Table
of Contents
I.
SELECTION OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
II.
TRAINING THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
III.
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
IV.
ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/ DRUG TESTING OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER.
V.
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
VI. CRIMINAL
RECORD
VII.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
VIII. APPROVED
PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT CONTROL
IX.
SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES
X. SCHOOL BUS
SCHEDULES
XI. PARKING SCHOOL
BUSES
XII. LOADING
AND UNLOADING STUDENTS
XIII.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRANSPORTED STUDENT
XIV.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS
XV.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
XVI.
TRANSPORTATION OF THE ESE STUDENT
XVII. EXTRACURRUCULAR
TRIP ASSIGNMENTS
XVIII. SERIOUSLY ILL STUDENTS
XIX.
EMERGENCY WARNING PROCEDURES
XX
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL BUS ATTENDANT
XXI. LEAVE
XXII.
APPROVED PROCEDURE FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TO RECEIVE EXTRA PAY
XXIII. PERSONAL MAIL
AND TELEPHONE CALLS
XXIV. EMPLOYEE INJURY
XXV.
RECOMMENDATION FOR DISMISSAL/VIOLATION OF OFFENSES
I. SELECTION OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
A. The prospective School Bus Driver will make application to the
Human Resources Department. Each applicant will have a criminal
background check before interviewing.
B. After screening by the staff of the Human Resources Department, the
prospective School Bus Driver will be called for an interview by the Driver
Trainer Specialist.
C. Each prospective School Bus Driver must meet all State School Board
Rules.
D. The Transportation Operations Manager will select the prospective
School Bus Driver for training.
II. TRAINING THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
A. Each prospective School Bus Driver will receive 20 hours of
classroom instruction.
B. Each prospective School Bus Driver will receive 20 hours of on-the-bus
training.
C. Each prospective School Bus Driver will receive CDL license training,
if necessary.
III. EMPLOYMENT OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
A. After successful completion of the Training Program, the
prospective School Bus Driver may be employed as a Substitute Bus Driver until
a regular route becomes open.
B. The prospective School Bus Driver may be employed on a regular route
if one is open at the time of initial employment.
IV. ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/ DRUG TESTING OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER.
A. Each School Bus Driver shall pass a physical examination and drug
test before initial employment and each year before reappointment,
(The School Board of Alachua County may request a physical examination at any
time.)
B. All physicals must be performed by a School Board-approved physician
and will be paid for by the School Board.
V. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
A. Initial Employment and While Employed
Employment and continued employment will be based on the School Board of
Alachua County ‘s Safe Driver Plan (see Appendix F.)
B. Re-employment
If a School Bus Driver has been dismissed because of the School Board of Alachua County’s Safe Driver Plan, he/she may be considered for re-employment based on the SBAC Safe Driver plan.
VI. CRIMINAL RECORD
A. Initial Employment
The School Bus Driver shall have no
convictions indicating:
1. Use of hard
drugs, or dealing in drugs.
2. Crimes of a violent
nature - murder, rape, assault, child abuse, etc.
3. Crimes of immorality,. i.e., prostituting, contributing to the
delinquency of a
minor, etc.
B. While Employed
VI., A-1, 2, and 3, above will apply and should they be violated, the School
Bus Driver will be recommended for dismissal.
C. Re-employment
If a School Bus Driver has been dismissed because of B. above, he/she may be considered for re-employment after seven (7) years.
VII. DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
A. General
1. The School Bus Driver shall perform all duties assigned by the
Director of Transportation.
2. The School Bus Driver shall work in close harmony with all school
administrators and personnel.
3. The School Bus Driver shall possess a valid Florida Class B CDL
license.
4. The School Bus Driver shall keep records, make reports, and attend all
required safety and training sessions.
5. The School Bus Driver shall transport only authorized passengers.
6. The School Bus Driver shall not use a school bus for personal reasons.
7. The School Bus Driver shall be clean and neat at all times.
He/she will wear the prescribed uniform; shoes must have flat bottoms with
closed toes and heels.
8. The School Bus Driver will use no tobacco while operating the bus, or on
school grounds.
9. The School Bus Driver will use no profane or off-color language in the
presence of students, or on the two-way radio.
10. The School Bus Driver shall keep regular and spare buses in a clean
condition, and promptly report any mechanical problems.
11. All School Board of Alachua County school buses are equipped with a
governor. It is the driver’s responsibility to know that the governor is
working properly. Any driver disconnecting a governor will be recommended
for dismissal.
12. A school bus will not be driven in reverse on school grounds unless a
walking adult guide at the rear of the bus assists the driver.
13. It is the School Bus Driver’s responsibility to verify that the fuel
tank is full before beginning a run.
