NORTH SANPETE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Creating Conditions for Learning So All Students Can Succeed

NORTH SANPETE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Creating Conditions for Learning So All Students Can Succeed

X-01: School Transportation Policy


North Sanpete School District
Statement of .............

Board Policy with Guidelines

Policy Number: X-1
Effective Date: 12/16/1982
Revised Date: 06/15/2021


PDF Download


Subject: School Transportation Policy


DISTRICT POLICY


School bus drivers are bound by a comprehensive set of requirements, including standards related to their physical condition, training, certification, driving and criminal history. These requirements are found in the Standards for School Buses and Operation, adopted by the Utah State Board of Education (Utah Admin. Code R277-601) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Bus drivers, substitute drivers, attendants, and other employees transporting students on a school bus or other means shall comply with the most current USBE and FMSCA rules.


Safety and Training

  1. All vehicles used to transport children shall be maintained in such condition as to provide safe and efficient transportation service with a minimum of delays and disruption of such service due to mechanical or equipment failure. Buses and student transportation vehicles shall be replaced on a rotating basis to assure safety and compliance with all state and federal regulations.
  2. An orientation to school bus driving shall be given to every driver employed by the district. The initial training will include the things the driver will be doing when he or she gets behind the wheel of the bus and familiarize the driver with the bus itself. The driver will complete a proficiency (road) test to prove driving skills used in the safe operation of a bus. Before a driver actually drives students to school, he or she shall ride with an experienced driver to observe operational procedures.
  3. Bus drivers are required to attend and complete all safety meetings and trainings as coordinated through the district including first aid/emergency care, Safe Schools, and Risk Management Defensive Driving.
  4. Bus drivers will complete a physical assessment prior to the beginning of each school year.
  5. Bus drivers shall complete required endorsements and licensing as required by state and federal regulations prior to transporting students.
  6. Bus drivers shall conduct evacuation drills with students twice during the school year as required by state and federal regulations.
  7. A policy and procedures manual for transportation is on file at the district office and will be issued to all bus drivers, principals and district administrators.
  8. The transportation Department will issue a bus safety rule disclosure to all bus students at the beginning of each school year. The disclosure will be signed by parents to acknowledge that they have received and understand the expectations for students.
  9. Bus drivers have a direct responsibility for passenger safety on all routes. Drivers are to maintain proper student discipline when loading, unloading and transporting students. All student discipline concerns shall be reported to school administration.
  10. Drivers shall not load and unload passengers unless the bus is stopped and all precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the passengers.


Inspections

  1. Bus drivers shall perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and other safety measures as directed by the district transportation department. Drivers will document daily any mechanical concerns on the inspection form and notify transportation coordinator. Corrective action shall be taken prior to transporting students.
  2. Bus drivers will render judgement on the condition of the bus/vehicle. If it is considered unsafe, the driver shall immediately coordinate with the district transportation department for alternative transportation.
  3. Bus drivers shall perform a student check after each route. The driver will document the inspection on the Pre/Post Trip Inspection Report.
  4. If a student is found on the bus, the driver shall immediately contact the transportation department to coordinate with parents and school administration for safe transport to designated a drop-off location.
  5. Failure to perform the Pre/Post inspection and the student check will result in disciplinary action up to and not excluding termination.
  6. Each driver will submit all reports as requested. All records shall be maintained by the district transportation department.
  7. The district transportation director shall establish an effective preventative inspection and maintenance programs for all school owned vehicles
  8. Drivers shall inspect and clean their buses as directed by the transportation department.


Share by: