709 Student Transportation Safety Policy

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide safe transportation for students and to educate students on safety issues and the responsibilities of school bus ridership.

II. PLAN FOR STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY TRAINING

A. School Bus Safety Week.
The third week of school is designated as school bus safety week.

B. Student Training.

1 . The school district shall provide students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 10 with age appropriate school bus safety training. The training shall be results-oriented and shall consist of both classroom instruction and practical training using a school bus. Upon completing the training, a student shall be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the following competencies and concepts:
a. transportation by school bus is a privilege not a right;
b.  district policies for student conduct and school bus safety;
c.  appropriate conduct while on the bus;
d.  the danger zones surrounding a school bus;
e.  procedures for safely boarding and leaving a school bus;
f.   procedures for safe vehicle lane crossing; and
g.  school bus evacuation and other emergency procedures.

2. All students grades K-3 who are transported by school bus and are enrolled during the first or second week of school must demonstrate achievement of the school bus safety training competencies by the end of the third week of school. Students grades 4-10 must demonstrate achievement of these competencies by the end of the sixth week of school. Students in grades K-10 who enroll in a school after the second week of school and are transported by school bus shall undergo school bus safety training and demonstrate achievement of the school bus safety competencies within four weeks of the first day of attendance. The school district may deny transportation to a student who fails to demonstrate the competencies, unless the student is unable to achieve the competencies due to a disability. Further, the school district may deny transportation to a student who attends a nonpublic school that fails to provide appropriate
student training.

3. The school district will make reasonable accommodations in training for students known to speak English as a second language and students with disabilities.

4. The district will, to the extent possible, provide kindergarten students with school bus safety training before the first day of school.

5. The school district will also provide student safety education for bicycling and pedestrian safety for students in grades K-5..

6. The school district's curriculum for transportation is maintained and available for review in the office of the superintendent.

7. Nonpublic school students transported by the school district will receive school bus safety training in their nonpublic school. The nonpublic school must certify to the school district's school transportation safety director that all students have received the appropriate training.

III. CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES AND CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR

A.  Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to follow the same behavioral standards while riding school buses as are expected on school property or at school activities, functions or events. All school rules are in effect while a student is riding the bus or is at the bus stop.

B. Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will be imposed by the building principal or the principal's designee. In addition, all school bus/bus stop misconduct will be reported to the district's Transportation Safety Director. Serious misconduct may be reported to local law enforcement.

1. School Bus and Bus Stop Rules
The school district school bus safety rules are to be posted on every bus. If these rules are broken, the school district's discipline procedures are to be followed. (See Policy 406). Consequences are progressive and may include suspension of bus privileges. It is the school bus driver's responsibility to report unacceptable behavior to the school district's Transportation Office/School Office.

2. Rules at the Bus Stop
a. Get to your bus stop five minutes before your scheduled pick up time. The school bus driver will not wait for late students.
b. Respect the property of others while waiting at your bus stop.
c. Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.
d. Use appropriate language.
e. Stay away from the street, road or highway when waiting for the bus. Wait until the bus stops before approaching the bus.
f. After getting off the bus, move away from the bus.
g. If you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal to you before crossing the street.
h. No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay.
i.  No use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

3. Rules on the Bus
a. Immediately follow the directions of the driver.
b. Sit in your seat facing forward.
c. Talk quietly and use appropriate language.
d. Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
e. Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.
f.  No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay.
g. Do not throw any object.
h. No eating, drinking or possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
i.  Do not bring any weapon or dangerous objects on the school bus.
j. Do not damage the school bus.

4. Consequences

(1) Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will apply to all regular and late routes. Decisions regarding a student's ability to ride the bus in connection with co-curricular and
extra-curricular events (for example, field trips or competitions) will be in the sole discretion of the school district. Parents or guardians will be notified of any suspension of bus privileges. (See Policy 406 – Student Discipline)

(2) Other Discipline
Based on the severity of a student's conduct, more serious consequences may be imposed at any time. Depending on the nature of the offense, consequences such as suspension or expulsion from school may also result from school bus/bus stop misconduct.