14. A weekly check sheet (daily walk-around inspection form)shall be used
to thoroughly inspect the bus before the AM run and before the PM run and
shall be turned in weekly by the School Bus Driver.
15. No School Bus Driver shall drive a school bus in excess of the
posted speed limit.
16. No School Bus Driver shall drive a school bus at a speed greater than
is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions.
17. The School Bus Driver shall use the two-way radio for school business
only.
18. The School Bus Driver shall not leave his/her bus while the two-way
radio is operational.
19. The bus shall not be refueled when the engine is running, the two-way
radio is on, or while students are aboard.
20. It is the responsibility of each School Bus Driver to inform the
Driver Trainer Specialist immediately of any citation he/she may receive from
law enforcement.
21. The School Bus Driver shall be familiar with all State Statutes;
State School Board Rules, our School Board Rules, and adhere to them.
B. School Bus Schedules and Routes
1. The School Bus Driver shall notify the Transportation office
whenever his/her bus is late for whatever reason.
2. If the School Bus Driver is to be absent, he/she must notify the
Transportation office at least sixty (60) minutes prior to designated compound
departure time.
3. The School Bus Driver should report to his/her bus 15 minutes prior to
AM and PM runs.
4. The School Bus Driver shall follow all route and time schedules.
5. The School Bus Driver shall keep up-to-date route and time schedules
as well as seating charts.
6. When ahead of schedule, the School Bus Driver will wait for students
until the time for the stop. Deviation changes to routes or stops will
not be made without prior approval of the Transportation Coordinator.
7. The School Bus Driver shall drive any school bus assigned to him/her
by the Transportation Coordinator.
C. Driving Performance
1. The School Bus Driver shall obey all traffic laws.
2. The School Bus Driver shall never leave the driver’s seat until the
engine is turned off and the ignition key is removed.
3. The School Bus Driver shall at all times, while operating a school
bus, wear the seat safety belt.
4. All School Bus Drivers shall operate buses in a safe and efficient
manner, in accordance with the "Florida School Bus Drivers’
Handbook," and the rules and regulations of the School Board of Alachua
County.
5. School buses shall not be stopped or turned around on any curve,
grade, or other location where the bus cannot be seen by the driver of any
vehicle approaching within 500 feet from either direction.
6. The School Bus Driver will stop the school bus at least 15 feet from
the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. The driver shall proceed across
the railroad tracks only after opening the door, looking carefully in each
direction, listening for the sound of an approaching train, and determining
that it is safe to proceed. The school bus door shall be closed before
proceeding.
7. No school bus may be in motion with either door open.
8. The School Bus Driver shall allow other vehicles to pass when the bus
is not discharging or picking up students.
9. Alachua County school buses are not to turn right on red after
stopping.
D. Student and School Procedures
Cell phones will be allowed in the possession of the bus driver, and are for emergency use only, when normal radio communications with dispatch are not available. They are not to be used when the bus is in motion.
"No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing."
VIII. APPROVED PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT CONTROL
A. The School Bus Driver may talk to students individually regarding
the behavior expected of them.
B. In addition to the seating chart, the School Bus Driver may reassign
seats to any students who are disruptive.
C. The School Bus Driver shall report misconduct incidents by use of the
Bus Misconduct Report.
The Misconduct Report must be turned in to the Principal upon arrival at the
school if the incident occurred in the a.m., or upon arrival at the school the
next morning if the incident occurred on the p.m. route. If necessary,
the School Bus Driver may request that his/her Coordinator have the Principal
meet the bus the next morning.
D. The School Bus Driver may request a conference with a student and the
Principal.
E. The School Bus Driver will use the following procedure for
transporting unruly students:
Despite misconduct or disruption, the School Bus Driver will make every attempt
to continue the route until all students are delivered to school, or to their
assigned stops in the p.m.
The Principal or Transportation Department will be notified immediately upon termination of the route when there are any major disciplinary problems on either the a.m. or p.m. route.
F. If the misconduct of students creates a disruptive situation that is becoming hazardous to the safety of the students, the School Bus Driver shall request help from some source, i.e., Transportation Department, school, or Law Enforcement Department. The School Bus Driver shall not allow any student to leave the bus unless it is his/her assigned stop or school.
In cases of this type, the school or Transportation Department will be
notified immediately by two-way radio.
G. State law permits only the Principal to remove a student from riding a
school bus. Drivers are never to put a student off his/her bus except at
the student’s assigned stop or school.
IX. SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES
A. Accidents.
1. An accident has occurred any time a vehicle comes into contact with an
object, no matter how minor the damage.
2. The School Bus Driver shall report all school bus accidents to the proper
law enforcement agency immediately.
3. Each accident shall be reported to the Transportation office
immediately.
The driver must remain with the bus and keep the students under control until
they can be safely removed.
