TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
HANDBOOK
This handbook cannot and is not intended to be all inclusive or cover every situation which may arise. Employees should exercise prudent judgment in all circumstances.
While each and every circumstance is unique and different, and must be handled as such, it is the goal of the Transportation Management to be fair and consistent in all circumstances and to provide a quality work environment for each and every employee.
Further, this handbook is written and designed to be in accordance with all applicable State laws, State regulations and policies of the Daviess County Board of Education. In any instance that this handbook is not in accord with State laws, State regulations and/or Daviess County Board of Education policies, then said laws, regulations, and policies shall take precedence over this handbook. Additionally, neither this handbook, nor any provisions(s) herein, is an enforceable contract (or a particular element of a contract) of employment with the Daviess County Board of Education.
Revised –August 2018
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I understand that it is my responsibility to read the Daviess County Public Schools Transportation Department Handbook.
As evidenced by my signature below, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations contained herein and understand that my failure to do so, in the sole discretion of supervisory Personnel, may result in disciplinary action against me up to and including termination of my employment with the Daviess County Public Schools. I further understand that this handbook, and/or any portion hereof, is not an enforceable contract of employment, but simply a guide to assist me in my understanding of the general principles and policies applicable to my service to the Daviess County Board of Education.
______Signature of Employee Date
NOTE: The Daviess County Public Schools Transportation Department Handbook is available to view online. www.dcps.org Click on – Departments Select – Transportation Click on – The Office Scroll down to bottom of page to click on Handbook
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DIRECTORY
A. POLICY STATEMENT
B. JOB DESCRIPTIONS
ITEM 1. Bus Driver 2. Substitute Bus Driver 3. Bus Monitor
C. GENERAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Typical Duties of Bus Driver 2. Personal Appearance 3. Transportation Department Dress Code 4. Working Hours and Schedule 5. Pay Schedule - Sick, Personal & Emergency Leave, Injury on the Job, Holidays, Insurance and Other Benefits 6. Identification Badges 7. Fuel Cards 8. Ignition Keys 9. Change of Address and Telephone 10. Safety Meetings / Professional Development / In-Service Training / 8 Hour Updates 11. Transportation Evaluations 12. Vehicle Accident Reporting 13. Vehicle Maintenance Work Orders 14. Driver's License Policy 15. Transportation Procedures for Complaints and/or Grievances 16. Seniority 17. Route/Job Assignment Procedures 18. Assignment of Sub Buses 19. Two-Way Radio Procedure 20. Am/Fm Radio Operation 21. Who May Ride Daviess County School Buses 22. Student Injury 23. Transporting Band Instruments, Sports Equipment, or Other Large Objects on the Bus 24. Release to Depart
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DIRECTORY Continued
ITEM 25. School Bus Loading and Unloading Procedures on School Grounds 26. School Bus Idling 27. Accident Procedures 28. Fuels and Explosives 29. Employees Children Riding on School Buses 30. Handling of Body Fluids 31. Student Medication 32. Procedures for Emergency Evacuation of School Buses 33. Vehicle Maintenance Area 34. Preschool and Kindergarten Policy/Procedures 35. Use of School Buses 36. Use of Video Cameras on School Buses 37. Water over Roads 38. Mobile Radios / Cell Phones 39. Drug and Alcohol Testing 40. Defined Paperwork Responsibilities
D. TRIP GUIDELINES
E. TRANSPORTATION RULES AND REGULATIONS
F. TRANSPORTATION ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
G. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
Appendix
A1 Diagram For the Placement of Magnetic Bus Route Number A2 School Bell Times A3 Yearly Driver Review Form A4 Evaluation Instrument for Transportation Personnel A5 Evaluation Instrument for Office Personnel A6 Diagram of Transportation-Maintenance Complex A7 Guidelines for Students Riding Daviess County School Buses A8 CDL Physical Memo A9 Employee Code of Excellence A10 Unpaid Leave Policy and Request/Response Forms
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A. POLICY STATEMENT
The Daviess County Board of Education recognizes that student transportation is a support service necessary to ensure widespread student attendance. It is the desire of the Board to operate transportation services in the most safe and cost effective manner.
To provide the service of transportation, the Board identifies the following major goals for transportation:
Safety: All operating procedures will consider the protection and best interest of students.
Service: The Transportation Department will provide students with the opportunity to have the best possible transportation in a non- threatening environment.
Economy: Express routing, varying time schedules, spacing of bus stops, and other techniques for improving operating efficiency should be employed in program operations.
This handbook cannot and is not intended to be all inclusive or cover every situation which may arise. Employees should exercise prudent judgment in all circumstances.
While each and every circumstance is unique and different, and must be handled as such, it is the goal of the Transportation Administration to be fair and consistent in all circumstances and to provide a quality work environment for each and every employee. All interpretations and explanations of this handbook, or any portion(s) thereof, shall be made by Daviess County Board of Education supervisory Personnel whose decision(s) shall be final and binding upon any employee(s).