(3) Records
Records of school bus/bus stop misconduct will be forwarded to the individual school building and will be retained in the same manner as other student discipline records. Reports of serious misconduct will be provided to the Department of Public Safety. Records may also be maintained in the transportation office.

(4) Vandalism/Bus Damage
Students damaging school buses will be responsible for the damages. Failure to pay such damages (or make arrangements to pay) within two weeks may result in the loss of bus privileges until damages are paid.

(5) Notice
Students will be given a copy of school bus and bus stop rules during school bus safety training. Rules are to be posted on each bus and both rules and consequences will be periodically reviewed with students by the driver.

(6) Criminal Conduct
In cases involving criminal conduct (for example, assault, weapons, possession or vandalism), the Superintendent, and local law enforcement officials will be informed.

IV. PARENT AND GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

A. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities for Transportation Safety:
1. Become familiar with school district rules and policies, regulations and principles of school bus safety.
2. Assist students in understanding safety rules and encourage them to abide by them.
3. Recognize their responsibilities for the actions of their students.
4. Support safe riding practices and reasonable discipline efforts.
5. When appropriate, assist students in safely crossing local streets before boarding and after leaving the bus.
6. Support procedures for emergency evacuation, and procedures in emergencies as set up by the school district.
7.  Respect the rights and privileges of others.
8.  Communicate safety concerns to school administrators.
9.  Monitor bus stops, if possible.
10. Support all efforts to improve school bus safety.

B. Parent and Guardian Notification:
A copy of the school district school bus and bus stop rules will be provided to each family at the beginning of the school year or when a child enrolls, if this occurs during the school year. Parents and guardians are asked to review the rules with their students.

V. SCHOOL BUS DRIVER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
All school bus drivers shall be adequately prepared, both physically and mentally, each day to perform required duties. These shall include:

A. Operating the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
1.  Safety. The primary concern of each driver is safety. Drivers will exercise extreme caution during the loading and unloading process as well as when driving.
2. Defensive Driving. All drivers are to drive defensively at all times. A definition of defensive driving is: driving in a manner to avoid accident involvement despite adverse conditions created by roads, weather, traffic, or errors of other drivers or pedestrians.
3. Driving Adjustments. Winter and wet weather driving may require adjusting speed and normal driving practices to compensate for road conditions.
4.  Emergency Doors. Emergency doors must be free and operable. Under no circumstances may the doors be obstructed to prevent easy access.
5.  Service Door. The service door of the bus must be closed at all times while the bus is in motion.
6.  Overloads. The registration card in all vehicles designates the maximum number of passengers allowed to be carried. This limit cannot be exceeded. A driver should call the designated individual for instructions should a vehicle become overloaded.
7. Railroad Crossings. All vehicles used to transport must stop at railroad crossings, using required procedures, whether they are loaded or empty. School buses shall not activate the eight-way lights; 4 way hazard lights are to be used before stopping and when crossing the tracks.
8.  Speeding and Other Moving Violations. No bus will travel faster than road, traffic and weather conditions safely permit, regardless of the posted speed limit. Any driver convicted of a moving violation with a school bus will face disciplinary action. Other reports or warnings regarding speeding will result in suspension and/or termination.
9.  Smoking Prohibited. Smoking by either the driver or the passengers is prohibited on any school bus, Type III vehicle, or on school property.

B. Conducting thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle and special equipment.
1.  Bus Inspection. Drivers are required to make a pre-trip inspection of the bus before each trip. Failure to do so is a violation of state law. Defects are to be reported in writing. Drivers are
required to check their buses for students, vandalism and articles left on the bus after each route segment.
2. Safety Equipment. All drivers are responsible for insuring that the necessary safety equipment is aboard the bus, including fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bodily fluids clean-up kit, flashlight, reflectorized emergency warning device, and any additional items required by the district. Drivers of vehicles for disabled students will ensure all student health information cards are on board the bus.
3.  Bus Cleaning. Drivers are required to keep the interior of their buses swept and free of trash at all times.
4. Fueling. The driver is responsible for ensuring that his or her assigned vehicle is adequately fueled before leaving the yard. Smoking is prohibited in the fueling area. The engine shall be turned off while fueling. Drivers should never fuel with passengers aboard.

