. Help with the comfort and safety of smaller students;

12. Do not throw anything out of bus windows;

13. Remain in your seat while the bus is in motion;

14. Remain quiet when the bus is approaching a railroad crossing stop; and,

15. In case of a road emergency, remain in the bus or follow the driver's instructions.



Students should adhere to the following requirements when exiting and crossing in front of the bus:

1. Make certain that the bus has come to a complete stop, that the door is still open, and that the stop signal is extended;

2. Cross in front of the bus within sight and hearing of the driver, look both ways, and stay out of line of traffic until the path across the roadway is free from danger;

3. Proceed across the roadway upon signal from driver or bus patrol; and,

4. Proceed with extreme caution across four-lane roadways.

SOURCE: Winston County Board of Education, Double Springs, AL

ADOPTED: JULY 7, 1998

LEGAL REF.: The Code of Alabama, 16-8-7 to 9, 16-8-13 to 14, 16-13-51, 16-27-1 to -6, 16-39-11; Conecuh County Board of Education v. Campbell, 162 So. 2d 233 (1964); Stout v. Jefferson Co. Bd. of Ed., 419 F.2d 1211 (5th Cir. 1969); Carr v. Montgomery Board of Ed., 377 F. Supp. 1123 (M.D. Ala. 1974).

FILE: TCC
SUSPENSION OF STUDENT TRANSPORTATION PRIVILEGES

Student transportation to and from school at public expense is considered a privilege and not a right. Good behavior by students while riding school buses is expected and will be required. Therefore, all student behavior codes applicable at school are also applicable to students while being transported via School District buses or on buses/vehicles leased or controlled by the School District. A student's bus riding privilege may be suspended if:

1. The principal, based on reasonable evidence, determines that the student has participated in misconduct on a School District bus/vehicle. Further, such student may also be suspended from school for such misconduct on a school bus or buses.

2. The principal, based on reasonable evidence, determines that the student is guilty of destroying or damaging school bus equipment. In such cases, the student may be placed on immediate suspension from the bus/vehicle and he/she or his/her parent/guardian/custodian will be assessed for cost of all replacements and/or repairs. Restitution for such replacements and/or repairs must be made before permission can be granted for such student to resume riding the bus.

3. The principal, based on reasonable evidence, determines that a student is guilty of a violation(s) of any Class III; Major Offense of the Student Code of Conduct, Filed JCDA, while riding a School District bus/vehicle will be placed on immediate suspension from the bus/vehicle. Further, such violation(s) will result the application of Class III Administrative Alternatives. In addition, appropriate legal authorities may be notified for possible legal action.

4. The principal, based on reasonable evidence, determines that a student is guilty of a series of violations of Class I or II offenses of the Student Code of Conduct, Filed JCDA, while riding a School District bus/vehicle may be placed on immediate suspension from the bus/vehicle. Further, such violation(s) will result the application of Class I or II Administrative Alternatives. In addition, appropriate legal authorities may be notified for possible legal action.

SOURCE: Winston County Board of Education, Double Springs, AL

ADOPTED: JULY 7, 1998



FILE: TCD
PRINCIPAL'S ROLE IN STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

The principal of the school plays a very important role in student transportation and has certain definite responsibilities. Some of which are as follows:

1. Working with the Supervisor of Transportation on problems that arise relating to:

a. Student-driver relationships

b. Attitudes of parents toward transportation

c. Bus stops


2. Handling discipline problems of transported students. When discipline problems arise between or among students who ride the same bus but attend different schools, the school principals involved shall make every attempt to confer with one another prior to administering discipline procedures. Such conference shall be for the purpose of agreeing on appropriate discipline measures that are fairly and consistently applied.


3. Working with the Supervisor of Transportation in designating loading, unloading and parking areas for buses.


4. Working with the Supervisor of Transportation in scheduling the arrival and departure time of the buses.


5. Assigning teachers to supervise loading and unloading of school buses.


6. Observing the daily operation of buses around the school and when possible out in the transported zones.


7. Reporting incidents considered to be unsafe and/or not in compliance with the policies and regulations in the manual to the Supervisor of Transportation.


8. Including school bus safety in the instructional program and insuring that students are made aware of applicable policies and behavior codes that apply while riding School District school buses/vehicles.

SOURCE: Winston County Board of Education, Double Springs, AL

ADOPTED: JULY 7, 1998

School Bus Safety Rules 


Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload passengers, children should not rely on them to do so. The National Safety Council encourages parents to teach their children these rules for getting on and off the school bus. 

Getting on the school bus 
1.) When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property. 

2.) Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches. 

3.) Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway. 

4.) Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus. 

Behavior on the bus 
1.) When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed. 

2.) Never put head, arms or hands out of the window. 

3.) Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency. 

4.) Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together. 

5.) At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the handrail. 



Getting off the school bus 
1.) If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver. 

2.) Make sure that the driver can see you. 

3.) Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross. 

4.) When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes. 

5.) Do not cross the centerline of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking. 

6.) Stay away from the bus' rear wheels at all times. 

Correct way to cross the street 
1.) Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing. 

2.)They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across. 

If students' vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles -- then stop, and look left-right-left again. 


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