Contents School Bus Drivers -- Their Importance and Training... 4 BUS DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS... 5 OVER THE ROAD DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS...

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2 Contents School Bus Drivers -- Their Importance and Training... 4 BUS DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS... 5 OVER THE ROAD DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS... 5 DRIVING RECORD... 5 DISTRICT EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE PROCEDUR:... 6 BUS DRIVER DRIVING RESPONSIBILITIES... 6 BUS DRIVER DUTIES... 7 OTHER EXPECTATIONS... 7 Cell Phone... 8 EXTRA-CURRICULAR TRANSPORTATION... 8 EMERGENCY AND INCLEMENT WEATHER EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS PARKING BUSES PARKING PERSONAL VEHICLES PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION RADIO PROCEDURES ROUTES AND STOPS STUDENT RULES AND REGULATIONS STUDENT BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE TRANSPORTATION CONSEQUENCE GRID T-1 ROUTE REPORTS SUBSTITUTE DRIVERS LEAVE REQUESTS WAGES YEAR END DUTIES DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING: School Board Policy 5228 & 5228P Drug & Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers.17 Pre-Employment Test.. 17 Post-Accident Tests...17 Random Tests 18 Reasonable Suspicion Tests..18 Enforcement...18 Return-to-Duty Tests.19 Follow-Up Tests.19 Records...19 Notifications...19 Drug Free Workplace Policy District Action Upon Violation of Policy.21 2

3 Employee Chemical Use and Dependency TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTS 21 ACCIDENT INVOLVING A BUS...22 Purpose: Procedure for Bus Driver: Procedure for Dispatch Operations: Transportation Director: ROUTES AND STOPS TRANSPORTATION FORMS APPENDIX A: Notice re: Inclement Weather & Emergency Procedures APPENDIX B: Notice re: School Bus Citizenship Student Responsibilities Driver Responsibilities.28 Parent/Guardian Responsibilities..28 Bus Discipline Procedures.28 APPENDIX C: Bus Driver Disipline Report APPENDIX D: Extra Curricular Trip Sheet APPENDIX E: Student Accident Report APPENDIX F: Bus Violation Report APPENDIX G: End of Year Inspection Form APPENDIX H: Daily Inspection & Condition Report APPENDIX L: Driver s Accident Report Insurance Document Information Exchange Forms.36 Passenger List...37 APPENDIX R: Emergency Medical Release Form WELCOME LETTER & Consequence Grid 39 Emergency Contact ATTACHMENT: Definitions

4 School Bus Drivers -- Their Importance and Training School buses are the safest vehicles on the road. This safety record is the result of the interaction among several factors-- the design and construction of the school bus; the operating condition of the bus; the planning of the school bus route; the location of the loading zones; and the school bus driver. The role of the school bus driver in ensuring the safe transportation of children to and from school, and school-related activities, is as important as any other link in the school-transportation safety chain. A modern, safe, well-maintained school bus, operating on the best possible terrain with ideal loading zones, cannot compensate for an ill-trained school bus driver. Likewise, today s highly trained school bus drivers cannot provide the safest possible transportation to students with out-of-date, poorly-maintained school buses, traveling over illogical routes, and stopping at undesirable loading zones. While the construction and safety equipment of school buses are critical to providing safety to school bus occupants, it is the school bus driver who often prevents incidents and crashes each school day. The safety record of school bus transportation is a testament to school bus drivers and the rest of the school transportation industry. Driving the school bus is not the only task required of school bus drivers. Before the school bus is driven each day, the driver is personally responsible for conducting a physical check of various vehicle systems, e.g., brakes, tires, lights, steering, etc., to ensure that all systems meet requirements for safe and proper operation. Drivers are responsible not only for the discipline of the children on the bus, but also for any medical or other emergencies that may arise during transportation. Finally, many school bus drivers must attend to the unique requirements of students with special needs, which frequently requires additional special training and dedication. Selecting and training men and women to be school bus drivers is an important task. School bus drivers must be knowledgeable about school transportation, have excellent driving skills, and mechanical knowledge, and be a disciplinarian, health provider, and a positive role model. This is not an easy combination of skills and personality traits to find in individuals, but ones that are important in the selection and training of school bus drivers. In addition, school bus drivers need to be in sound physical and mental health. Since the students see the same school bus driver every school day, the driver usually becomes a significant adult to the children. For the parents of the children, especially those with children just starting school, the school bus driver is the person they entrust with the safety of their children. 4

5 BUS DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS: Any driver of a school bus shall be qualified to drive such school bus by compliance with the following requirements: 1. **Has a minimum of five years licensed driving experience, and is not less than 21 years of age. 2. Is of good moral character. 3. Is the holder of a Montana State CDL: Class B/Type 1/Passenger Endorsement S Endorsement with Interstate and air brakes. 4. Has filed with the District a satisfactory medical examination report signed by a licensed physician on a form provided by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The medical exams are valid for one to two years. The School District will pay for the medical exam as long as an approved provider by the District conducts the exam. 5. Holds a valid First Aid /CPR certificate from an authorized instructor. The School District offers this course twice a year and pays for the driver s First Aid and CPR course renewal. 6. Has complied with any other qualifications established by the Montana Office of Public Instructions. 7. Holds a valid TR 35 and carries it at all times while driving a bus. 8. Attends a 15 hours of training annually, which is provided by the Transportation Office. 9. Stays apprised of relevant district policies. 10. New Route Driver: school district pre-drivers requirements - driving time experience is currently four hours on the road (town/highway) with a district driver. This driving time will include training with railroad crossings, parking, and fueling. The drivers will also be required to drive four routes with a current route driver. New drivers will also receive training in correct radio procedures, time sheets, route/extra-curricular trips, maintenance requests, locking/securing the bus, and becoming familiar with all the buses. 11. Has been fingerprinted for a criminal background check, and completed a DOT Pre- Employment Drug Test. 12. Gives the district permission to conduct an annual driving record check. 13. Ensures that required documents are current and provides a copy of each to the Transportation Director. OVER THE ROAD DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS: All OTR drivers must meet the qualifications of Route Driver and hold all required documentation. In addition, those drivers must have the following: months of Route Driving experience, or have 12 months prior experience driving Coach Buses. 2. No driving incidents within past 12 months. DRIVING RECORD 1. A driver who receives two moving violations in their private vehicle, within a 3-year period, is required to notify the Transportation Department in writing within 5 days of the second conviction. Depending on the circumstances and severity, discipline consequences may occur. 2. Due to the relation of driving to bus driver positions, those Laurel Public Schools drivers who are in ticketed accidents while off duty and in private vehicles are subject to discipline consequences, up to and including dismissal. 5

6 3. A driver who is convicted of a DUI refusal in any vehicle is subject to immediate termination. If a DUI is discovered on a driving record within a seven-year period, termination from employment may result. DISTRICT EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE: Discipline of drivers will be in accordance with the provisions of the classified master agreement and School Board policy. BUS DRIVER DRIVING RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Ensure that headlights are always on when bus is in motion. 2. Strictly adhere to the time schedule set for the individual route: being too early is just as bad as being too late. 3. Make all approaches to bus stops in a careful and prudent manner. 4. Stop only at approved locations. Alteration of bus stop locations requires the approval of the Transportation Director, submission of a new TR1, and approval by the School Board and County Superintendent. 5. Make sure that all pupils are in their seats AND SITTING DOWN when the bus is in motion. Make sure they keep their head, hands and feet inside the bus at all times. 6. Ensure that all loading is supervised. Before leaving the school, the supervisor or driver should be sure to have all passengers aboard. 7. Extend all courtesies to other motorists. 8. Do not pass another vehicle unless a passing lane is provided. 9. Do not make a right-hand turn while stop light is red. 10. Adhere to posted speed limits. Highway speeds shall not exceed 75 MPH. 11. At all times give first consideration to the safety of pupils riding the bus. Approaching a Railroad Crossing: 1. Slow down, including shifting to a lower gear in a manual transmission bus, and test your brakes. 2. Activate hazard lights approximately 200 feet before the crossing. Make sure your intentions are known. 3. Scan your surroundings and check for traffic behind you. 4. Stay to the right of the roadway if possible. 5. Choose an escape route in the event of a brake failure or problems behind you. At the Crossing: 1. Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, where you have the best view of the tracks. 2. Place the transmission in Park or, if there is no Park shift point, in Neutral and press down on the service brake or set the parking brake. 3. Turn off all radios and noisy equipment and silence the passengers. 4. Open the service door and driver s window. Look and listen for an approaching train. Crossing the Track: 1. Check the crossing signals again before proceeding. 2. At a multiple-track crossing, stop only before the first set of tracks. When you are sure no train is approaching on any track, proceed across all of the tracks until you have completely cleared them. 3. Cross the tracks in a low gear. Do not change gears while crossing. 4. If the gate comes down after you have started across, drive through it even if it means you will break the gate. 6