C. Ensuring the safety, welfare and orderly conduct of passengers while on the bus.

D. Meeting emergency situations in accordance with operating procedures.

E.  Communicating effectively with school staff, students, parents, law enforcement officials and the motoring public.
1. Relations with Students. Bus drivers will treat students with respect and will refrain from any conduct which is intended or could be perceived as demeaning, intimidating or harassing.
2. Relations with School Officials. School officials can and will be of considerable assistance to drivers and give them full cooperation. School officials are trained in the education of students and it is in their best interest that control and discipline be maintained on the bus. Therefore, it is very important drivers have good relationships with the school officials and give them full cooperation.
3. Relations with the Public. It is important to remember that to the general public, the driver represents the school. Buses are one of the most visible vehicles on the road. Drivers must deal with students, parents, and other motorists in a polite, professional and considerate
manner.
4.  Student Discipline. Although drivers are responsible for maintaining order on the bus, drivers must always remember that the types of actions they may use are limited. Drivers must never, under any circumstances, use corporal punishment. Drivers have authority to deny a       student the privilege of riding the bus. Drivers shall not drop the student at other than the designated stop. The Transportation Department is required to contact the parent or legal guardian of the offending student on the day of the infraction and give notification of the       infraction and resulting disciplinary action.
5. Route Changes. No driver is to make changes in the pick-up or drop-off schedule for his or her route without prior authorization. No stops are to be added, deleted or moved without approval. No driver may deviate from the established route without prior permission except as   required by an emergency or temporary road conditions.
6. Route Problems. Any problems, of whatever kind, encountered by a driver on the routes or trips should be brought to the attention of the designated individual as soon as possible.
7.  Unauthorized Passengers. Only authorized passengers may be transported in a bus. Any other passenger must be specifically approved.
8. Notices. It is the responsibility of the driver to check for notices each day and to check with his or her supervisor regularly.

F.  Completing required reports.
It is the responsibility of the driver to completely fill out and timely turn in all reports, discipline referrals, time cards, and mechanical defect slips as required. This includes all requirements pertaining to pre-trip inspections and stop-arm violation reports.

G. Successfully completing required training programs and demonstrating sufficient skills and knowledge to transport studentsin a safe and legal manner.

H. Providing maximum safety for passengers during loading and unloading.
1. Standees Prohibited. Standees are not allowed on a moving school bus. Drivers must not move a bus from a stopped position until all passengers are seated. Students are to remain seated until the bus has stopped.
2. Dangerous Articles. No weapons or articles that may be classified as dangerous, may be transported on a school bus. This includes any and all weapons, gasoline cans, animals, and other dangerous or objectionable items. Possession of weapons on school property or the       bus will not be tolerated. Companion dogs are allowed.
3. Wearing driver's seat belt whenever the bus is in motion.

I.   Maintaining a valid Class A, B, or C Minnesota driver’s license with a school bus endorsement to the extent required by Minn. Stat. § 171.321, Subd 1, and 171.02, Subd. 2a(b).
Additional driver duties and responsibilities may be found in the driver handbook. All bus driver dismissals will be reported to the Department of Public Safety pursuant to Department of Public Safety directions.

