Rules of Conduct for Bus Riders
Waiting for the School Bus
- All bus drivers are expected to arrive at each designated stop within the same ten minutes of the set hour each day, unless there are uncontrollable factors (mechanical problems, inclement weather, driver absent or student misbehavior).
- Because school buses operate on a very tight schedule, students should arrive at the bus stop fifteen minutes ahead of the bus. Each student should be on time-bus drivers will not wait for those who are late unless it’s during inclement weather.
- Students may ride only the bus they are regularly assigned.
- Students are prohibited from bringing the following items on the bus: animals; food/drinks; glass containers; weapons; balloons; oversized items-including band instruments-which obstruct the driver’s view, block the aisle or exits, or displace a student from a seat; and any other item or object which will interfere with the safe operation of a school bus. Radios/compact disc players/MP-3/Ipod’s players, cell phones, or similar devices and handheld electronic games are not permitted. If a bus driver should discover a student using one of these devices, they are required to submit a disciplinary referral to the appropriate school official. (The US Department of Transportation, National Highways Traffic Safety Administration, Standard 17, Pupil Safety: …baggage and other items transported in the passenger compartment should be stored so that the aisles are kept clear and the doors and emergency exits of school vehicles remain unobstructed at all times //South Carolina Department of Education: Band instruments, or other items, carried on a school bus must be of such size that they can be transported in the student’s lap. This is necessary to insure that all items are kept under the control of the student at all times in case of accident or an emergency. School district compliance with this standard is mandatory. No student carry-on items can obstruct the orderly emergency or non-emergency exiting of the bus. Securement of carry-on items prohibits them from becoming flying objects in the event of an accident. Items on the seats, floor, or obstructing the aisles endanger all students on the bus.
- Passengers are to be seated immediately and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Riding and Leaving the School Bus
- The driver of a school bus is in complete charge of the passengers while they are aboard the bus and should be given the same respect as a classroom teacher. Complaints against a driver should be directed to the transportation office.
- Students should conduct themselves in an acceptable manner at all times. Profanity, obscene gestures, horseplay, throwing objects, fighting, and boisterous or other improper behavior will not be tolerated. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom behavior will be observed.
- Students will occupy the seat assigned to them by the driver. All students will have assigned seats and will be required to furnish information for a bus roster. Once seats are assigned, students may be held accountable for damage.
- The aisle of the bus must remain free of books and other objects.
- Passengers should keep their arms, head, or others parts of the body inside the bus at all times.
- Passengers should not tamper with the emergency door, fire extinguisher, or other safety equipment on the bus- including cameras.
- Students should assist the driver in keeping the bus clean by discarding trash in an appropriate trash receptacle.
- Students should remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. Upon arrival at school, students in the front seats will leave the bus first and all will exit in an orderly fashion.
- Passengers are allowed to leave the bus only at regular designated stops.
General Bus Information
- Student can only switch from their assigned bus with a written request from a parent/guardian. The school principal and the transportation director will evaluate each request. If the parents request a drop off other than the normal stop, they must make this request in writing and have it notarized. The new stop location must be within the child’s assigned school zone and be on a space available basis.
- Complaints or safety concerns regarding a bus or bus driver should be made to the Transportation Office.
- All bus students are expected to obey the principals and teacher at each school their bus serves. The students’ school principal will discipline students who disobey any school official on school grounds-including school buses.
- Most school buses are equipped with a video cameras and audio recording device which can be used to monitor passenger and bus activity. Student behavior on the bus and the driver’s management of the behavior are key elements for a safe bus ride. Requests to view a video can be made through the administrator at the child’s school. Requests are granted when there is ‘just cause’ and with the intent of observing and resolving a particular problem or situation. Viewings will be conducted only within the presence of the school administrator.
- The regulations are established for the protection of students, school officials, school property and the motoring public. Students who fail to follow these rules could lose privilege to ride any Florence District Three bus. When, in the judgment of school district officials, any bus student’s behavior endangers the lives of other bus students and the motoring public, then that student can be immediately removed from the bus. Bus privileged will remain suspended until the student has had a conference with school principal.
- Bus drivers cannot suspend a student from riding the bus. Only the principal or principal’s designee of the school the student attends can make this decision.
- All students are subject to transportation laws, rules, and regulations from the time they board a school bus until the bus route is completed or until the student arrive at their normal destinations, either home or school.
- Should a bus arrive at an assigned bus stop for a two week period, and no students board the bus, the bus stop will be deactivated. Should the parents wish to reactivate the bus stop, they will need to contact the Transportation Office and it make take up to four business days to complete the process.
Request of Parents and Guardians
Parents or guardians are responsible for the safety, conduct, and timely arrival of their children to, from, and at the designated school bus stop before the arrival of the school bus for pick and transport to school and the timely departure of the child after the school bus leaves the designated school bus top after transporting the children from school. (SC-59-67-415)