Bus Conduct

District 401 students being transported on a bus are under the direct authority of the bus driver and school administration.

In most cases, bus discipline problems can be handled by the bus driver. But in the case of a written disciplinary referral, student bus problems will be investigated and handled by the building principal.

Students must show a valid school photo ID to board the bus.

Expectations

Students are expected to follow all school rules while on the bus. In the interest of student safety and in compliance with state law, students are also expected to observe the following guidelines:

  • Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.
  • Arrive on time at the bus stop, and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus.
  • Stay away from the bus until it stops completely and the driver signals you to board. Enter in single file without pushing. Always use the handrail.
  • Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.
  • Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Tablets, iPods, iPads, smartphones and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones.
  • Help keep the bus neat and clean. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.
  • Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students. Sit with your hands to yourself and avoid making noises that would distract the driver or bother other passengers. Remain seated, keeping your hands, arms, and head inside the bus at all times.
  • Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus.
  • Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you. Take five large steps away from the bus and out of the danger zone, until you can see the driver and the driver sees you. Never crawl under a bus.
  • If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus. Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic.
  • Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.

Video and audio cameras may be active on buses to record student conduct and may be used for the purposes of investigation into misconduct or accidents on the bus.

Consequences

Students may be suspended from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for violating school rules or for engaging in other gross disobedience or misconduct.

As stated in Section 7:220 of the Board of Education's Policy Manual, prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

  • Prohibited student conduct as defined in District Policy 7:190, "Student Behavior."
  • Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
  • Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
  • Repeated use of profanity.
  • Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.
  • Such other behavior as the Superintendent or designee deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the Board of Education may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons.

District 401's regular suspension procedures as outlined in Section 7:200 of the Policy Manual shall be used to suspend a student's privilege to ride a school bus.