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B. JOB DESCRIPTIONS
1) TITLE: BUS DRIVER
CLASSIFICATION: BUS DRIVER
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma G.E.D. certificate or satisfactory progress towards a G.E.D.
2. Demonstrate competent language skills.
3. Has demonstrated ability to work with children.
4. Participates in and successfully completes training programs as specified by the Kentucky Department of Education and local district.
5. Has successfully completed all training and tests required by state and local boards, and has one year experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.
6. Must meet the requirements for a criminal record check and five year driving check as specified by Kentucky state law.
7. Has met all state and local physical examination and health requirements.
8. Valid Kentucky commercial Class B driver's license (CDL), with bus driver and passenger certification. Class “B”, P.S., endorsements.
9. Must be 21 years of age.
REPORTS TO: Transportation Management JOB GOALS:
To transport students to and from school and on special trips, while operating a school bus in a safe and timely manner.
CRITICAL SKILLS/EXPERTISE REQUIRED:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
1. Safe driving practices.
2. Provisions of the State Motor Vehicle code and Kentucky Administration Regulations applicable to the operation of vehicles transporting students.
3. First aid practices.
4. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
ABILITY TO:
1. Operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students.
2. Maintain order and discipline among students while driving a school bus.
3. Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and safe operating condition.
4. Recognize equipment malfunctions and take appropriate action.
5. Learn designated bus routes including stops and traffic hazards.
6. Maintain routine records.
7. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
8. Understand and follow oral and written directions.
9. Meet schedules and time lines.
10. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
11. Learn, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
12. Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
13. Assist in loading and unloading disabled children as necessary.
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PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The driver is responsible to the Principal(s) for time schedules and pupil discipline and responsible to the Transportation Management for safety, vehicle maintenance, and policy procedures. The following are required of the driver:
1. Operate the bus and carry out duties on schedule and in a prompt and efficient manner.
2. Safely operate the school bus under all varying weather conditions.
3. Properly supervise passengers on the bus in accordance with transportation regulations, and with pupil personnel code of conduct.
4. Take proper care of the bus and see that it is maintained in safe operation condition.
5. Conduct routine required inspections and provide the proper documentation.
6. Attend safety meetings and workshops as determined by the Transportation Management.
7. Meet the training requirements set forth in State and district regulations.
8. Meet those responsibilities as set forth in the Board's Handbook for School Bus Drivers, State Board of Education regulations, applicable statutory laws, and directives of the Superintendent or Transportation Management.
9. Perform other duties that may not be specifically covered in this general job description, as assigned by the Transportation Management.
10. Demonstrate a consistent and positive behavior toward students and patrons in order to foster positive public relations.
11. Demonstrate loyalty and dedication to the goals and purposes of the Daviess County Public Schools.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy on evaluation of bus drivers as classified personnel. Evaluation will be conducted by the Transportation Management.
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KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Able to read, write, speak and understand English.
Knowledge of first aid and vehicle safety checks is necessary to successfully fulfill this position's responsibilities. Skills and abilities include driving skills and the ability to work with children. Credentials normally associated with competence in this position are a state certification as a Bus Driver, a state driver's license and an accepted state physical examination.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Experiences some discomfort due to traffic congestion and possibly hazardous weather conditions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The job may require lifting of objects that exceed 25 pounds, with occasional lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 75 pounds. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows:
1. Pushing and/or pulling 2. Climbing 3. Stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling 4. Reaching 5. Vision and hearing requirements.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so assigned.
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2) SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER:
Substitute bus drivers for the Daviess County Board of Education are available to operate a school bus on a prescribed route when the regular assigned driver is absent.
DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Substitute Bus Driver DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Transportation REPORTS TO: Transportation Management SUPERVISES: N/A
GENERAL SUMMARY
FUNCTION: Transports students on a scheduled route to and from school.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Will be available to drive any route as assigned.
Will be available to drive to any location in their personal vehicle when a bus is not available.
Will maintain a telephone at their residence so dispatchers can contact them as needs arise.
Will be certified to drive any and all buses owned by the School System. Will drive routes as assigned by the dispatcher.
Will be assigned job tasks in addition to driving to provide for the hours scheduled to work.
Do not get paid for drive time to and from work locations.
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3) TITLE: BUS MONITOR
CLASSIFICATION: BUS MONITOR
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma, G.E.D. certificate or satisfactory progress towards a G.E.D.
2. Must meet the requirements of a criminal record check as specified by Kentucky state law.
3. Demonstrated aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities.
4. Has met all health requirements as specified in district personnel policy.
5. Has successfully completed all training required by state law and local board policy.
REPORTS TO:
Transportation Management
JOB GOAL:
To assist in providing safe transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the district's curriculum and extracurricular program.