7 BUS DRIVER DUTIES 1. Drivers employed by the District will be expected to attend the regular driver meetings. 2. All bus drivers are to report to work 20 minutes before leaving on the a.m. route for a walkaround check of the buses. If the temperature is 15 degrees or below an additional 15- minute warm up time will be required for the bus before departure (PM pre-trip inspection is required only if the bus was not used earlier in the day and the Transportation Director approves.) Drivers are responsible for reporting all needed maintenance to the Transportation Office. Fill out bus repair sheet. The bus driver should check his/her bus and equipment each day and maintain a clean bus AT ALL TIMES. There are inspection sheets available on each bus for this check-off. 3. ALL pre-trip preparation will include airbrake test, which will consist of draining tanks until emergency brake pops. 4. In cold weather, drivers must ensure that bus heaters are working. No bus will be driven in cold weather without heaters working. 5. Post-trip checks must be conducted once bus is returned to barn. Post trips checks will include a walk of bus, checking for sleeping students, closing windows, and disinfecting bus. 6. Drivers will be responsible for cleaning the inside and outside of his/her bus. The washing of the outside of the buses is the responsibility of the regular driver. 7. Each Driver is responsible to ensure that his/her T1 is current, along with the route map depicting stop addresses, at all times. The Transportation Director, School Board and County Superintendent will allow NO stop changes without prior permission. 8. All reports that are required by the school administration must be made accurately and promptly and will be requested in writing whenever possible. 9. After using one of the spare buses, the driver should see that the bus is clean and refueled. Check with the office personnel if you are in doubt as to fuel or not. 10. The driver shall be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the first aid kit that is required on all buses. 11. It is the driver s responsibility, before and after driving, to regularly check the condition of the seats and interior of the bus, for any damage that may have occurred. OTHER EXPECTATIONS 1. Drivers are to maintain an attitude that demonstrates respect to students, school personnel, parents/guardians, and all other people. The driver s attitude determines the good or poor relationship between the transportation system and the public. 2. A driver with any concerns regarding the physical abilities of a student, should consult the Transportation Director. 3. A gate key for the Transportation Complex will be issued to each driver. Upon resigning, that key must be returned to the Transportation Office. 4. Use of any tobacco products is not allowed on school property, on the buses, or in district vehicles at any time. 5. The driver shall not permit dogs or other animals in the bus without permission from the Transportation Director. 6. The driver shall not permit firearms, unlawful knives, or sharp instruments to be carried in the bus. 7. No food will be eaten on the route bus. Drivers can give out treats to students as they leave the bus on special days. 7

8 8. Cell Phones: The US Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held and hands-free cell phones while operating their vehicles. No driver is permitted to use his/her cell phone while the bus is in motion. If radio communication is unavailable, the driver must pull the bus off the road, and secure the bus prior to calling the base. EXTRA-CURRICULAR TRANSPORTATION 1. Regular route drivers will have the opportunity to drive for extra-curricular trips. The list of extra-curricular activities will be given out monthly. Regular route drivers will be put into a rotation, changing monthly, whereby each route driver will have an opportunity to have first choice of trips. This rotation of drivers will carry over from year to year. It is the responsibility of the drivers to be present at the meeting to choose trips or turn in a list of desired trips to the office prior to the meeting. 2. The extra-curricular assignments meeting will be held on the 3 rd Friday of each month at 8:45 am. 3. When a regular route driver s extra-curricular trip is cancelled and not rescheduled he/she will have the opportunity to replace that trip with any available trip between trip pick dates. If multiple drivers are involved, replacements will be offered by that month s order on the Rotation List. 4. It is the responsibility of the route drivers not to exceed 40 hours per week. If overtime issues arise, prior approval by the Transportation Director is REQUIRED. 5. Route drivers may use up to three days of salary deduct leave per week to avoid overtime issues resulting from extra-curricular trips. 6. Any trips not picked by route drivers will be assigned to substitute drivers. 7. The Rotation List of drivers, for picking extra-curricular trips, will be provided by the Transportation Office at the beginning of each school year. 8. The bus driver will be required to use the time clock when going on extracurricular trips that do not require overnight stay. For All overnight trips, the driver will be required to maintain an Activity Bus Driver s Time Sheet (Appendix D). This form will be prepared by the Transportation Office and should be picked up prior to the trip. 9. Bus driver s meals, lodging and tickets will be furnished by the activity group. Computation of meal allowance* is as follows: a. For the morning meal allowance, between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 10a.m. b. For the midday meal allowance, between the hours of 10:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. c. For the evening meal allowance, between the hours of 3:01 p.m. and midnight. - *Only if the employee is in a travel status for more than 3 continuous hours during the above listed hours. See Montana Code Annotated attached. - Extra-curricular bus drivers should have a separate room, away from the students and coaches, to allow for a night of uninterrupted sleep. 10. Drivers who assume the responsibilities involved in driving on activity trips should recognize the need for being properly RESTED AND READY. When at all possible, drivers should have eight hours of rest before going out on their next trip. 11. A driver s primary concern is the transportation and safety of students. 12. In case of a breakdown during office hours, the bus driver shall call the Transportation Office. If after office hours, the driver shall contact the Transportation Director. 13. The following is a list of the duties of the bus driver on extra-curricular activity trips: a. The Driver is expected to be at the bus barn 30 minutes before departure time to perform a pre-trip inspection of the bus and be at the loading area 15 minutes 8

9 before departure time. If the temperature is15 degrees or below, the driver will show ½ hour early to warm up bus sufficiently. (40 minutes for the coaches) b. The driver will assist in loading luggage, equipment and band instruments. Do not block the emergency exits or back windows! c. A district credit card will be used for refueling and any unexpected repairs on extracurricular trips. 1). Drivers must check the board to see if their bus is scheduled for an extracurricular trip. If a bus is going to be used for the trip the driver must ensure that the bus is fueled. 2). The extra-curricular driver is responsible for fueling the bus and cleaning the bus immediately following the trip, and ensuring that the bus is plugged in when weather is cold. d. The driver is required to stay at the event, except when refueling, eating, resting, or in event of emergencies. In some cases, it will be necessary for the driver to stay with his/her bus at the activity. e. At 15 degrees or below, the driver will start the bus ½ hour before departing for home to allow the bus to warm up sufficiently. A driver WILL NOT move or transport anyone on a bus without the heater working. f. When possible, the bus is to be kept locked to protect the property of the driver as well as that of the passengers. g. The driver must check the bus, before departure from an activity, for flat tires, glass breakage, etc. h. The driver must maintain an adequate supply of fuel in case of trouble on the road. No fueling should occur with students onboard. i. If questions arise in regard to the route, destination, or location of the school, the driver shall check with the activity sponsor or supervisor. j. Students must keep books, legs, instruments, etc. clear of the aisle of the bus. k. All beverages on the bus must have a lid. Students can help keep the bus clean and clear of trash. Cleaning of the bus is the responsibility of the driver and sponsor. The driver shall ensure there are trash bags on the bus for the trip. The driver and coach will take a walk through the bus and make sure everything is in order before releasing the students. 14. The Transportation Director can arrange to share transportation with other districts for extra-curricular trips that involve students of other districts traveling the same route. 15. Other than regularly assigned bus routes, authorization for the use of the school buses will be handled through the Transportation Director. The Board of Trustees may permit the school buses to be used by groups other than school sponsored activities on a case by case basis. 16. All students on activity trips must be accompanied by an authorized chaperone or advisor on each bus. BUS DRIVERS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO CHAPERONE! 17. The principal will be required to complete a request for an activity bus (for all non-athletic trips). The request should be sent to the Transportation Director at least two (2) weeks before a bus is needed. 18. If concern arises about whether a trip should be taken due to severe weather, it will be the responsibility of the bus driver to make a determination. If more input is needed and a decision cannot be made, the Transportation Director should be contacted for a decision. Bus drivers should check on road reports and weather conditions prior to making trips. 19. Extra-curricular trips will not be driven by the sponsor or coach unless an emergency exists, or approval has been given by the Superintendent. 9

