Policy 801.04
Bus Scheduling, Routing, Safety
School bus stops and routes will be determined by the district and, if applicable, the contracted transportation provider and will be based upon efficiency, safety, Board policy and applicable state and federal laws and rules.
The superintendent or designee shall plan and implement a safety-training program for school bus drivers and vehicle passengers. The superintendent or designee shall monitor the scheduling of inservice and educational opportunities for transportation personnel to improve their awareness and skills regarding school bus safety.
Administrative rules and regulations shall be adopted to govern the safe operation of school buses. Students violating these regulations may have their riding privileges revoked or suspended. Parents will be responsible for damage done to transportation vehicles or equipment by their children.
The school district shall conduct school bus safe riding practices instruction and emergency safety drills at least twice a year for students who utilize school district transportation. The emergency evacuation drill procedures should be conducted according to guidelines established by the Nebraska Department of Education.
Each school bus vehicle shall have, in addition to the regular emergency safety drill, a plan for helping those students who require special assistance to safety during an emergency. This shall include, but not be limited to, students with disabilities.
All transportation vehicles shall be acquired and maintained to meet or exceed NDE Minimum Equipment Standards for student transportation vehicles. The superintendent or designee shall develop a systematic preventative maintenance program including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual schedules to insure vehicle safety and reliability. This will include a record keeping system for maintaining inspection reports along with procedures for filing reports and certifications to meet requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education.
School bus drivers must pass physical examinations and meet other criteria as established by state and federal law and by the Nebraska Department of Education. Bus drivers must have a valid student transportation vehicle operator’s permit and shall have it in their possession when transporting students. This does not apply to the operator of a small vehicle being used only for extracurricular activities. These drivers must have a current and in-force Nebraska driver’s license.
School bus driver selection procedures will be developed to ensure acceptance of drivers whose capabilities are commensurate with job responsibilities.
All school bus drivers and small vehicle extracurricular activities drivers are required to inform the district immediately of any change in their driving or criminal records that could affect their eligibility to maintain the student transportation vehicle operator’s permit and/or Nebraska driver’s license.
Legal Reference:
NDE Rule 91
Neb. Statute 79-601 to 610
Cross Reference:
508.05 Emergency Plans and Drills
905 Safety Program
Approved: September 11, 2006