CRITICAL SKILLS/EXPERTISE REQUIRED:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
1. Safe practices concerning school bus transportation.
2. Basic record-keeping techniques.
3. Applicable sections of the KAR and other applicable laws.
4. Health and safety regulations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
ABILITY TO:
1. Maintain proper records and documentation.
2. Assist student loading, unloading and seating arrangements as required.
3. Understand and relate to children with special needs.
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5. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
6. Lift students according to established guidelines.
7. Maintain current knowledge of Emergency Evacuation procedures.
8. Maintain routine records.
9. Observe health and safety regulations.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assists the bus driver in maintaining good student conduct on the bus.
2. Assist young or disabled students in getting on and off the bus.
3. Assures that students get on and off the bus in an orderly fashion.
4. Provides written records of violations of the student code to the Building principal.
5. Collects and turns over to the school secretary those personal items left on the bus by students.
6. Performs related duties as assigned.
7. Demonstrates loyalty and dedication to the purposes and goals of the Daviess County Public Schools.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on Evaluation of classified personnel. Evaluation will be conducted by the Transportation Management.
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C. GENERAL INFORMATION
1) TYPICAL DUTIES OF BUS DRIVER
Operate school bus to transport pupils on a scheduled route for daily transportation or special field trips Promote safety habits in school children Perform pre-trip inspection of equipment to help maintain safe and economical transportation. Pre-trip should be recorded on timesheet 30 minutes before AM route and 30 minutes before PM route. Maintain complete daily trip record Maintain order of students being transported, write disciplinary referrals and record in referral log, and work closely with principals
2) PERSONAL APPEARANCE
As a school bus driver/monitor, you are expected to be neat, clean, and orderly in performing your duties. You must begin with your own personal appearance. You should always keep in mind that you are in daily contact with hundreds of children who are influenced by you. The school staff and parents will have greater respect for you if you present a neat appearance.
3) TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT DRESS CODE
LADIES / MEN APPAREL:
No suggestive or overly revealing clothing shall be worn. Shorts and skirts must be no shorter than 4 inches above the kneecap No spandex Clothing shall not advertise alcohol, drugs, tobacco, no vulgar/suggestive slogans Clothing shall not express controversial political, social, or religious viewpoints Should wear ID Badge while on duty All garments must be in good state of repair Employees shall wear clothing properly and at the right body height and purpose for which it was intended For safety reasons, employees must wear shoes appropriate for the job assignment; no high heels, no flip-flops, no thin strap sandals; all shoes must have a covered heel or heel strap. No open-toed shoes on lift buses. Monitors must wear safety vests at all times while on a route.
Employees found to be inappropriately dressed may be sent home without pay and will not be permitted to work until proper attire is worn.
4) WORKING HOURS AND SCHEDULE
Working hours and schedules will be set by the Transportation Department. If there should be a conflict with your schedule due to illness or emergency, you must notify your dispatcher as soon as you are aware that you will be absent, and certainly no later than 5:30 a.m. for the morning route and by noon for the afternoon route. Employees should avoid reporting an absence outside of these timeframes unless it is an emergency. You must talk to a
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dispatcher or a member of Transportation Management. Under no circumstance should messages be left on an answering machine reporting an absence.
Summer driving assignments in the transportation department will be awarded by seniority, job qualifications, and/or other criteria, and all efforts will be made to post these positions before the end of the school year at the Transportation Operations Service Center. Summer work in other departments will be assigned through Central Office.
5) PAY SCHEDULE - SICK, PERSONAL & EMERGENCY LEAVE, INJURY ON THE JOB, HOLIDAYS, INSURANCE AND OTHER BENEFITS
It is the policy of the Daviess County Board of Education that all benefits be coordinated and implemented through the department of personnel and/or the payroll department. Guidelines and references to these subjects are covered in the yearly support personnel policy manual. Please refer to that manual when questions arise in these areas.
Updated Policy 03.223 (Unpaid Leave) can also be found in the Appendix of this handbook.
6) IDENTIFICATION BADGES
The Transportation Department will provide identification badges for all Transportation Employees. These should be worn at all times while on duty.
7) FUEL CARDS
Vehicle cards will be left in the vehicle in a visible location so that other drivers can easily locate them. The driver will be responsible for notifying the transportation office if the card becomes damaged or not usable.
8) IGNITION KEYS
Employees are responsible for loss or damage of ignition keys, when it is shown to be the driver's responsibility. Obviously, if the keys are lost, damaged or stolen while left in the bus at the vehicle maintenance center between runs or overnight, if so instructed, the driver would not be held responsible. When parking at the bus garage, remove the keys from the ignition and place them on the hook by the driver’s seat. Spare Bus Keys will be kept at the bus garage and will need to be signed out through Bruce Millay, Glenn Hamilton or shop personnel. For those employees that keep the bus at their homes, you must remove the keys from the ignition when parking the bus.
9) CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE
All changes of address and telephone numbers are to be reported to the Transportation Department immediately. The changes will be entered in the employee's Transportation records for use in case of emergency, and a copy will be sent to the Department of Personnel. See form in Appendix.