10 20. The bus should be locked while unattended. The key is not to be given to students to go to the bus without supervision. 21. Coaches and drivers can bring immediate household family members on extra-curricular trips if space is available. All costs incurred for family members is the responsibility of the driver or coach bringing them. EMERGENCY AND INCLEMENT WEATHER 1. The Superintendent or designated representative will be responsible for canceling school bus routes due to inclement weather. a. Responsible person will send an All-Call to households of staff and students, notify drivers that routes have been cancelled, and provide alert radio & TV stations: KGHL 790 AM, Town Square Media (KCTR FM & KKBR), Connoisseur Media (KBLG 730 AM, KRKX 94.1, KRZN 96.3, KWMY 105.9, KPLN 106.7), KTVQ-2, and KULR-8, or b. Bus service suspension will be for one day at a time due to the weather; it will automatically begin the following day unless there is another announcement suspending the service. This means the radio and TV stations will not be notified that the bus service will be resumed. 2. If buses are to return early due to either a threatening storm or blowing and drifting snow, parents/guardians or emergency contacts of students will be notified before the students are released. Middle School and High School students will be dismissed at the same time as the elementary students, but for those students with their own vehicles, we cannot accept responsibility for them after they leave the school. 3. Priority will be given to getting rural students home safely during extreme weather conditions. 4. If a road is closed during the morning, it will be assumed closed during the evening run also unless the road has been opened for BUS travel and the parent/guardians have notified the Transportation Director. The Transportation Director will in turn notify the Principal. If the road is impassable, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make other arrangements for the child. 5. In the event that weather conditions become so severe after school has been in session that attempting to run buses poses a threat to the safety of children, buses will be grounded until it is safe for travel. The district will help make provisions for housing students until conditions allow bus travel or until the parent/guardian is able to pick up the student. 6. During all driving conditions, the bus driver has the final say. EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE 1. A lubrication and oil change should be scheduled every 4,000 miles of operation and done automatically. MCI (Locomotive Buses) every 10,000 miles. The Transportation Office will schedule this service. 2. Buses should always be in a presentable condition. Drivers should keep their windows clean at all times. Nothing should be stored on the dash. 3. Minor repair should be handled by the Route Driver (Lead Driver), but the Transportation Director will be notified. There are Bus Repair Request forms to be filled out by the driver and submitted to the Transportation Director. 10

11 4. Drivers should become familiar with refueling procedures and always check to make sure there is more than adequate fuel in the bus before leaving on routes. It is recommended that refueling be done after the AM route. Fuel supplement will be used year around. EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS Instructions on how to properly carry out an emergency evacuation drill with drivers, including best locations for each given bus, will be given to drivers. There will be at least two (2) emergency evacuation drills held during the school year. The first drill must be completed in the first full week of school; the second must be competed in the first week of the second semester. The following guidelines are given for planning the emergency evacuation drills. 1. Adjust instruction to the age group. 2. Be sure that exiting is done on off street facilities, preferable school grounds with the approval of responsible school officials, or the Transportation Complex. 3. Practice the procedure until the students can respond automatically in an emergency. 4. Two student helpers should be designated in the rear and two in the front of the bus to be door openers when called upon to do so by the driver. In addition, a large bus may also have two students in the center to help younger students evacuate. 5. Depending on the age of the students, two students could be instructed on what to do if the driver is disabled. 6. The bus driver is the last person to evacuate the bus. 7. Do not time the drill. Students will respond quickly and in an orderly manner if an emergency occurs. a. The instructor will be a driver or teacher. b. All students who ride buses at any time, including kindergarten, pre-school and extra- curricular trips, are required to participate in the drills. c. ALL bus drivers will also complete a drill with their own route students twice a year in addition to the all-district bus evacuation drills. This drill will be conducted prior to PM route during the second week of school and the third week of January. PARKING BUSES All buses will be parked at the bus garage when not in use, unless special permission is obtained from the Transportation Director. The bus is to be parked in the correct stall designated. When starting a bus for warm-ups, the bus is to be backed out of the stall at least halfway and parked. Buses are not to be parked by the office; The yard is busy with other traffic and the diesel fumes enter the office area. If a spare bus is parked next to the east fence, the driver must make sure the bus is in gear, the brake is set, fans are off, and engine compartment lights are off. All windows and doors must be closed. The driver is to check the entire bus for anything left behind by the riders. Last, the driver must check for any damage to seats, etc. that may have occurred during the trip. Each driver must walk the bus they use after each route or trip. PARKING PERSONAL VEHICLES Personal vehicles must be parked outside of the fenced-in yard while drivers are on routes/trips, or in the stall of the bus they are taking, except for handicap parking by the office. Personal vehicles must NOT EVER be parked behind another bus. Parking inside the bus yard is allowed only briefly while a driver is taking care of business in the office. A driver going out on an extra- 11

12 curricular trip after hours, or on the weekend, may park inside the gate, in the stall their bus vacates. Drivers must ensure that vehicles are not blocking any other vehicles or buses. PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION 1. School District No. 7 & 7-70 will provide transportation to and from school for public school students who reside three or more miles from school, on routes approved by the Board of Trustees and Yellowstone County Transportation Committee. Out-of-district students may be transported providing there is room on a nearby bus. These students must come to the closest established bus stop to load/unload bus. If the bus is within 5 seats of being full on a regular basis, it will be considered full. 2. If a student misses the bus, and the student is at fault, the student will make arrangements for transportation home. If a student misses the bus due to incorrect school dismissal or buses leaving early, then District arrangements must be made to get that student onto the bus. The radio dispatcher will work those arrangements out with the bus driver. If the driver is at fault, he/she will be contacted to return to that stop for the student. 3. During the p.m. schedule, all buses must leave in order per schedule and call out on route from the high school. 4. The Transportation Office will handle all bus requests and driver assignments according to established policy. 5. No unassigned/unauthorized riders (including a driver s own children) will be allowed to ride on any regular route without a written request from parent and permission from the building principal. The school office will then send a copy of the medical release slip with the student. RADIO PROCEDURES 1. All radio procedures in the United States are under authorization from the Federal Communications Commission. (FCC) 2. Transmission procedures should be given in clear text or simple English rather than 10 codes. A driver should always identify him/herself by bus number when transmitting. 3. It is a Federal offense to send personal service messages over the radio. 4. Avoid unnecessary transmission, and be brief, accurate and to the point. TRANSMISSION EXAMPLE: 1. to Base this is base 3. Please pick student up at West Elementary 4. OK (10-4), 42 clear 5. Base clear 5. Do not transmit until determining if the air is clear. 6. Radio transmissions during peak bus movement periods such as a.m., High School lineup, or p.m. release should be held to pertinent information only. 7. Profane or obscene language is not allowed on the air. 8. Hold the microphone one to two inches from your mouth at a 45-degree angle. 9. Speak calmly/clearly/distinctly in a natural conversation rhythm at medium speed. 10. Avoid laying the microphone on the seat of the vehicle because the switch may be pressed and cause interference. 11. At times it may be necessary to broadcast emergency traffic (urgent message) over the Radio. When the need occurs, the person transmitting the messages should make the urgency clear to the dispatcher. The dispatcher should advise all other units to stand by and then advise the caller to proceed with the emergency problem. Code green? 12