4. The School Bus Driver shall, within 24 hours, complete the School
Bus
Accident Report Form TR-3 and deliver it to the
Transportation office.
5. Each accident will be judged preventable, or non-preventable by the
Accident
Review Board.
X. SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULES
A. The School Bus Driver must run the entire route regardless of
starting time.
B. The School Bus Driver is not permitted to make up lost time by
exceeding the posted speed limit.
C. Bus Schedules
1. The School Bus Driver must inspect and see to it that his/her bus is
ready fifteen (15) minutes prior to starting time.
2. The School Bus Driver shall promptly notify the Transportation office
if his/her route is to be late for any reason.
3. The first a.m. stop should be reached at the same time each day.
4. The terminating school shall be reached a few minutes before the tardy
bell.
5. The School Bus Driver shall reach his/her first p.m. school at least
ten (10) minutes before the dismissal bell.
6. An up-to-date route sheet and time schedule shall be kept in the
school bus at all time.
XI. PARKING SCHOOL BUSES
A. Parking Procedure
1. Buses shall be parked only in assigned parking spaces at the bus compound.
2. Buses shall be parked only in assigned spaces at each school while
loading and unloading.
3. Buses parked at a driver’s home must have adequate parking, and be
approved by the Transportation Operations Manager.
4. After the bus is parked, the School Bus Driver shall:
? Sweep the bus floor
? Close all windows
? Close the entrance door
? Wash the exterior of the school bus at least once a week
XII. LOADING AND UNLOADING STUDENTS
A. It is the students’ responsibility to be at the bus stop five (5)
minutes prior to the scheduled time of arrival of the bus.
B. It is the parent’s responsibility to supervise the student en route to
and from the bus stop, and while the student is awaiting arrival of the school
bus.
C. The School Bus Driver should never permit students to unload once the
students have boarded the bus, except on arrival at the school in the a.m. and
on arrival at their regular stop in the p.m.
D. It is the School Bus Driver’s responsibility to see that all students,
both in the a.m. and the p.m. safely cross the highway ten (10) feet in front
of the school bus if necessary.
E. The School Bus Driver shall follow these procedures when loading and
unloading at the school.
1. Turn off the motor.
2. Do not start the bus until all loading/unloading has been completed
3. Once the door has closed and the bus begins to move, do not stop and
allow students to load.
4. The School Bus Driver shall be in the driver’s seat or standing at the
entrance door.
F. The School Bus Driver shall make every attempt to help identify and
prosecute any person passing his/her school bus while stopped for
loading/unloading.
G. Except upon written request of parents or the Principal, drivers will
permit students to leave the bus only at regular stops. Requests from
parents shall also be signed by the Principal.
H. No bus shall pass another bus while entering or leaving a school or
loading zone.
I. After students have boarded, the School Bus Driver will see that all
students are in their seats according to the seating chart.
XIII. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRANSPORTED STUDENT
A. Except for normal conversation - to maintain classroom conduct at all
times.
B. To occupy his/her seat according to the seating chart, and remain
seated there while the bus is in motion.
C. To obey all directions given by the School Bus Driver.
D. To be at his/her assigned bus stop at least five (5) minutes before
the scheduled bus arrival time.
E. To keep his/her head and hands inside the bus at all times.
F. To treat the bus the same as they would furniture in their own home.
G. To cross at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus both in the a.m.
and p.m. if it is necessary for them to cross the road.
H. Do not attempt to board the bus after it has begun to move.
XIV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS
A. To supervise the student and maintain discipline between home and
the bus stop; also while the student is at the bus stop.
B. To have the student at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the
scheduled departure time.
C. To pay for any damages to the school bus caused by their child.
D. To make certain that the student meets all of his/her
responsibilities.
XV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
A. To plan a program of supervision in the school bus loading zone.
B. To ensure that bus loading zones are properly posted.
C. To ensure that bus loading zones are clear of all vehicles except
buses at time of loading and unloading.
D. When necessary, suspend the riding privilege of unruly pupils.
E. To determine the eligibility of a student for bus transportation.
F. To maintain a record of the students assigned to each bus.
G. To appoint a designated representative for bus discipline referrals.
H. To accept responsibility for students as soon as students board the
bus in the morning until the students unload from the bus in the afternoon.
I. To instruct all bus students in school bus emergency evacuation drill
procedures, and direct two (2) evacuation drills during each school year.
J. To determine and approve each request of students to ride different
buses, based on the availability of seats on the bus.
XVI. TRANSPORTATION OF THE ESE STUDENT
A. Each ESE School Bus Driver and School Bus Attendant may be required
to attend special workshops each year.
B. The ESE School Bus Attendant shall load/unload the ESE student, if
necessary.
C. School Bus Attendants may be assigned to all ESE routes.
D. The School Bus Driver on an ESE route is required to complete his/her
route even when a School Bus Attendant is not available.