Substitute bus drivers must at all times maintain a telephone since they must be available to be contacted to come in to work on a moment's notice. Failure to maintain a telephone may result in the substitute driver not being contacted for assignment.
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10) SAFETY MEETINGS / IN-SERVICE TRAINING / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT / 8 HOUR UPDATES
Safety meetings and in-service training days have been designed for specific driver needs. The purpose of these meetings and training sessions is to enhance employee professionalism and to provide for the safety of the children that have been entrusted to us to transport, and also to reduce the liability for drivers and this school system.
These meetings are MANDATORY and you are expected to attend. Failure to attend may result in your not being allowed to drive a school bus in the state of Kentucky.
Professional Development hours – Fulltime monitors and drivers will be required to attend their home schools orientation, equivalent to their base hours. You may divide your time between elementary, middle and high schools.
11) TRANSPORTATION EVALUATIONS
The evaluation form in the Appendix will be used for Transportation employee evaluations.
The purpose of the evaluation is to make the employee aware of his/her job performance. It is to be used to build from your strengths, recognize your weaknesses, and enable you to improve your performance. At this time, there is no monetary salary implication of either a good or bad evaluation. Evaluations will be used, however, in consideration and in decisions regarding suspensions and dismissals.
It is the intention to have one evaluation performed each school year.
12) VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORTING
Report All Accidents
The Daviess County School Board is mandated to have all accidents investigated at the time and location of an accident. Unreported accidents may result in immediate termination.
13) VEHICLE MAINTENANCE WORK ORDERS
It is the responsibility of the bus driver to prepare and submit requests for vehicle repairs. Reports are to be submitted to the vehicle maintenance staff immediately.
Each driver will be notified, normally by radio, when their vehicle is due for inspections. It is expected that the driver will bring that vehicle in for inspection at the time when notified to do so.
14) DRIVER'S LICENSE POLICY
Employees are required to maintain at all times a valid non-restricted commercial driver's license approved by the Kentucky Department of Safety for the vehicle their job assignment requires. Failure to comply may be grounds for termination.
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Employee's conviction/nolo contendre/payment of fine for a traffic violation while driving a Daviess County Board of Education vehicle may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Drivers are required to have their license scanned by the driver trainers to keep on file every time your license is renewed or changed.
A school bus driver shall immediately report to the local superintendent or designee a: 1. Revocation of driver’s license 2. Conviction for DUI/DWI 3. Conviction for reckless driving 4. Citation for any moving motor vehicle violation including DUI/DWI and reckless driving.
15) TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINTS AND/OR GRIEVANCES
Complaints and/or grievances will be brought to the attention of the employee's immediate supervisor. If the employee is not satisfied with the decision or stance of the supervisor within one (1) week, the employee may schedule an appointment with the next supervisor and continue this process step by step all the way to the superintendent and/or his designee. Failure to comply with this grievance "chain of command" will be considered insubordination, and the employee will be subject to disciplinary action.
16) SENIORITY
Seniority is used in selection of routes, placement of new bus routes where applicable, and field trips. An employee's seniority date is the date of his/her full-time employment. This date will remain the same except where leave of absence has been used. When an employee goes on leave of absence, 30 days or more, his/her seniority will be adjusted downward by the exact number of days on leave. If an employee resigns his/her position for 30 days or more, and is subsequently rehired, the later full-time employment date will be the seniority date. New substitute employees, for the purpose of assigning routes, shall have an “employment date”. This will be the date they were assigned to a new training class. In all cases, full-time employees will have seniority over substitute employees.
17) ROUTE/JOB ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES
Transportation employees will be given an opportunity to bid for positions left vacant by resignations, termination or extended leave. All hourly positions will be posted when vacant. (Exception: Staff and route reductions resulting in moving present staff.) Temporary routes may be assigned as necessary, and normally these routes will not be posted for bid. All new routes and/or positions must be approved by the Daviess County Board of Education.
These positions will be filled by first considering qualifications and other criteria. (Examples of other criteria include geographic location of a particular route, proximity of an employee’s current residence to a particular route, availability of a safe and secure place for a bus, the number of hours scheduled to work daily, selection by interview process, etc.). When qualifications and other criteria are substantially equal, Department Seniority will be the governing consideration in the selection of employees to fill job vacancies within the Transportation Department. Seniority (relative to filling job vacancies, special assignments, rev. tw 8/27/18 16
vacation selections, work force downsizing, etc. within the Transportation Department) shall be the length of service time as a regular employee/member of the Transportation Department.
Once you have accepted a route, you will remain on it for a minimum of 90 school days before you may bid on another position. (Exception: Full Time Sub positions are exempt from the 90 school day minimum requirement.) Once you have accepted a route and moved from Full Time Sub to a route, there is no avenue to move back into the substitute pool voluntarily. The Director reserves the right to temporarily reassign drivers/monitors as needed.
When a route that has an established mid-day is vacated, the route and mid-day will be posted together and filled as one position. The mid-day portion may be resigned with a two week notice, after the 90 school-day required minimum is completed. The mid-day portion would then be posted separately, bid on and filled according to policy.