13 12. After transmitting, determine if the message was acknowledged. If the message was not acknowledged, re-transmit. ROUTES AND STOPS 1. Buses will not leave county or state maintained roads except to turn around. 2. School bus routes will be established with due consideration of conditions affecting safety, condition of road, bridges, and culverts; presence of railroad tracks and hazardous crossings, extreme weather conditions, length of route, number of children and families to be served, availability of turn-around points, capacity of bus, etc. Bus routes will be planned to eliminate overlapping and empty bus miles as much as possible. Bus transportation is a group service, not an individual taxi service. 3. There are established routes of travel for each bus to follow both in town and out-oftown. Check with the Transportation Office if you are not sure of the route. These regular routes of travel are important because it will alleviate requests for bus service to students who do not qualify. 4. Parents/guardians should be referred to the school administration for any request of change in rural routes, stops, or schedules. School bus drivers should feel free to make recommendations regarding established routes. 5. Minor route changes due to traffic, road conditions, pupil load, etc., are the responsibility of the bus driver. The administration should be contacted on a regular basis regarding these changes. Major changes must be approved by the Transportation Director, Board of Trustees and County Superintendent. 6. Bus stops should be made only at designated loading places. Bus drivers will NOT be allowed to leave the regular route except in rare emergencies. Stops will be consolidated for safety. 7. Bus stops should be chosen with safety in mind. Points should be selected where motorists approaching from either direction will have a clear view of the bus for a distance of at least 500 feet, if not, signs must be installed indicating SCHOOL BUS STOP. 8. School loading and unloading zones are established and marked by the local police department. The principal and staff of each building are responsible for the conduct of students waiting in loading zones. Drop off students at designated loading zones only, never drop off across the street from schools so students have to cross street to school. 9. When home drop-off requires that students must cross a road: a. they shall cross in front of the bus and the bus will remain stopped with lights flashing until children have crossed. b. Students shall wait until the driver gives OK signal to cross. c. The students shall cross ten (10) feet in front of the bus. 10 NO student is allowed to cross Highway 212, Highway 10, Laurel Airport Road, 72 nd Street or any other road deemed a hazard. 11 If a stop is missed the driver will radio dispatch and dispatch will arrange with parents an alternate pickup stop. 12. Vacant routes and/or new routes will be filled by bid, based on seniority, with Board approval. 13

14 13. Each bus must have Emergency Medical Release slips for each bus student. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the possession of one for each rider. If any are missing, the driver must request a copy from the Transportation Director or Dispatcher. STUDENT RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Students shall board the bus in an orderly manner. 2. There shall be no pushing or scuffling while bus is loading. 3. Students shall go immediately to their assigned seat and sit down upon entering the bus. 4. Students shall keep all body parts inside the bus at all times never out of the window. 5. Students shall not throw objects out of the bus, whether it is standing still or moving. 6. Students shall keep books, packages, equipment or other objects out of the aisles at all times. Articles shall either be placed under the seat or held in the laps of pupils. 7. Talk shall be in conversational tones at all times. There shall be no shouting or loud talking which may distract the bus driver. There should be no shouting at passerby s. 8. There shall be no scuffling, playing, or fighting on the bus as this may distract the driver, cause an accident, or endanger the lives of all riders. 9. Students shall remain in seats until the bus is completely stopped. 10. When it is necessary for a pupil to cross the road at a bus stop, the crossing should be made only in front of the bus after looking both ways to make sure no traffic is approaching from either direction and upon signal from the driver. The student shall cross ten (10) feet in front of the bus. 11. Students shall follow directions given by driver or assistant. 12. Older pupils shall help look after the safety and comfort of other children, especially the small children. 13. Profanity, vulgarity or indecent language will not be tolerated. 14. Students will be allowed on or off the bus ONLY at their designated stops unless written permission from principal and parent has been received by the bus driver and the dispatcher has been informed. 12. No smoking, drugs, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the bus. 13. NO food or drinks will be allowed on the bus. 16.Only authorized students will be allowed to ride the bus, unless there is an emergency. An emergency consists of: death and/or illness in the family or road conditions. A request for permission will be signed by parent/guardian and principals involved. In emergency situations requests by non-certified riders to ride the bus must have parent/guardian permission when possible and be approved by the principal. The bus driver should be notified and given a medical release for the student. 17. It is required that seats be assigned at all times. 18. Students will board/disembark the bus at their school only. 19. School District No. 7 and 7-70 Discipline Reports will be used when students violate rules. 20. Cell phones may be used as long as student follow instructions from Driver. STUDENT BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE 1. The driver is required to operate and maintain a safe bus. 2. The driver will fill-out the Discipline Report the day of the offence. 3. The Transportation Director has the authority to place students on the grid according to offenses not specifically listed. This grid is a guide and not designed to be all-inclusive. 14

15 T-1 ROUTE REPORT 1. Each driver will be asked to completet-1 forms and to update route maps, once in the fall and once in the spring unless otherwise approved. The Transportation Office will request these when they are needed. A T-1 will be done for both the a.m. and p.m. route. If a driver has a kindergarten or pre-school mid-day run, a T-1 must also be done for it. The County Superintendent uses the T-1 s and the State Superintendent to figure out transportation reimbursement. Since this provides documentation for our funding, it is imperative that this be done promptly and accurately. T-1s are also used in the office to give times and locations to new students registering for the bus. 2. The driver must fill out the top portion of the T-1, recording his/her beginning mileage and time at the bus barn. ALL students assigned to the bus MUST be listed at their respective stops, regardless if they are regular or occasional riders. If a student is on the list but has never actually ridden the bus, the driver should note this on the master list. The Transportation Office will contact the child s parent or school to see if the child will ever ride the bus, or if they have moved. 3. The driver will take speedometer reading and times: a. At each stop to load/unload passengers b. When leaving highway to pick up/unload passengers c. When turning around to head back to town d. When arriving at each school e. Record at top of T-1 the time and mileage upon returning to the bus barn 4. The driver will record each rider s grade and school THIS MUST BE ACCURATE. This is a check for the bus roster so drivers should ask the students if necessary. At the bottom 15

16 of the T-1, the driver must list what bus transfer-students get on in the morning for their school and what bus these students transfer from in the afternoon. 5. When a new student is signed up to ride on the bus, the driver will receive a copy of the Bus Rider Request with student information and a medical release. This student should then be added to the route. The first time a new student rides the bus they must have a yellows boarding pass in order to get on the bus. If a driver knows that a student has moved, he/she should inform the Transportation Office so the student s name can be deleted from the bus list. SUBSTITUTE DRIVERS Substitutes should discuss the route they are subbing for with the Transportation Director. Copies of the route report (T-1) and maps are available for the sub drivers with all stops, schools, times, etc., included. The sub driver should check to see if any changes have occurred. A gate key for the Transportation Complex will be issued to each sub-driver. Upon resignation, the key must be returned to the Transportation Office. If a substitute is assigned to cover a route for a driver that is signed up for an extra-curricular trip and the trip is cancelled, then the route driver can drive the route and the substitute will not be needed. If a substitute has been assigned to a route for a driver that has requested leave, and the regular route driver has a change of plans, then the substitute driver may still drive the route, unless the sub wishes to let the regular driver take the route. When a substitute works, they must fill out a Substitute Regular Route Driver (Time) Sheet. The substitute will record all hours worked during the month on one sheet. The Transportation Director will then send the sheet to the payroll office at the end of the month. LEAVE REQUESTS 1. When a driver wants to take a leave, a leave request must be filled out on the computer, checking only one appropriate box. The request should be submitted to the Transportation Director one week in advance, if at all possible, with a minimum of 48 hours, except for emergencies. The driver shall also write his/her name on leave calendar. When a substitute is scheduled, the Transportation Director will finish filling out this form. Drivers may use salary-deduct for extra-curricular trips as provided by section x1.3 otherwise, for all other reasons personal leave must be used first. 2. If a regular route driver has a day off from their route, they will be first on the sub list for routes, based on seniority. WAGES Bus driver wages are set forth in the Classified Bargaining Agreement. YEAR END DUTIES By the last day of school, buses need to be cleaned out entirely and swept thoroughly. Drivers must make sure the gas tank of their bus is full, and fill out a repair sheet for ALL items that need to be fixed during the summer. The buses have a summer inspection by the Montana Highway Patrol, so everything should be repaired before that time. All missing or loose bolts, etc., should also be reported. It is very important that a thorough list of needed repairs is submitted to the Transportation Office. 16