XVII. EXTRACURRUCULAR TRIP ASSIGNMENTS
A. School Bus Drivers are required to make all assigned field trips.
B. Assignment of field trips shall be in accordance with the Career
Service Bargaining Agreement.
XVIII. SERIOUSLY ILL STUDENTS
A. Students who are seriously ill in the a.m. should not attempt to
ride the school bus.
B. In the event that a student becomes seriously ill while en route to
school or home, the School Bus Driver shall park the bus in a safe area
and call for help. The School Bus Driver should not attempt to move the
school bus with a seriously ill student aboard.
C. Students who become seriously ill at school should not be placed on
the school bus to be taken home.
XIX. EMERGENCY WARNING PROCEDURES
A. All School Bus Drivers shall report for work at their regularly
scheduled time unless a public office announcement from the School Board
Information office is made over the radio and/or television station stating
that Transportation Department employees do not have to report to work.
B. All employees will be expected to return to work on their regular
schedule as soon as the emergency has passed. A public official
announcement to this effect will be made on the radio or television station.
C. All transported students will be dismissed in ample time for the
driver to return said students to their homes.
D. If serious, adverse weather conditions develop while en route, the
School Bus Driver should place students in the safest shelter available and
call their assigned compound office.
XX. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL BUS ATTENDANT
A. Follows the direction of the School Bus Driver.
B. Assists students in following the direction of the School Bus Driver.
C. Assists the parents with loading/unloading students at the bus stop.
D. Assists the school personnel with loading/unloading students at the
school grounds.
E. Maintains order and provides firm direction to the students.
F. Submits misconduct information to the School Bus Driver.
G. Attends assigned workshops.
H. Performs other related duties as assigned.
I. The School Bus Attendant shall be clean and neat at all times.
He/she will wear the prescribed uniform, shoes must have flat bottoms with
closed toes and heels.
XXI. LEAVE
A. Sick Leave
1. Each regular driver may earn one (1) sick day per month.
2. School Bus Drivers must notify the Transportation office at least
one(1) hour prior to the designated route starting time if they are to be
granted sick leave.
3. School Bus Drivers may be required to furnish appropriate proof of
illness upon their return to work.
B. Personal Leave
1. A School Bus Driver may use up to six(6) days of sick leave as
personal leave with pay each year.
Personal leave should be approved at least 24 hours in advance.
2. No personal leave will be granted on days when a School Bus Driver’s
absence will have an adverse effect on the Transportation Department.
XXII. APPROVED PROCEDURE FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TO RECEIVE EXTRA PAY
A. To cover the time necessary for drivers to bring their buses in for
needed repairs, the procedure will be as follows:
1. Drivers must receive authorization from the garage personnel to bring
their bus in for repairs.
2. The Assistant Shop Foreman will document the time it takes to repair
the bus and forward this information to the Transportation payroll department.
B. To cover the time necessary for drivers with mechanical breakdowns,
the procedure will be as follows:
1. Time the driver calls in to the Transportation office will be
recorded.
2. The mechanic will document the time the bus is repaired or driver
receives a spare bus, and forward this information to the Coordinator.
3. The senior accounting clerk will use information available - time the
bus broke down, time bus was repaired, and normal finish time to determine
extra time to be paid.
C. To cover the time necessary for handling student discipline
problems at the schools, the procedure will be as follows:
1. The Principal will document time spent in the meeting and forward this
form to the Coordinator.
2. The Coordinator will add additional travel time, if necessary, to the
meeting time and forward extra time to be paid to the Accounting Clerk for
payment.
XXIII. PERSONAL MAIL AND TELEPHONE CALLS
A. School Bus Drivers are required to have all personal mail delivered
to their residences.
B. Telephones in the schools and offices are for school business
only. A telephone will be made available for School Bus Driver use.
C. Office personnel will not take messages for School Bus Drivers unless
the message is of an emergency nature.
XXIV. EMPLOYEE INJURY
The following procedure shall be followed when an employee is injured in the line of duty.
A. All injuries shall be reported immediately.
B. Medical treatment and Workmen’s Compensation forms should be completed
as soon as possible
XXV. RECOMMENDATION FOR DISMISSAL/VIOLATION OF OFFENSES
Any of the following offenses may result in an immediate recommendation for dismissal:
A. Incompetent or inefficient in carrying out assigned duties and
responsibilities.
B. Conviction of a felony or any crime of moral status.
C. Willful damage to School Board property.
D. Stealing property from the School Board, or a fellow employee.
E. Interference or deliberate slow down of work activities, duties, or
that of a fellow employee.
F. Drinking intoxicating liquors and/or use of mood-altering drugs while
on the job, or at any time that it could affect school bus driving performance.
G. Acts of insubordination.