Temporary mid-day routes will still be utilized, and identified as temporary and not added to base pay. A two week notice will be required when vacating temporary mid-day routes.
NOTE: Buses are assigned to routes; not drivers. Buses are not assigned by seniority of drivers. New buses are distributed throughout the county. They are also assigned according to mileage. We have to make each bus last at least 14 years. We constantly monitor mileage and may sometimes shift buses around to try and make them all have the same amount of mileage over those 14 years.
Special Service driver and monitor positions will be assigned on the basis of an interview by a committee. (Exception: Staff or route reductions resulting in moving present staff.)
The Interview Committee will consist of two drivers, one monitor and one from the office / trainers / garage staff, which are randomly selected by computer. If you are selected for the committee you will be expected to serve.
18) ASSIGNMENT OF SUB BUSES
In an effort to see that all sub buses are kept clean and operational, the vehicle maintenance staff will assign the driver a spare bus. You must see Bruce Millay or Glenn Hamilton to check out a spare bus. Drivers will be expected to return the bus clean and full of fuel, and all requests for repairs must be reported to the vehicle maintenance staff.
It is the desire of this office to provide you with a clean and dependable bus whenever your assigned bus is being repaired.
19) TWO-WAY RADIO PROCEDURE
When using the radio, make messages as brief and to the point as possible, "sign-off" promptly after communication is complete, and before communicating listen briefly to make sure that you will not talk over others using the radio. Radios may not be used for personal conversation or any conversation that is not related to the Transportation Departments business. Radios should not be used to ask dispatchers to make personal telephone calls or for others calling the service center to have personal messages radioed to employees unless it is a case of extreme emergency.
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Do not use individual names over the radio. Please refer to a child as a “student”.
If further identification is needed for the student, use their first name and address.
You may refer to a student as a “Catholic High School student” or a “Catholic Middle School student”, but please do not use the broad category of “Catholic students.”
20) AM/FM RADIO OPERATION
Your bus has been equipped with an AM/FM radio. Driver should use discretion in selection of music. No controversial music, i.e. obscene lyrics, religious music, should be played.
21) WHO MAY BE PERMITTED ON DAVIESS COUNTY SCHOOL BUSES
Transportation of unauthorized persons is not permitted. ONLY approved assigned students, chaperones and Board of Education personnel authorized to ride the bus may be transported.
No unauthorized person(s) shall come on board a DCPS school bus without prior approval, for any purpose. (Example - children who are not students, parents, etc.) This applies to regular routes, field trips, special trips or any other occasion when a board owned school bus is being used.
22) STUDENT INJURY
In the event a student is injured while on the school bus, it is the driver's responsibility to report the injury to the Transportation Department office as soon as possible. This can be done by bus radio by only using student’s first name and address. Then notify dispatch with details by phone after route.
23) TRANSPORTING BAND INSTRUMENTS, SPORTS EQUIPMENT, OR OTHER LARGE OBJECTS ON THE BUS
Since opinions are constantly changing about what can and cannot be transported on buses, let me give you some guidelines. 702 KAR 5:080 Section 20 governs what can and cannot be transported and says, “A driver shall not permit transportation of any object that would block the aisle of exits in the case of collision.” Areas of concern for transporting band instruments are:
1) Is it a safety hazard? 2) Can the student hold the instrument in their lap safely without interfering with other students? 3) Seat space 4) Instrument size 5) Lack of space
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School bus seats are designed to transport 3 students in which the size of each student does not exceed 13 inches width. Generally, 13” X 26” is a guideline, so instruments that could possibly be transported are:
Violin Clarinet Alto Saxophone Piccolo Bells Flute Oboe
Band instruments that should not be transported on the bus are:
Trombone String Bass Tuba Drums Cello Baritone Horn French Horn
Remember that school bus drivers are the authority and all students must follow the directions of the driver while being transported.
24) RELEASE TO DEPART
Only upon written approval of the parent/guardian and the school principal will the bus driver allow a student to disembark the bus other than at his/her regular bus stop, or to allow a student not ordinarily on their bus to be transported (e.g. a student going home with another student to spend the night). Bus drivers will not release students to any person, with the exception of properly identified law enforcement officials, emergency medical technicians, and School Board staff. Parents/guardians and other adults must receive authorization from the Principal and Transportation Supervisor before being allowed to board the school bus with students on board. Reference KRS 158.110, 189.370,189.375, 189.540, 702 KAR 5:080, 702 KAR 5:150
25) SCHOOL BUS LOADING AND UNLOADING PROCEDURES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
Principals are responsible for the safe loading/unloading of buses while on their campus. For elementary schools a minimum of one bus duty person is to be provided for each school to insure their safety while loading and unloading. For middle/high schools, a minimum of one bus duty person is to be provided for each school to insure their safety while loading and unloading. Where possible, students who walk home should be provided an exit from the school building separate from the exits used for bus loading and unloading. The bus duty person(s) will secure the school bus loading zone, insuring that students are not present in loading and unloading zones as buses are arriving or leaving. Principals, or their representatives, will secure areas where students are to load/unload. Unauthorized vehicles parked in loading areas when buses are to arrive will be moved or towed at principal's request. Principal will assign a staff member to remain at the school office until the last transfer is made. This person will handle student discipline and provide student information in the event of a bus accident.