17 DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING: Our drivers are in a pool with drivers of the Billings School District for random selection drug/alcohol testing. All new drivers are subject to having both drug and alcohol tests done upon being hired. The rest of the drivers are included in this random pool. These are done periodically without prior notification of the dates and times of the tests. Procedures for Drug and Alcohol testing are covered by School Board Policy 5228 & 5228P: Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers The District will adhere to federal law and regulations requiring a drug and alcohol testing program for school bus and commercial vehicle drivers. The program will comply with requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, 382, et seq. The Superintendent will adopt and enact regulations consistent with federal regulations, defining the circumstances and procedures for testing. School bus and commercial vehicle drivers shall be subject to a drug and alcohol testing program that fulfills the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 382. Other persons who drive vehicles designed to transport sixteen (16) or more passengers, including the driver, are likewise subject to the drug and alcohol testing program. Testing procedures and facilities used for the tests shall conform with the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, 40, et seq. Pre-Employment Tests Tests shall be conducted before the first time a driver performs any safety-sensitive function for the District. Safety-sensitive functions include all on-duty functions performed from the time a driver begins work or is required to be ready to work, until he/she is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work. It includes driving; waiting to be dispatched; inspecting and servicing equipment; supervising, performing, or assisting in loading and unloading; repairing or obtaining and waiting for help with a disabled vehicle; performing driver requirements related to accidents; and performing any other work for the District or paid work for any entity. The tests shall be required of an applicant only after he/she has been offered the position. Exceptions may be made for drivers who have had the alcohol test required by law within the previous six (6) months and participated in the drug testing program required by law within the previous thirty (30) days, provided that the District has been able to make all verifications required by law. Post-Accident Tests Alcohol and controlled substance tests shall be conducted as soon after an accident as practicable on any driver: 1. Who was performing safety-sensitive functions with respect to the vehicle, if the accident involved loss of human life; or 2. Who receives a citation under state or local law, for a moving traffic violation arising from the accident. Drivers shall make themselves readily available for testing, absent the need for immediate medical attention. 17

18 No such driver shall use alcohol for eight (8) hours after the accident, or until after he/she undergoes a post-accident alcohol test, whichever occurs first. If an alcohol test is not administered within two (2) hours or if a drug test is not administered within thirtytwo (32) hours, the District shall prepare and maintain records explaining why the test was not conducted. Tests will not be given if not administered within eight (8) hours after the accident for alcohol or within thirty-two (32) hours for drugs. Tests conducted by authorized federal, state, or local officials will fulfill post-accident testing requirements, provided they conform to applicable legal requirements and are obtained by the District. Breath tests will validate only the alcohol test and cannot be used to fulfill controlled substance testing obligations. Random Tests Tests shall be conducted on a random basis at unannounced times throughout the year. Tests for alcohol shall be conducted just before, during, or just after the performance of safety-sensitive functions. The number of random alcohol tests annually must equal twenty-five percent (25%) of the average number of driver positions. The number of random drug tests annually must equal fifty percent (50%) of the average number of driver positions. Drivers shall be selected by a scientifically valid random process, and each driver shall have an equal chance of being tested each time selections are made. Reasonable Suspicion Tests Tests shall be conducted when a supervisor or District official trained in accordance with law has reasonable suspicion that the driver has violated the District s alcohol or drug prohibitions. This reasonable suspicion must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the driver s appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors. The observations may include indications of the chronic and withdrawal effects of controlled substances. Alcohol tests are authorized for reasonable suspicion only if the required observations are made during, just before, or just after the period of the work day when the driver must comply with alcohol prohibitions. An alcohol test may not be conducted by the person who determines that reasonable suspicion exists to conduct such a test. If an alcohol test is not administered within two (2) hours of a determination of reasonable suspicion, the District shall prepare and maintain a record explaining why this was not done. Attempts to conduct alcohol tests shall terminate after eight (8) hours. A supervisor or District official who makes observations leading to a controlled substance reasonable suspicion test shall make a written record of his/her observations within twenty-four (24) hours of the observed behavior or before the results of the drug test are released, whichever is earlier. Enforcement Any driver who refuses to submit to a post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, or follow-up test shall not perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive functions. Drivers who test positive for alcohol or drugs shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. A driver who violates District prohibitions related to drugs and alcohol shall receive from the District the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of substance abuse professionals and counseling and treatment programs available to evaluate and resolve drug and alcohol-related problems. The employee shall be evaluated by a substance abuse professional who shall determine what help, if any, the driver needs in resolving such a problem. Any substance abuse professional who determines that a driver needs assistance shall not refer the driver to a private practice, person, or organization in which he/she has a financial interest, except under circumstances allowed by law. 18

19 An employee identified as needing help in resolving a drug or alcohol problem shall be evaluated by a substance abuse professional to determine that he/she has properly followed the prescribed rehabilitation program and shall be subject to unannounced follow-up tests after returning to duty. Return-to-Duty Tests A drug or alcohol test shall be conducted when a driver who has violated the District s drug or alcohol prohibition returns to performing safety-sensitive duties. Employees whose conduct involved drugs cannot return to duty in a safety-sensitive function until the return-to-duty drug test produces a verified negative result. Employees whose conduct involved alcohol cannot return to duty in a safety-sensitive function until the return-to-duty alcohol test produces a verified result that meets federal and District standards. Follow-Up Tests A driver who violates the District s drug or alcohol prohibition and is subsequently identified by a substance abuse professional as needing assistance in resolving a drug or alcohol problem shall be subject to unannounced follow-up testing as directed by the substance abuse professional in accordance with law. Follow-up alcohol testing shall be conducted just before, during, or just after the time when the driver is performing safety-sensitive functions. Records Employee drug and alcohol test results and records shall be maintained under strict confidentiality and released only in accordance with law. Upon written request, a driver shall receive copies of any records pertaining to his/her use of drugs or alcohol, including any records pertaining to his/her drug or alcohol tests. Records shall be made available to a subsequent employer or other identified persons only as expressly requested in writing by the driver. Notifications Each driver shall receive educational materials that explain the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 382, together with a copy of the District s policy and regulations for meeting these requirements. Representatives of employee organizations shall be notified of the availability of this information. The information shall identify: 1. The person designated by the District to answer driver questions about the materials; 2. The categories of drivers who are subject to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 382; 3. Sufficient information about the safety-sensitive functions performed by drivers to make clear what period of the work day the driver is required to comply with Part 382; 4. Specific information concerning driver conduct that is prohibited by Part 382; 5. The circumstances under which a driver will be tested for drugs and/or alcohol under Part 382; 6. The procedures that will be used to test for the presence of drugs and alcohol, protect the driver and the integrity of the testing processes, safeguard the validity of test results, and ensure that test results are attributed to the correct driver; 7. The requirement that a driver submit to drug and alcohol tests administered in accordance with Part 382; 8. An explanation of what constitutes a refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test and the attendant consequences; 19

20 9. The consequences for drivers found to have violated the drug and alcohol prohibitions of Part 382, including the requirement that the driver be removed immediately from safety sensitive functions and the procedures for referral, evaluation, and treatment; 10. The consequences for drivers found to have an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater but less than 0.04; and 11. Information concerning the effects of drugs and alcohol on an individual s health, work, and personal life; signs and symptoms of a drug or alcohol problem (the driver s or a coworker s); and available methods of intervening when a drug or alcohol problem is suspected, including confrontation, referral to an employee assistance program, and/or referral to management. Drivers shall also receive information about legal requirements, District policies, and disciplinary consequences related to the use of alcohol and drugs. Each driver shall sign a statement certifying that he/she has received a copy of the above materials. Before any driver operates a commercial motor vehicle, the District shall provide him/her with postaccident procedures that will make it possible to comply with post-accident testing requirements. Before drug and alcohol tests are performed, the District shall inform drivers that the tests are given pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 382. This notice shall be provided only after the compliance date specified in law. The District shall notify a driver of the results of a pre-employment drug test if the driver requests such results within sixty (60) calendar days of being notified of the disposition of his/her employment application. The District shall notify a driver of the results of random, reasonable suspicion, and post accident drug tests if the test results are verified positive. The District shall also tell the driver which controlled substance(s) were verified as positive. Drivers shall inform their supervisors if at any time they are using a controlled substance which their physician has prescribed for therapeutic purposes. Such a substance may be used only if the physician has advised the driver that it will not adversely affect his/her ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. Drug Free Workplace (Policy 5226) All District workplaces are drug- and alcohol-free. All employees are prohibited from: Unlawfully manufacturing, dispensing, distributing, possessing, using, or being under the influence of a controlled substance while on District premises or while performing work for the District, including employees possessing a medical marijuana card. Distributing, consuming, using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol while on District premises or while performing work for the District. For purposes of this policy, a controlled substance is one that is: Not legally obtainable; Being used in a manner other than as prescribed; Legally obtainable but has not been legally obtained; or Referenced in federal or state controlled-substance acts. As a condition of employment, each employee will: Abide by the terms of the District policy respecting a drug- and alcohol-free workplace; and 20