VI. OPERATING RULES AND PROCEDURES

A. General Operating Rules
1.  All routes shall be on file with the school district's school transportation safety director.
2.  Only students assigned to the school bus by the district shall be transported. The number of students or other authorized passengers transported in or assigned to a school bus shall not be more than the legal capacity for the bus. No person shall be allowed to stand when the bus is in motion.
3. Drivers are to enforce the provisions of the school bus and bus stop rules as appropriate. Students may be released from the bus at only two points, the designated bus stop or at school, except in case of an emergency or as otherwise authorized.
4.  The parent/guardian may designate by a signed, written request a day care facility, respite care facility, the residence of a relative or the residence of a person chosen by the parent or guardian as the address of the student for transportation purposes. The address must be in
the attendance area of the assigned school and meet other eligibility requirements.
5. Students who misbehave severely may be returned to the school immediately and reported to the building principal or other designated individual.
6. Safety evacuation drills for the student-passengers shall be conducted at least twice a year.
7.  There shall be no students in the bus while the fuel tank is being filled.  Before leaving the vehicle when students are in the bus, the driver shall stop the bus, remove the ignition key, set the brakes and otherwise render the bus immobile.
8.  Buses shall not be run backwards on the school grounds or any other point if it can be avoided. If it is necessary to run a bus backwards on school grounds, the driver shall have another responsible person act as a guard flagman in back of the bus to keep other persons out of the path and to issue warnings to the driver of approaching traffic.
9. When arriving or leaving the school grounds, the driver must not follow closer than 50 feet from the vehicle directly in front of the bus or closer than 500 feet when traveling on the highway.
10. No school bus shall pull any trailer when students are being transported on regular routes to or from school.
11. In case of an accident or breakdown of the bus, the driver shall contact the dispatcher using the two-way communications. If no communications contact is available, the driver shall not leave the bus but shall send two responsible students to the nearest house to summon help.
12. The district may adopt such additional operating rules as are deemed necessary to meet local conditions and needs, provided they do not conflict with State laws and regulations.

B. Use of Signals, Loading or Unloading
1.  The driver shall activate the flashing 8-light system of the bus at least 300 feet before stopping to load or unload students when outside an incorporated municipality, and 100 feet when operating within an incorporated municipality, and shall not extinguish such lights until
loading or unloading is completed and persons who must cross the roadway or highway are safely across.
2. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop in the right hand lane of the roadway parallel to the center line.
3. Prior to discharging students, open door, activate red flashing lights and extend the stop arm. Discharge students only after all traffic (front and rear) has come to a complete stop.
4. Keep door open and 8-light system operating until all students have been loaded or unloaded safely.
5.  The driver should avoid loading or unloading students where the view is obstructed to other motorists for 200 feet in either direction.
6.  The driver will not permit students to stand or get on or off the bus while it is in motion.
7.   The driver will bring the bus to a full stop and disengage gears by shifting gear shift lever into neutral position or selector into neutral or park position before loading or unloading students.
8. Buses shall load and unload students only at designated locations.

C.  Crossing Highways and Streets
1. Students shall pass approximately 10 feet in front of the school bus so as to be seen by the driver and cross the road only upon receiving a hand signal from the driver, or
2.  The student shall pass approximately 10 feet in front of the bus so as to be seen by the driver and be conducted across the road by the school bus patrol, or
3. The driver shall personally conduct the students across the road after following required procedures for disabling the bus.
4.   he driver shall visually ascertain that students getting off the bus who do not need to cross the road are a safe distance from the bus before moving the vehicle.

D. Type III Vehicles
1.   Any vehicle designed to carry more than 10 passengers must meet all legal requirements for a school bus. Any Type III vehicle used to transport students must carry all emergency equipment including: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bodily fluids clean-up kit, flashlight,
reflectorized emergency warning device, and any additional items required by the school district. If school district-owned, the school district name will be clearly marked on the side of the vehicle. All school-owned Type III vehicles will be properly licensed, insured, and inspected.
2. Students will not be regularly transported in private vehicles. Emergency, unscheduled transportation may be conducted in vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or fewer without meeting the requirements for a Type III vehicle. The school district has no system of
inspection for private vehicles.
3.  All drivers of Type III vehicles will be licensed drivers and will be familiar with the use of required emergency equipment. The school district will not knowingly allow a person to operate a Type III vehicle if the person has been convicted of an offense that disqualifies the person from operating a school bus.