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26) SCHOOL BUS IDLING
When school bus drivers arrive at loading or unloading areas to drop off or pick up passengers, they should turn off their buses as soon as possible to eliminate idling time and reduce harmful emissions. The school bus should not be restarted until it is ready to depart and there is a clear path to exit the pick-up area. Exceptions include conditions that would compromise passenger safety, such as: A) Extreme weather conditions B) Idling in traffic School bus drivers will limit idling time during early morning warm-up to manufacturers’ recommendations – generally 3-5 minutes in all but the coldest weather and for the pre- trip safety inspections. Below are the guidelines for idling in cold weather.
If the outside temperature is: Above 20 degrees F 5 minutes maximum Between 10 and 20 degrees F 15 minutes maximum Below 10 degrees F as necessary
Our district’s schools will provide an indoor waiting space for drivers who arrive early and need to keep warm. This reduces the need for idling buses. Transportation operations staff will evaluate and shorten bus routes whenever possible, particularly for older buses with the least effective emissions control. Our district will review bus purchasing schedules and routing to further improve emission performance
To reduce engine warm-up time, avoid starting difficulties, and help defrost windows, the school buses will use block heaters that plug into electrical outlets.
Exceptions to this policy are granted only when running the engine is necessary to operate required safety equipment or to maintain a safe environment for students with special health needs and/or extreme weather conditions.
An exception to this policy is idling a bus 1-2 minutes before shutting the engine off in order to lower the RPM’s on the turbo charger.
27) ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
06.2 AP.11 Accidents If the school bus is involved in an accident, the following procedures are to be followed by the bus driver: 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Turn the engine off and turn the key to ACC so the 2-way radio will work. 3. Remain calm and reassure the pupils. 4. Contact the Transportation Department or a supervisor for assistance, (preferably by cell phone), and give the exact location of the bus. 5. Use emergency reflectors to “protect the scene,” as appropriate. 6. Unless the bus is on a railroad track or is in danger of another collision, do not move the vehicles involved until law officers advise you to do so. 7. Check for injury to pupils. If there is an injury, proceed as follows: a) Move the person from danger and give first aid. Caution must be observed if neck or back injury is indicated. b) If the injuries appear to be serious, call for an ambulance.
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8. Keep all pupils on the bus unless there is a fire/possibility of a fire or the vehicle is in danger of further collision, until a supervisor arrives at the scene. 9. A supervisor will notify the appropriate officials. 10. Do not discuss the facts of the accident with anyone except the investigating officer and school officials. 11. Fill out an accident report and file it with the Director of Transportation on the day of the accident. Failure to do this constitutes negligence on the part of the driver. 12. The driver is not to admit that an accident is his/her fault. The driver may say, “I’m sorry the accident happened, and it will be reported to the insurance company that handles the Board’s insurance.” 13. Do not offer to pay any damages to the other party involved. If the bus driver is at fault, the Board’s insurance company will handle any claims. 14. Never say, “The Board’s insurance company will pay for the damage.” The Board’s insurance adjuster will make that decision. If the representative of another insurance company or an attorney representing the other party involved visits the driver and requests a statement either written or verbal, the driver shall refuse. The driver should tell the party that s/he has filed the accident report with the Director of Transportation and that the party will have to see the Director or the Board’s insurance agent. (This is very important in settling claims.) 15. Be sure to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all passengers on the bus. Also include the name of the school each student attends. 16. Keep cool. Don’t panic. Don’t exaggerate.
28) FUELS AND EXPLOSIVES
No explosive or combustible materials may be transported on a public school bus at any time. This includes gasoline, diesel fuel, dynamite caps, bullets, gun powder, firecrackers, aerosol cans or any other material of this nature.
Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property in Kentucky is a felony punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 FINE.
Only authorized law enforcement officials may have weapons of any kind on a public school bus.
No student may be on a school bus when it is being fueled.
29) EMPLOYEE'S CHILDREN RIDING ON SCHOOL BUSES
Employees may transport their children or grandchildren to and from school on scheduled bus routes, if it is a designated school they are assigned to. If at any time an employee's child becomes a discipline problem or a safety factor, he/she will be denied transportation on his/her parent's bus. No child will be allowed on a school bus for child care purposes during the driver's established route times, when the bus is being fueled, or when the bus is being driven to and from the transportation compound for service, inspection or parking. Children will not be permitted at Safety Meetings, Training Classes, or Orientation Meetings for child care purposes. Children may not be brought to the transportation service center, and/or the vehicle maintenance center for the purpose of riding a school bus. rev. tw 8/27/18 21
30) HANDLING OF BODY FLUIDS
Cleaning spills on a hard surface:
Use cleaner to wash hands thoroughly before and after cleaning spills. Disposable gloves are worn during cleaning. After wiping spill, disinfect area by pouring approved solution around perimeter then inward to center. Solution to remain on area for 20 minutes before rinsing off with water. Ideally, spill is cleaned utilizing disposable materials. When a mop must be utilized, disinfect with approved solution after use. Discard disposable materials in a plastic, sealable bag.
