Lewis Central Community Schools Bus Rules
by Paul Massman
July 29, 2009
366-8207--LC Transportation Office
2009-2010
LEWIS CENTRAL SECONDARYCOMMUNITY SCHOOLS
TRANSPORTATION RULES AND POLICIES
Safety is our top priority, therefore, it is imperative that all students conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times while on a school bus. While school transportation is provided as a service to students, it is important to know that riding a school bus is a privilege not a right. Disruptions which lead to an injury of a student or which interfere with the drivers ability to concentrate on the task of operating the bus, will not be tolerated.
The following rules and policies have been approved by the Board of Education. Discipline policies regarding in school conduct and activities shall supersede transportation policies. In the event a student is suspended or expelled from school, that student will also be excluded from all transportation services. Rules and policies pertaining to transportation services include, but are not limited to the 1-7 below. Such language prevents the claim from being made that 1-7 below is all inclusive.
1. THE SCHOOL BUS: The school bus is considered an extension of the classroom. The driver is in charge of the bus and passengers at all times. The driver has the right to give instructions to passengers, assign seats, etc. The driver is entitled to be treated with respect. Poor conduct and/or disrespectful language will not be tolerated.
2. ASSIGNED BUS: Students will only be allowed to ride the bus to which they are assigned. This is to ensure all students have a seat on the bus. To obtain permission to ride a bus other than the one assigned, written requests must be submitted by the student’s parent or guardian to the building principal and the transportation coordinator prior to the change.
3. BUS STOPS: Students must be at their designated bus stop five minutes prior to their assigned time. Students will not be allowed to board or exit the school bus from any stop other than their own unless a written request for a change is submitted to the transportation coordinator. Each request will be reviewed and approval may be granted or denied based on the circumstances of the request.
While waiting for the bus, students are asked to remain at the bus stop, be respectful of property, conduct themselves appropriately, and for safety reasons, stay at least ten feet from the roadway.
Students are expected to board the bus in a safe, orderly, and timely manner and seat themselves immediately. Students must then remain seated, behave themselves appropriately, and respect the authority of the driver. Students who do not behave appropriately will be disciplined.
4. CAMERAS: Our school buses may be monitored by on-board cameras. When available, video taped documentation may be used to verify infractions of the bus rules.
5. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS: Drivers will instruct students on the school bus safety rules. All students are expected to obey the safety rules. When a student chooses to behave inappropriately, discipline action will be taken. During all disciplinary proceedings, students will be accorded the rights of due process. Depending on the severity of the infraction, drivers may verbally warn students. If after the driver has given a verbal warning, the student chooses again to behave inappropriately, a discipline referral will be issued by the driver and submitted to the proper school authorities. The parent or guardian will receive a copy of the referral. Severe infractions of the safety rules may result in immediate suspension of bus riding privileges.
GRADES 6 – 12
Assault: Threatening or trying to injure or causing injury to a student or school employee.
First Offense: 3 – 10 day suspension.
Repeated Offenses: 5 – 10 day suspension or expulsion.
Weapons: Possession, use, handling of any instrument generally considered a weapon; using any object to injure another person.
First Offense: Police notification, expulsion.
Drugs: Possession, use, or under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, imitation substances, and/or paraphernalia.
First Offense: 10 – day suspension to expulsion, police notification.
Repeated: Police notification, expulsion.
Tobacco/Imitation Substances: In possession, use, or distribution of.
First Offense: 1 – day suspension or cessation class.
Repeated: 3 – 10 day suspension.
Vandalism: Damaging and/or destroying property on purpose.
First Offense: Restitution and 1 – day suspension.
Repeated: Restitution and 3 – 10 suspension or expulsion.
Verbal Abuse/Harassment: Swearing, profanity, belligerent and/or disrespectful language and/or actions that attempt to threaten, intimidate another person.
First Offense: 1 – 3 day suspension.
Repeated: 4-10 day suspension.
Fighting: Mutual combat.
First Offense: 1-3 day suspension.
Repeated: 4 – 10 day suspension.
Disrespect/Insubordination: Failure to follow the request or direction of a school employee.
First Offense: 1 – 3 day suspension.
Repeated: 5 day suspension or expulsion.
Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome advances, verbal and/or physical misconduct, graffiti, jokes, gestures.
First Offense: Written warning to 5 – day suspension.
Repeated: 5 – 10 day suspension.
6. STUDENT, PARENT/GUARDIAN CONCERNS: Students encountering problems on the bus should report the problem to the bus driver. If the student wishes not to report to the driver, they should report the problem to the building principal. Parents or guardians who wish to discuss a discipline issue or procedure should contact the transportation coordinator at 366-8207.
7. APPEAL PROCESS: In case of issues that are not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved, appeals should be directed to the Hearing Panel at 366-8207. In the event the issue is still not satisfactorily resolved, appeals may then be made to the Superintendent of Schools at 366-8202.
The Lewis Central Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national origin, religion, age, or disability in its educational programs, services, or employment practices. Inquiries concerning application of this statement should be addressed to: Laurie Thies, 1600 East South Omaha Bridge Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503, (712) 366-8248.