21 Notify his or her supervisor of his or her conviction under any criminal drug statute, for a violation occurring on District premises or while performing work for the District, no later than five (5) days after such conviction. In order to make employees aware of dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, the District will endeavor to: Provide each employee with a copy of the District drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy; Post notice of the District drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy in a place where other information for employees is posted; Enlist the aid of community and state agencies with drug and alcohol informational and rehabilitation programs, to provide information to District employees; and Inform employees of available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, reentry, and any employeeassistance programs. District Action Upon Violation of Policy An employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action; up to and including termination of employment. Alternatively, the Board may require an employee to successfully complete an appropriate drug- or alcohol-abuse, employee-assistance rehabilitation program. The Board will take disciplinary action with respect to an employee convicted of a drug offense in the workplace, within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of a conviction. Should District employees be engaged in the performance of work under a federal contract or grant, or under a state contract or grant, the Superintendent will notify the appropriate state or federal agency from which the District receives contract or grant moneys of an employee s conviction, within ten (10) days after receiving notice of the conviction. Employee Chemical Use and Dependency The Laurel School District recognizes the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol are illegal and harmful. Standards of conduct for staff of the district clearly prohibit the possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school premises or as a part of any school-sponsored activity. The use of mood-altering chemicals, including the abusive use of alcohol, and chemical dependency affects the lives of employees of the district and their families and represents impairment to one s normal development, well-being and job performance. Transportation Contracts Contracts for transportation approved by the district shall contain assurance that the contractor will establish a drug and alcohol testing program that meets the requirements of federal regulations and this policy will actively enforce the provisions of this policy as well as federal requirements. 21

22 Purpose: The purpose of this procedure is to: Accident Involving a Bus 1. Provide a standardized approach in the management of school bus accidents in Laurel. 2. Provide emergency care as appropriate for the incident, while making the most efficient use of available resources. Procedure for Bus Driver: 1. Stay calm, set parking brake; secure bus, hang radio mic outside window if you must evacuate. Turn bus off only if there is a fire hazard. 2. Call base by radio (if available). Give exact location of accident, along with information about severity, injuries and hazards. This information should be passed on to the responding emergency services (police, fire, ambulance). 3. Remain calm and reassure passengers. 4. Be alert to the potential for fire or other hazards 5. Use warning devices, i.e. reflectors, where applicable. 6. All Passengers should remain in the vehicle unless fire or other hazardous conditions exist that warrant evacuation. In any event, it is extremely important that injured persons are NOT removed unless a hazard exists that presents an imminent danger of further injury. 7. Protect the scene: a. Protect the passengers and vehicle from further accident and injuries. b. Protect the scene from traffic and people so that evidence is not destroyed c. Under normal circumstances, the vehicle(s) involved should not be moved until law enforcement personnel advise the driver(s) to do so. 8. Fill out the Driver Accident Report including Other Vehicle, Passenger List and seat assignment at the time accident occurred. Procedure for Dispatch Operations: 1. Clear all unnecessary radio communication that is not pertaining to the accident. 2. Call 911 and relay all the information. Stay on the line with the Dispatcher until they tell you it is okay to hang up. 3. Call Transportation Director Zada Stamper Transportation Director: 1. Transportation Director will call Superintendent Linda Filpula Director and Superintendent will go to accident if at all possible. 3. Notify parents/guardians of the accident via I.C. Messenger. 4. Take driver for drug testing. 5. All media communication will be directed to the Superintendent. 22

23 ROUTES AND STOPS Bus Number Driver Direction Area Bus 4 OPEN Yellowstone Academy (Varies) Bus 6 OPEN South East River Road/Duck Creek/South Transf Bus 7 Tim Warner South High 212/N&S Whitehorse Bus 8 Nancy Ahrens West Highway 10/Golf Course/ County Line Bus 9 John Watts North Clappers Flats/Coyote Ridge/West Transfers to Middle School Bus 10 Dean Hallen South Bobcat/Park City/Boggio Lane /Frank Rd/ Shay Rd/ South Transf. Bus 11 OPEN South/North Laurel Rd/Collingwood Subd/ Atchinson Rd in Alder Ridge TC Bus 14 Tina Hutchins South Moser Dome/Davis Creek/LASP Bus 15 Al Koski North Pheasant Brook/ Brookway/Danford Bus 16 Donny Harper East Montana Meadows Subd/Grizzly TR/Outfitters Bus 17 Wade Steinmetz Special Needs Bus/ Co-op. 23

24 TRANSPORTATION FORMS Appendix A Letter to Parents (emergency changes in normal bus operation) Appendix B School bus Citizenship Letter Appendix C Discipline Report Appendix D Activity Driver s Daily Log Appendix E Student Accident Report Appendix F Bus Violation Report Appendix G Appendix Yearly Bus Maintenance Check List Appendix H Daily Inspection Form Appendix I Substitute Time Sheet (on line) Appendix J Regular Time Sheet (on line) Appendix K Request for Extra-curricular Transportation Appendix L Accident Report Appendix R Medical Release Form Appendix S Emergency Procedure Brief Form in Buses Appendix T Evacuation Drill Report Form ADDITIONAL FORMS Registration Certificate in First Aid Kit on buses Classified Personnel Appraisal Form Classified Employee Request for Leave Request for Substitute Bus Driver Bus Driver Position Description 24

25 TO: ALL SCHOOL BUS PATRONS LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT 7 AND 7-70 Transportation Department APPENDIX A RE: INCLEMENT WEATHER AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES These are the procedures that will be followed should any emergency require changes in normal operation of our school buses: 1. If buses are not going to run, radio stations KGHL, KCTR, and KPLN in Billings will be notified before 7:00 a.m. In these radio announcements we will identify the routes as follows: Bus Number Driver Direction Area Bus 4 OPEN Yellowstone Academy (Varies) Bus 6 OPEN South East River Road/Duck Creek/South Transf Bus 7 Tim Warner South High 212/N&S Whitehorse Bus 8 Nancy Ahrens West Highway 10/Golf Course/ Co Line Bus 9 John Watts North Clappers Flats/Coyote Ridge/ West Transfers to Middle School Bus 10 Dean Hallen South Bobcat/Park City/Boggio Lane / Frank Rd/ Shay Rd/ South Transf. Bus 11 OPEN South/North Laurel Rd/Collingwood Subd/ Atchinson Rd in Alder Ridge TC Bus 14 Tina Hutchins South Moser Dome/Davis Creek/LASP Bus 15 Al Koski North Pheasant Brook/Brookway/ Danford Bus 16 Donny Harper East Montana Meadows Subd/Grizzly TR/Outfitters Bus 17 Wade Steinmetz Special Needs Bus/ Co-op IMPORTANT: After bus service has been suspended for a day due to the weather, it will automatically begin the following day unless there is another announcement suspending service. This means that the radio station will not be notified that buses are going to run. The only notice by radio is that they will not run. 2. If buses are to return early due to either a threatening storm or blowing and drifting snow, the elementary principals have set up a group calling system so that parents will be notified. Middle and Senior High students will be dismissed at the same time as the elementary students, but we accept no responsibility for students driving their own vehicles after they leave the school. 3. Priority will be given to getting rural students home safely during extreme weather conditions. 25

26 4. If a road is closed during the morning, it will be assumed closed during the evening run also unless the road has been opened for BUS TRAVEL, and the parents have notified the Transportation Director. The Transportation Director will then in turn notify all other schools and principals office. If the road is impassable, it is the responsibility of the parent to make alternate arrangements for the child. 5. If arrangements can be made with the radio stations previously mentioned, an announcement will be made that buses will be leaving early. 6. If a student s home is some distance from the bus stop, parents should make arrangements to meet the bus. A bus driver will not permit a child to leave the bus if danger exists. Rather, the child will be brought back to the school and the parent notified. 7. Quite often roads leading from the highway to the home are quickly blocked. In this case the bus driver cannot be expected to take the chance of becoming stalled in order to deliver the child to the home. Parents must meet the bus in this situation. 8. In case parents will not be home when a child is to be dropped off, parents should instruct the child, and notify the school principal, where the child is to go. 9. In case of a threatening storm, parents are allowed to come to school to take their child home. 10. In the event that weather conditions are so severe that attempting to run the buses, after school has started, becomes a threat to the safety of children, buses will run early or be grounded until it is safe for travel. The district will make provisions for housing students until conditions allow bus travel or the parent/guardian is able to pick up the student. 11. Parents who have any questions regarding the buses should call the Transportation Office at