31) STUDENT MEDICATION
No driver or monitor will routinely dispense or transport prescription medication to students except in unique situations in which a child's health is dependent upon long-term medication or emergency medication.
32) PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY
EVACUATION OF SCHOOL BUSES
REASONS FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION There are times when a critical situation occurs of such severity, or poses such threat to the passengers, that the best thing to do is evacuate the school bus.
A bus should always be evacuated when:
FIRE or DANGER OF FIRE: 1. There is a fire:
2. There is the potential for a fire to occur; or
UNSAFE LOCATION In the event that a school bus is stopped in an unsafe location and is unable to proceed, the driver must determine immediately whether it is safe for passengers to remain on the bus or to evacuate.
Driver must evacuate a school bus if it’s final stopping position:
1. Is in the path of any train or on or closely adjacent to any railroad tracks.
2. Could change and increase the danger. For example, if a bus were to come to rest near a body of water or bluff where it could still move and go into the water or over an embankment, it must be evacuated.
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3. Is such that there is danger of collision. Under normal traffic conditions, the bus should be visible for a distance of 300 feet or more. A position over a hill or around a curve where such visibility does not exist should be considered reason for evacuation.
IMPORTANT FACTORS IN SCHOOL BUS EVACUATION
The safety of children is of utmost importance and must be given first consideration.
Prior to evacuation, the bus' emergency brakes should be set, ignition turned to auxiliary, and the transmission placed in an appropriate gear.
The driver should supervise the evacuation to guarantee smoothness of evacuation procedures.
Evacuations should be conducted with "deliberate speed". A time interval of 1-1/2 to 2 seconds per passenger has proven to be the safest and most efficient.
To ensure a safe exit, passengers must have their hands free. They should leave lunch boxes, books, and other personal belongings on the bus.
Passengers selected and trained in advance should be assigned to serve as: a. Leaders - will lead passengers to safety from each door utilized for evacuation. (Passengers should be directed to a safe point at least 100 feet from the bus and remain there until given further directions.) b. Helpers - two students would be stationed to aid passengers as they leave the bus through the rear emergency exit.
PROPER EVACUATION PROCEDURES
1. Front door evacuation 2. Rear door evacuation 3. Side door evacuation 4. Front and rear door evacuation 5. Front and side door evacuation 6. Rear and side door evacuation 7. Front, rear and side door evacuation 8. Emergency windows, hatches and windshield evacuation
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FRONT DOOR EVACUATION 1. The driver should give the command “emergency bus evacuation, remain seated, front door.” 2. The driver should open the front door and then stand between the first occupied seats, facing the front. 3. A helper(s) should be appointed to take position outside the front door to assist those leaving the bus. 4. A leader should be appointed to lead the children in a safe direction (to be determined by the driver) at least one hundred feet (100) away from the bus. 5. Starting with the right seat, begin evacuating by backing toward the rear of the bus while releasing the pupils one (1) seat at a time alternating from right to left until all students are evacuated. 6. Walk to the front of the bus, checking each seat to be sure it is empty. 7. Leave the bus and have the helper(s) go with you to join the other students.
REAR DOOR EVACUATION 1. The driver should give the command “emergency bus evacuation, remain seated, rear door.” 2. After the driver announces a rear door evacuation the driver should proceed to the rear emergency door and open it. 3. Have the helper(s) take position outside the rear door. 4. A leader should be appointed to lead the children in a safe direction (determined by the driver) at least one hundred (100) feet away from the bus. 5. The driver should then start evacuating the passengers one (1) seat at a time alternating left and right seats, until the driver, who is backing towards the front of the bus and all students have been evacuated. 6. The driver then should walk to the rear of the bus to ensure that all students have exited the bus. 7. The driver should then exit the bus and join the students at the designated assembly location.
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SIDE DOOR EVACUATION – Front Collision 1. The driver should give the command “emergency bus evacuation, remain seated, side door.” 2. When evacuating from the side door, the first thing must determine is if there is traffic approaching the bus from the road and if there is room to evacuate without jumping into traffic. 3. The driver should go to the left side emergency door and open it. 4. The driver should swing out the door and look in both directions for other vehicles approaching the bus and ensure that no child is evacuated into the path of a moving vehicle. 5. Two (2) helpers should be placed on the ground at the side door to assist those leaving the bus. 6. A leader should be appointed to lead the children around the bus, toward the rear, facing traffic to a designated location (to be determined by the driver) at least one hundred (100) feet away from the bus. 7. In the event of a front collision, the driver should then begin the evacuation by backing toward the front of the bus while releasing the pupils one (1) seat at a time until all those students riding in the front of the bus are evacuated. 8. After the front portion of the bus is clear, the driver should then proceed to the area of the side door and back toward the rear of the bus releasing the students one (1) at a time until the remainder of the students is evacuated. 9. The driver should then check the bus to determine that everyone has evacuated and exited through the left side door. 10. Walk to the rear of the bus, facing traffic and ensure there are no students at the designated location.
