School Bus Discipline Program

a) Philosophy

• Every time a student violates a bus rule raises the chance the driver is distracted.

• Every time the driver is distracted raises the chance of an accident happening.

• Therefore, every time a student violates a bus rule directly raises the chance of their bus being in an accident!

b) Bus Rules

• Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

• In addition, the following rules will be required of students riding the school bus:

• Follow the directions of the driver

• Stay in your seat

• No foul language or rude behavior

• Keep all body parts and objects to yourself and inside the bus

• No eating or drinking on the bus

• No tobacco products, illegal substances, or hazardous materials on the bus

c) Bus suspension guidelines

• If the Minimum Period of Suspension section of the Code of Conduct covers the rule violation, the length of suspension is stated in that document.

• If the rule violation involved insubordination to district employees, at least 2 days of bus

suspension is awarded (examples include, but not limited to, failing to comply with the reasonable directions of district employees, demonstrating disrespect)

• If the rule violation endangered the safety, morals, health or welfare of others, besides that

described in the violent conduct section of the Code of Conduct, at least 2 days of bus suspension is awarded (examples include, but not limited to, throwing/shooting items, spitting, lying, stealing).

• If the rule violation was a threat, other than described in the violent conduct section of the Code of Conduct, at least 3 days of bus suspension is awarded (examples include, but not limited to, informing someone you will beat, hit, kick, or hurt someone).

• If the rule violation is not covered by the above, then bus suspension and length is based on the number of referrals the student has received during the present school year:

Elementary:

3 referrals or less - warning

4th referral - 2 days bus suspension

5th referral - 3 days bus suspension

Add 1 day each successive referral up to maximum 5 days bus suspension

Middle School:

2 referrals or less - warning

3rd referral - 2 days bus suspension

4th referral - 3 days bus suspension

Add 1 day each successive referral up to maximum 5 days bus suspension

High School:

1 referral - warning

2nd referral - 2 days bus suspension

3rd referral - 3 days bus suspension

Add 1 day each successive referral up to maximum 5 days bus suspension

• Transportation Hearings are utilized if extended bus suspensions of more than 5 days are sought. In addition, Transportation Hearings may be utilized for students accumulating 10 bus referrals and 20 days of bus suspension during a school year.