27 LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT APPENDIX B TO: PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN RIDING BUSES IN SCHOOL DISTRICT 7 AND 7-70 FROM: SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT RE: SCHOOL BUS CITIZENSHIP Through school transportation, our district seeks to provide rural children the same educational opportunity given children who live closer to urban schools. Such transportation must conform to state law and regulations adopted by the state board of education. When regulations and responsibilities are fully understood, many of the problems that develop throughout the year are more easily solved. The following information is posted in each bus. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Students shall board the bus in an orderly manner. 2. There shall be no pushing or scuffling while the bus is loading. 3. Upon entering the bus, students shall go immediately to a seat and sit down. 4. Students shall keep arms, hands, head and all parts of the body inside the bus at all times never out of the window. 5. Students shall not throw objects out of the bus while it is standing still or moving. 6. Students shall keep books, packages, equipment, or other objects out of the aisles at all times. Articles shall either be placed under the seat or held in the lap of the student. 7. Talk shall be in conversational tones at all times. There shall be no shouting at passersby. 8. There shall be no scuffling, playing, or fighting on the bus as this may distract the driver, cause an accident, or endanger the lives of all riders. 9. Students shall remain in seats at bus stops until the bus is completely stopped. 10. When it is necessary for a pupil to cross the road at a bus stop, the crossing should be made only in front of the bus after looking both ways to make sure no traffic is approaching from either direction and upon signal from the driver. The students shall cross TEN FEET in front of the bus. 11. Students shall follow directions given by the driver and/or his assistant. 12. Older pupils shall help look after the safety and comfort of other children, especially the smaller children. 13. Profanity, vulgarity or indecent language will not be tolerated. 14. STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED ON OR OFF THE BUS ONLY AT THEIR DESIGNATED STOP UNLESS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM PARENT/GUARDIAN, AND SIGNED BY BUILDING PRINCIPAL HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY THE BUS DRIVER AND THE TRANSPORTATION OFFICE HAS BEEN INFORMED. 15. No smoking, drugs, tobacco or intoxicating liquor are allowed on the bus or on school property. 16. Only authorized students will be allowed to ride the bus, unless there is an emergency. AN EMERGENCY CONSISTS OF: DEATH OR ILLNESS IN THE FAMILY, OR ROAD CONDITIONS. A REQUEST FOR PERMISSION WILL BE SIGNED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN AND PRINCIPALS INVOLVED. In emergency situations, requests by non-certified riders to ride the bus must have parental permission and be approved by the principal. The school office will notify the Transportation Office and the bus driver should be notified and school will give driver a copy of the medical form. 17. Students will be assigned seats by the driver. If there is any vandalism occurring to the assigned seat, the student who has been assigned that seat will be held liable for the vandalism. 18. Students should board the bus at their school only. 27

28 DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Be on time. 2. Exercise maximum safety by practicing proper driving habits. 3. Drivers should be aware that they represent the school system and should present a positive image in dress, language, and manner while on duty. 4. Instruct students about proper behavior and consequences for poor behavior. 5. Exercise respectful, courteous treatment to students and parents/guardians. PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES; 1. Ensure that students are on time. A driver is justified in leaving a child who is habitually late, thus delaying the schedule. Students should be at bus stop five minutes before scheduled pickup time. 2. Ensure that students wait until the bus comes to a full stop before attempting to get on or off the bus. 3. Instruct students to cooperate with and obey the commands of the bus driver. The parents/guardians must realize that the bus driver is doing his/her duty if the driver stops the bus enroute to handle a discipline problem and arrives late as a result of this action. 4. Ensure that their children are attired in the proper clothing for inclement weather. 5. Notify the Transportation Director if an impassable road has been cleared for bus travel. If a road is closed to the bus in the morning, it will be assumed that the road is closed during the evening run also unless the road has been opened for BUS TRAVEL and the parent/guardian has notified the Transportation Director. The Transportation Director will in turn notify the other schools and the Principals. If the road is impassable, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make other arrangements for the child. BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE: 1. The driver has the authority to operate and maintain a safe bus. 2. In case of a behavioral issue the driver shall complete a Discipline Form and have the offending student sign the form. (Whether the student signs it or not, a copy is sent home. The driver will note on the copy if the student refused to sign.) Discipline reports must be returned to the Transportation Office within two (2) days of occurrence. (DISCIPLINE FORM SHOULD BE TURNED INTO THE TRANSPORTION DIRECTOR THE DAY OF THE OFFENSE IF POSSIBLE). 3. Steps for Driver Discipline Report: A. First Driver Discipline Report a. Drivers will call parent/guardian b. Copies of the report will be given to the Transportation Director; one copy will be mailed to the student s home and one will be sent to the school administrator. c. Discipline, if any, is decided by the Transportation Director and in consultation with the driver. B. Second Driver Discipline Report a. Driver will call parent/guardian and a report is sent home. b. Transportation Director and bus driver will meet with student to discuss situation, consequences and remedies. C. Third and subsequent violations a. Parent/guardian meeting with Transportation Director, school administrator and bus driver if needed. D. Repeated or serious violations may result in suspension, including permanent suspension of riding privileges. If long term or permanent suspension is indicated, a meeting will be held with the parent/guardian, principal, Transportation Director, Superintendent and if appropriate, the student. The final decision on such a suspension will be made the Superintendent subject to appeal to the Board of Trustees. E. If permanent suspension is indicated and recommended by the Transportation Director, a hearing will be held with the student, parent/guardian, principal, Transportation Director and Superintendent. 28

29 LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7 AND 7-70 BUS DRIVER DISCIPLINE REPORT APPENDIX C Date Route # Time Driver Rider Grade The above named school bus rider was guilty of misconduct aboard the school bus. The following (x s) will specify the acts committed: Failure to remain in seat while bus is moving Fighting Loud talking, shouting or screaming Making obscene gestures Getting off bus at wrong stop Teasing or annoying other riders Littering bus Throwing books, spit-wads, etc. Annoying or heckling driver (disrespect) Other (Describe act) Route rider In- town transfer rider LASP rider Did you call parents Did you leave a message Does the rider have an assigned seat Were other riders involved? If so who: Drivers SIGNATURE Date ****************************************************************************************** (FOR ADMINISTRATIVE USE ONLY) Input into Infinite Campus By: Date Time 29

30 Laurel School District Transportation Office Laurel, MT (406) East Maryland Lane APPENDIX D Extra Curricular Trip Sheet DAY of week MONTH DATE YEAR BUS # Odometer Reading Out Odometer Reading In Group/Grade Sponsor Destination Report to School Pre-Trip Load Time Leave Time Finished Time Drivers Name Drivers Signature Total Hours Rate Per Hour $ Fuel Costs for Trip: Accounting Code: Total Pay $ FUEL BEFORE AND AFTER TRIP- CLEAN & SWEEP BUS AFTER TRIP MEAL IS PROVIDED AFTER 6 HOURS- TURN RECEIPT IN WITH TIME SHEET Meal Guidelines BREAKFAST $ 5.00 LUNCH 6.00 SUPPER Supervisor Signature: 30

31 LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION OFFICE STUDENT ACCIDENT REPORT APPENDIX E DATE OF ACCIDENT TIME OF ACCIDENT STUDENT S NAME WHERE DID ACCIDENT OCCUR DETAILS OF ACCIDENT REPORTED TO BUS DRIVER SIGNATURE 31

32 Laurel School District Transportation Office 300 East Maryland Lane Laurel, Montana (406) FAX (406) BUS VIOLATION REPORT APPENDIX F The following report must be completed when noting a bus passing violation. The safety of our children is vital and the law is very explicit. Facts must be noted to substantiate this report. DATE OF VIOLATION TIME OF DAY LOCATION DESCRIBE INCIDENT LICENSE NUMBER OF VIOLATING VEHICLE DESCRIPTION OF DRIVER DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE WERE YOUR LIGHTS FUNCTIONING? WAS YOUR DOOR OPEN? SIGNED Bus Driver Printed Name Bus Driver 32

33 Appendix G 33

34 Appendix H 34

35 Driver s Accident Report Insurance Document Appendix L 35

36 36

37 37

38 APPENDIX R EMERGENCY MEDICAL RELEASE FORM Laurel Transportation Department School Year TO: Parents and/or Guardians of Students Representing School No. 7 and No in all school activities or involved with School transportation Recently, it has become exceedingly difficult to obtain Medical Services for injured students without first obtaining parent/guardian consent in writing. So that proper emergency assistance may be provided, we ask that you review the following statement. Any medical expenses will be paid by the parent or their insurance company. So that proper emergency assistance may be provided, I hereby authorize School District No. 7 and 7-70 and the faculty in charge of my child named below to obtain all necessary medical care for my child, and I hereby Authorize any licensed physician and/or medical personnel to render necessary medical treatment to my child. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX: Permission granted for emergency medical treatment Permission denied for emergency medical treatment Student s Name PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Medical Conditions: PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY if none please write N/A do not leave blank Student s Date of Birth Grade : Parent/Guardian Print Clearly Parent/Guardian Signature Phone No. Phone No. Home Address Updated in Transportation: Date Signed 38 Date: Initials:

39 Laurel Transportation Department 300 East Maryland Lane Laurel, MT Welcome to Laurel Transportation! Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. In our District alone we have almost 700 students that ride the school bus daily. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, high seats and that bright yellow color, school buses keep more than 17 million cars away from school buildings every day. School buses are the safest way for students to travel, but children also need to do their part to stay alert and aware of their surroundings to prevent injury. The Laurel Transportation Department urges parents to teach their children the following safety rules for getting on and off the bus, and exercising good behavior while riding. Getting on the Bus: When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness Do not stray onto the street, alleys, or private property Line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus Use the handrail when boarding Behavior on the Bus: If seat belts are available on the bus, buckle up Don t speak loudly or make loud noises that could distract the driver Stay in your seat Don t put your head, arms, or hands out the window Keep aisles clear of books, bags, and legs Get your belongings together before reaching your stop. Leave all items in your backpack Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat Getting Off the Bus: Use the handrail when exiting If you have to cross in front of the bus walk at least 15 feet ahead until you can see the driver Make sure the driver can see you Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes If your vision is blocked move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver signals it is safe Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times, never cross behind the bus 39

40 Although other drivers are required by law to stop for a school bus when it s loading or unloading passengers, they often don t. Children should not rely on them to do so. For information purposes, I am attaching the Transportation Consequence Grid for your review. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. I look forward to working with you to make sure all your students needs are met. Sincerely, Zada Stamper Transportation Director All Registrations due by August 4, 2017 to ensure your student can ride the first day of school! 40

41 Emergency Contact 41

42 ATTACHMENT Definitions Accident an occurrence involving any district vehicle, route bus, or commercial motor vehicle while being operated on any public or private property and/or roadway resulting in bodily injury or property damage AND EITHER - involves bodily injury or death to passengers of district vehicle or claimant vehicle - involves injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; OR - moving violation is issued to the district driver; OR - one (1) or more motor vehicles incurs disabling damage as a result of the accident requiring the vehicle to be towed away by a tow truck or other vehicle, or if it were driven, it would be damaged more. (NOTE) Disabling damage means damage that precludes departure of a motor vehicle from the scene of the accident in its usual manner in daylight after simple repairs. It does not include damage to tires even if a spare is unavailable, head or taillight, turn signal, horn or windshield damage.) First Occurrence of At Fault Accident: Driver is immediately removed from duty and placed on administrative leave with pay, pending an investigation; and is subject to a disciplinary suspension without pay for ten (10) or more working days, disciplinary demotion, or a recommendation to the board of trustees for termination. Second Occurrence of At Fault Accident: Driver is immediately suspended without pay if less than six months from first occurrence, of if it has been seven months or longer since first At Fault Accident, driver is placed on administrative leave pending investigation; and/or recommendation made to the board of trustees for termination. Alcohol The intoxicating agent in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or other low molecular weight alcohols including methyl and isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol concentration (AC) Means the concentration of alcohol in a person s blood or breath. When expressed as a percentage it means grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. Alcohol use The consumption of any beverage, mixture, or preparation, including any medication containing alcohol. Breathe Alcohol Technician (BAT) An individual who instructs and assists individuals in the alcohol testing process and operates an evidential breath testing device (EBT). 42

43 Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle: Has a gross combination weight of 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; or Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds; or Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver or Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials requiring placards. Confirmation Test for alcohol testing, this means a second test, following a screening test with a result of 0.02 grams or greater of alcohol per 210 liters of breath, that provides quantitative data of alcohol concentration. For controlled substances testing, this means a second analytical procedure to identify the presence of a specific drug or metabolite determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. (GC/MS) which is independent of the screen test and which uses a different technique and chemical principle from that of the screen test in order to ensure reliability and accuracy. Controlled Substance a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government; a drug which has been declared by federal or state law to be illegal for sale or use, but may be dispensed under a physician s prescription. Driver any person who operates a CWV for the purposes of pre-employment testing, the term driver includes person applying to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Evidential Breath Testing Device (EBT) a device approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the evidential testing of breath and placed on NHTSA s September 1993 or later Conforming Products List of Evidential Breath Measurement Devices (CPL). Medical Review Officer (MRO) a licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy) responsible for receiving laboratory results generated by an employer s drug testing program who has knowledge of substance abuse disorders, and has appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate an individual s confirmed positive test result together with his/her medical history and any other relevant biomedical information. Negative Test for drugs, a test with the amounts present that are at or below the minimum thresholds in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. For alcohol, a concentration below On Duty Time all time from the time a driver begins to work or is required to be in readiness to work until the time he is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work. On-duty time shall include: 43

44 1. All time at a carrier or shipper plant, terminal, facility or other property, or on any public property, waiting to be dispatched, unless has been relieved from duty by the motor carrier. 2. All time inspecting to make sure that the parts, accessories and emergency equipment are in good working order and ready for use or otherwise inspecting, servicing, or conditioning any commercial vehicle. 3. All time spent at the driving controls of a commercial motor vehicle in operation. 4. All time, other than driving time, in or upon any commercial motor vehicle except time spent resting in a sleeper berth. 5. All time loading or unloading a vehicle supervising, or assisting in the loading or unloading, attending a vehicle being loaded or unloaded, remaining in readiness to operate the vehicle, or giving or receipts for shipment loaded or unloaded. 6. All time repairing, obtaining assistance, or remaining in attendance upon a disabled vehicle. Performing a Safety-Sensitive Function means a driver is considered to be performing a safety-sensitive function during any period in which he/she is actually performing, ready to perform, or immediately available to perform any safety-sensitive function. See items 1-6 above in the definition of on-duty time. Positive Test for a drug test, an amount above the minimum thresholds in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. For an alcohol test, a breath alcohol concentration at 0.04 greater. Refuse to submit - (to an alcohol or controlled substances test) means that a driver: 1. fails to provide adequate breath for testing without a valid medical explanation after he/she has received notice of the requirement for breath testing in accordance with the provisions of this part; 2. fails to provide adequate urine for controlled substances testing without a valid medical explanation after he/she has received notice of the requirement for urine testing, in accordance with the provisions of this part, or: 3. engages in conduct that clearly obstructs the testing process. Reasonable suspicion belief that the employee has violated the alcohol or controlled substances prohibitions, based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech or bad odors of the employee. Safety-sensitive functions see items 1-6 in the definition of on-duty time above. Screening test (also known as initial test) in alcohol testing, it means an analytical procedure to determine whether a driver may have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in his or her system. In controlled substance testing, it means an immunoassay screen to eliminate negative urine specimens from further consideration. 44

45 Substance abuse professional (SAP) a licensed physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy), or a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, employee assistance professionals, or addiction counselor (certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission) with knowledge of and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substances-related disorders. Legal reference: 49 USC 2717 et seq. Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of CFR Part 29 Drug-Free Workplace Act Of 1988 regulations 49 CFR Part 40 Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs 49 CFR Part 382 Controlled Substance and Alcohol Use and Testing Qualification of Drivers 49 CFR Part 391 Qualification of drivers , MCA Lie detector tests prohibited regulation of blood and urine testing. DATE: ADOPTION July 24,

46 Laurel Public Schools Transportation Department 300 East Maryland Ave Laurel, MT Laurel Transportation Handbook Sign-off Form By signing this form I am acknowledging receipt of the Laurel Transportation Handbook. It is my responsibility to read and adhere to all procedures and policies listed within. Print Name Signature Transportation Director Signature Date Received by Driver 46