Transportation

The bus driver's main duty is to drive the bus safely and is in complete charge of the passengers that he/she is transporting.  Students can help by following these bus rules:

1. Students are to remain seated, facing forward, and hands to themselves at all times while the bus is in motion.
2. Students are to be at the bus stop 5 minutes early, board and exit the bus in a safe manner, and follow the driver's instructions before crossing the street.
3. Students must observe "quiet time" when the driver feels it is necessary, and refrain from loud conversations or profane language.
4. Students are to have one assigned pick-up and drop-off location and must fill out a Bus Permission Slip within the first 5 days to continue receiving transportation. **No stop deviations** Call the Transportation Department if a deviation is needed.
5. Fighting, violence, bullying and/or harassment of any kind could result in suspension of riding privileges to all parties involved.
6. Items restricted on the bus include, but are not limited to:
   • Skateboards
   • Speakers/Audio players (except used with earphones)
   • Live animals
   • Tobacco products including vaping devices (may result in suspension of riding privileges)
   • Matches or lighters (may result in suspension of riding privileges)
   • laser pointers
   • Scooters
   • Any object that could be considered a weapon
   • Any material that could be potentially hazardous
   • Sport equipment not enclosed in a bag
7. Do not throw anything at the bus, on the bus, or out of the windows
8. Students cannot eat or drink while riding the bus
9. Students are to keep arms, legs, and body of the aisle at all times when seated and the bus is in motion.
10. Students shall use the emergency door only in case of emergency.
11. Students may be assigned seats by the driver.
12. Students shall keep the bus clean and refrain from damaging the bus.  Damage may be billed for costs to repair, or student suspension of riding privileges.
13. Students shall be courteous to the driver, fellow students, and passers-by.
14. Students who refuse to obey the directions of the driver, or refuse to obey regulations, may forfeit their privilege to ride on the bus.

The District maintains the right to carry out discipline procedures whether or not a video surveillance was used to document the behavior or event. Disciplinary actions will be in accordance with the progressive disciplinary plan of the school/District.

The rules outlined are subject to change, if necessary, to keep Transportation School District policies in compliance with State and Federal laws and with rules/regulations of the Douglas County School District.

Students who need to deviate from the regular route or stop need a Stop Deviation Slip from the school office or a note from a parent or guardian in order to receive transportation to an alternate stop or bus route. 

Students who wish to ride an alternate bus for special events (such as Girl or Boy Scouts) must have permission from their parents on file and must verify that there is available seating on the route in order to accommodate their request.

Our drivers have been trained to be familiar with disabilities as they relate to transportation on their bus.

They are CPR certified and trained in basic first aid. Almost every bus will include a disabled student who will fall under the special education laws and be mainstreamed along with non-handicapped students. Therefore it is imperative for every driver to be trained in the requirements of special education transportation. This training includes the following:

• Familiarity with basic requirements of IDEA and Section 504
• Information about disability conditions
• Disciplinary and suspension procedures
• Knowledge of assertive devices and their management
• Behavior management techniques
• Familiarity with basic medial procedures

If special instructions are needed for students, they must be mentioned on the route sheet and/or emergency information sheet located on the bus and easily accessible to the driver. This information is handled in a confidential manner as described in the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.

If your child has a physical condition that the driver needs to be aware of please contact Inclusive Education or the Transportation Department.