VII. SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TRAINING

A. Training.
All new bus drivers shall be provided with pre-service training, including in-vehicle (actual driving) instruction before transporting students and shall meet the competencies specified by the Department of Public Safety. All school bus drivers shall receive in-service training annually. The following driver training standards represent the minimum areas of training which each driver must receive prior to entering service to the school district. The school district shall forward to the Commissioner of Public Safety the certification of in-service training, including the number of hours and certification of competency for each driver.

1. Pre-Trip Inspection
Both new and experienced drivers must be familiar with the elements of the mandatory pre-trip inspection required under Minnesota law including:
a.    The engine compartment - belts, valves, fluid leaks
b.    Engine start, warning lights, gauges, horn
c.    Fuel level
d.    Brakes - pedal reserve and air/vacuum gauges
e.    Interior - seats, floor, lights
f.     Electrical charging system
g.    Emergency door
(1) smooth latch operation
(2) alarm buzzer
h.    Entrance door operation
i.    Lift door operation and alarm
j.    Lift equipment for wheelchairs
k.    Wheels, service brakes, emergency brake
l.    Exterior Lights - headlights, brake lights, market lights, turn signals
m.    Exhaust system
n.    Windows, windshield, and inspection sticker
o.    Eight light system and stop arm
p.    Emergency equipment - first aid kit, bodily fluids clean-up kit, flashlight, reflectors, two way radio

2. Fundamentals and Techniques of School Bus Driving
The driver training program must include:
a.    Relevant laws
b.    Rules of the road and school district safety policies
c.    Defensive driving
d.    Driving in inclement weather conditions
(1) reduced visibility - rain, snow, fog
(2) wet roads
(3) icy roads
e.    Dealing with pedestrians and students in traffic
f.    Operation of the manual or automatic transmission
g.   The use of the drive train for stopping the school bus
h.   Situations where the hand brake will and will not stop a moving bus
i.    Steering and turning techniques
j.    Right and left turn maneuvers
k.   Gauging the speed of other vehicles on cross streets
l.    Use of mirrors
m. Merging into traffic
n.    Visual perceptions
o.   Safe following distances
p.   Safe passing procedures
q.   Safe backing procedures
r.    Use of the eight-light system and school district policy regarding its use
s.    Loading and unloading procedures
t.     Knowledge of the danger zone concept
u.   Policies and Procedures for grade level railroad crossings
v.    Emergency use of the public address system
w.   Response to an approaching emergency vehicle while unloading
x.    Leaving the bus unattended at school sites

3.  Special Education Transportation
Special education transportation requires skills and abilities that exceed those required to provide normal school bus service. Drivers will be familiar with:
a.    What to do in a medical emergency
b.    Handling wheelchairs
c.    Operating lift equipment
d.    Proper use of wheelchair securement devices
e.    School district policies on the use of seat belts on designated students
f.     Handicapping conditions
g.    Responsibilities of the bus driver and the bus aide
h.    School district policy in situations where a responsible person is not available to receive a student

4.   Emergency Procedures
Drivers must be prepared to deal with emergency situations while operating on routes and field trips. Included in these emergency situations are mechanical breakdown, fire, accident, or passenger injury. Drivers are to receive training in:
a.    Identifying the degree of an emergency before beginning an evacuation
b.    Identifying a safe evacuation unloading area
c.    Preplanning emergency evacuations for both conventional and lift busses
(1)   front, rear, and both door evacuations
(2)   evacuation of special education students
(3)   evacuation of physically disabled students and students using wheel chairs
(4)   placement of students in a safe location
d.    Cooperation in emergency evacuation drills
e.    Mechanical breakdowns
(1)   stop bus in safe location
(2)   keep passengers in bus if safe to do so
(3)   take steps to warn motorists
4)   radio or call for assistance
f.    How to secure the school bus and place emergency triangles
g.   Use of the two-way communication system in an emergency
h.   When it is appropriate to evacuate the school bus
i.    How to supervise an emergency evacuation
j.    Emergency evacuation of the disabled
k.   Special considerations when evacuating a lift bus
l.    Lifting techniques for handling disabled students in an emergency situation
m.    Priorities when dealing with injured passengers
n.    How to use the school bus first aid kit
o.    Use and operation of the fire extinguisher
p.    Dealing with other motorists and the police
q.    Use of emergency reflectors and hazard lights
r.    Control of exposure to blood borne pathogens
s.    Use of body fluid clean-up kits
t.    School district policy on medical emergencies
u.    Recognition and handling of epileptic seizures
v.    How to respond if a passenger has a weapon on the bus

5. First Aid
All drivers must be trained in first aid, including the Heimlich maneuver, procedures for dealing with obstructed airways, shock, bleeding, and seizures.

6.  Private or Confidential Student Information
Types of student data that are considered private or confidential under Minnesota Statutes.

7.  Student Discipline
a.    Creating a positive attitude on the school bus
b.    Oral and visual communications skills between the driver and the passenger
c.    Dealing confidently with a disruptive student
d.    District discipline policy
e.    Developing and enforcing workable rules
f.    Incident report forms
g.    District policy on possession of weapons by a student
h.    District policy on sexual, racial and religious harassment/violence
i.    District policy on smoking

8.  Human Relations
a.    Appropriate driver behavior
b.    Sensitivity to a diverse student population
c.    Sensitivity to handicapping conditions
d.    Relations with parents and school staff
e.    Working with a special education bus aide

9. Chemical Abuse
a.   How alcohol and/or drugs can affect driving skills
b.   Drug-testing programs
c.   State and federal requirements

B.   Evaluation
All drivers will be evaluated for the following competencies at least once annually:
1.    Safely operate the type of school bus the driver will be driving
2.    Understand student behavior, including issues relating to
      students with disabilities
3.    Ensure orderly conduct of students on the bus and
      handle incidents of misconduct appropriately
4.    Know and understand relevant laws, rules of the road and local
      school bus safety policies
5.    Handle emergency situations; and
6.    Safely load and unload students

VIII. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A.  Fire
In the event of a fire, the first priority is to evacuate the bus. Drivers will make certain passengers are safe before attempting to put out the fire.

B.  Injuries/Medical Emergencies
Drivers will be familiar with first aid and CPR procedures. Drivers should first contact the dispatcher to call 911 in the case of serious injuries. Drivers should administer proper first aid in accordance with their training and level of ability. In the event an injured passenger is taken to the hospital, record the students' name and the name of the hospital where the student is sent.

C. Tornado
If there is likelihood that the tornado will hit a vehicle, and there is no escape route available or no time to drive to a safe location, the driver should evacuate the bus, taking the first aid kit. The driver will take the students to the basement of a nearby building or to the nearest depression or ditch upwind (toward the storm) of the bus far enough away from the bus so that the bus will not roll over on them and instruct them to cover their heads with their arms. If the students are wearing coats or jackets, these can be used to provide additional protection for their heads and bodies. Drivers should take only the first aid kit from the bus.
If drivers are on the road when they hear a tornado warning or spot a funnel, and there is no time to evacuate the students after stopping the bus, drivers should have the students assume the protective position, remaining in their seats, with their heads below window level.

D. Evacuation
Drivers should evacuate buses only when there is a danger of fire, collision or other potential hazard. Drivers should inform passengers that there is an emergency, and in very calm and precise terms, tell them exactly what they are to do. When safely possible, drivers will keep all evacuees a minimum of 100 feet from the bus. They should be loaded back onto the bus only when the driver has determined it is safe to do so.

E.  Accident
In case of an accident, the driver should immediately assess students for injuries and begin any emergency first aid procedures if necessary. The driver must also notify the school district and law enforcement of any school bus accidents immediately.
Upon providing emergency care and notifying the district, the driver shall:
1.  In cooperation with police officer and/or ambulance service, assist with the care of students.
2.   See that all injured students receive proper care.
3.   Determine facts pertaining to accident.
4.   Call transportation/district staff to give list of names and
      circumstances so they can begin calling parents.
5.   Discuss the accident only with police and school district officials.
6.    Record all students' names.
7.    Not leave the scene of an accident until released by the driver's supervisor.
Before leaving for the day, the driver shall fill out an accident report. All bus accidents resulting in death, personal injury, or apparent property damage of more than $4,400 will be reported to the Department of Public Safety. A school bus involved in such an accident may not transport pupils until it has been inspected by or has received a waiver from the State Patrol.

F. Cold Weather Stop
If a driver is stuck or stalled in cold weather, the driver should call for assistance and wait for help. The driver should avoid relying on the engine to provide heat for the driver and passengers as long as possible. If it is necessary to run the engine to provide heat, the driver will make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, open windows for ventilation, and check passengers frequently for headaches or drowsiness.

G.  Dangerous Weapons
If a driver observes or learns that a passenger may have a dangerous weapon on the bus, he or she should remain calm and call for assistance using a pre-determined code. The driver should give the location of the bus to the dispatcher, continue the route and wait for assistance. The driver should not inform the passenger suspected of having the weapon that he or she knows of the weapon.

H.   Lights
In an emergency stop, the driver should turn on the four-way hazard warning lights, and running or clearance lights.

I.   Getting Assistance
Use the two-way communications system to get assistance. Drivers should report the location and number of the bus, the nature of the problem, and the status of the passengers. If the driver cannot use a two way communication system to contact the dispatcher, ask a passerby or other
motorist to do so from the nearest telephone. The driver should write out the number and location of the school bus, the nature of the emergency, and the status of the passengers.

IX.   VEHICLE MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

A. All school vehicles shall be maintained in safe operating conditions through a systematic preventive maintenance and inspection program adopted or approved by the school district.
B. All school vehicles shall be inspected in accordance with legal requirements.
C. Daily pre-trip inspections shall be required and prompt reports submitted of defects to be immediately corrected.

X.  EXPENDITURES FOR SCHOOL BUS SAFETY ACTIVITIES

A description of school district funds expended for school bus safety activities from student transportation reserved revenue is kept in the office of the superintendent and is available for review. As required by law, these expenditures will be annually reported to the Department of
Education.
The school district's expenditures for transportation safety are incorporated by reference into this policy.

XI.  SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DIRECTOR

The School Board has designated an individual to serve as the school district's school transportation safety director. The school transportation safety director shall have day-to-day responsibility for pupil transportation safety, including transportation of nonpublic school
children when provided by the district. The school transportation safety director will assure that this policy is annually reviewed to ensure that it conforms to law. The school transportation safety director shall certify annually to the School Board that each driver meets the school bus
driver competencies required by Minn. Stat. § 171.321, Subd. 4. The transportation safety director also shall annually verify or ensure that the private contractor utilized by the school has verified the validity of the driver’s license of each person who transports students for the
school district with the National Driver’s Register or the Department of Public Safety. The name, address and telephone number of the school transportation safety director are on file with the superintendent. Any questions regarding student transportation or this policy should be addressed to the school transportation safety director.

Legal References:
Minn. Stat. § 123B.90 (School Bus Safety Training)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.91 (School District Bus Safety Responsibilities)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.92 (Transportation Aid Entitlement)
Minn. Stat. § 171.02, Subd. 2a (Licenses, Types, Endorsements, Restrictions)
Minn. Stat. § 171.321 (Qualifications of a School Bus Driver)

St. Francis Area Schools

SCHOOL BORAD POLICIES

SERIES 700: BUSINESS SERVICES AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS

701 Establishment and Adoption of School District Budget

701.1 Modification of School District Budget

702 Accounting

703 Annual Audit

704 Development and Maintenance of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System

705 Investments

706 Acceptance of Gifts

707 Transportation of Public School Students

708 Transportation of Nonpublic School Students

709 Student Transportation Safety Policy

710 Extracurricular Transportation

711 Video Recording on School Buses

712 Video Surveillance Other Than on Buses

713 Student Activity Accounting

714 Fund Balances

720 Vending Machines

721 Uniform Grant Guidance Policy Regarding Federal Revenue Sources

722 Public Data and Data Subject Requests

799 General Record Retention Schedule