SIDE DOOR EVACUATION – Rear Collision 1. The driver should give the command “emergency bus evacuation, remain seated, side door.” 2. When evacuating from the left side, the first thing a driver must determine is if there is traffic approaching the bus from the road and if there is enough room to evacuate without jumping into traffic. 3. The driver should go to the left side emergency door and open it.
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4. He/she should swing out the door and look in both directions for other vehicles approaching the bus and ensure that no child is evacuated into the path of a moving vehicle. 5. Two (2) helpers should be placed on the ground at the side door to assist those leaving the bus. 6. A leader should be appointed to lead the children around the bus, toward the front, with traffic, to a designated are (determined by the driver) at least one hundred feet (100) away from the bus. 7. In the event of a rear collision, the rear of the bus should be evacuated first with the driver backing toward the rear from the left side door releasing the students on (1) seat at a time. 8. After the rear portion of the bus is clear, the driver should back towards the front of the bus from the left door, releasing the student’s one (1) seat at a time. 9. The driver should then check the bus to determine that everyone has evacuated the bus through the left side door. 10. Walk to the front of the bus, with traffic to ensure that there are no students alongside the bus and then join the students at the designated location.
FRONT – SIDE DOOR EVACUATION 1. The driver should give the command, “emergency bus evacuation, remain seated, front-side door.” 2. The driver should open the front door and then stand between the first occupied seats, facing the front. 3. Direct the helper(s) to take position outside the front door to assist those leaving the bus. 4. A leader should be appointed to lead the students in a safe direction (determined by the driver) at least one hundred feet (100) away from the bus. 5. Starting with the right seat, begin evacuating by backing toward the rear of the bus while releasing the pupils one (1) seat at a time alternating from right to left until all students riding in the front portion of the bus are evacuated.
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6. At that point, the driver should open the left side emergency door and check traffic to determine there is no other moving traffic present which would create a danger to exiting students. 7. Two (2) helpers should be placed on the ground to assist students as they evacuate the bus. 8. Another leader is appointed to lead the students around the bus toward the rear, facing traffic to a designated location where they will join the students from the front of the bus. 9. The driver resumes the evacuation, backing towards the rear of the bus releasing the remaining students, one (1) seat at a time by the right-left side method until all the students have been evacuated. 10. After the bus is empty, the driver will check to determine that everyone is off, the driver should then exit the front door. 11. The driver should walk around the bus to ensure that no one is standing alongside the left side of the bus and then join the students at the designated area.
REAR-SIDE DOOR EVACUATION 1. The driver should give the command “emergency bus evacuation, remain seated, rear-side door evacuation.” 2. After the driver announces a rear-side door evacuation, the driver should proceed to the rear of the bus and open the emergency door. 3. Two (2) helpers should be placed on the ground to assist students as they evacuate the bus. 4. A helper should be appointed to lead the children in a safe direction (determined by the driver) at least one hundred (100) feet away from the bus. 5. The driver should then start evacuating the passengers one (1) seat at a time beginning with the left rear seat first and alternating left and right seats until the driver who is backing towards the front of the bus reaches the halfway point. 6. At that point, the driver should open the left side emergency door and check traffic to determine there is no other moving traffic present which would create a danger to exiting passengers.
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7. Two (2) more helpers should be placed on the ground to assist passengers as they evacuate the bus. 8. Another leader is appointed to lead the passengers around the bus, toward the rear, facing traffic to the assembly point where the rear half of the passengers are located. 9. The driver resumes the evacuation, backing towards the front of the bus releasing the remaining students one (1) seat at a time using the left-right side method until all the passengers have evacuated the bus. 10. After the bus is empty, the driver will check to determine that everyone has been evacuated; the driver should then exit the left side door. 11. Walk to the rear of the bus, facing traffic to ensure that there are no students alongside the bus and join the students at the designated point.
FRONT – REAR DOOR EVACUATION 1. The driver should give the command “emergency bus evacuation, remain seated, front-rear door.” 2. The driver should then stand between the first occupied seats, facing the front. 3. A helper(s) should be appointed to take position outside the front door to assist those leaving the bus. 4. A leader should be appointed to lead the children in a safe direction (to be determined by the driver) at least one hundred (100) feet away from the bus. 5. Starting with the right seat, begin evacuating by backing toward the rear of the bus while releasing the pupils one (1) seat at a time alternating from right to left until all students riding in the front portion of the bus are evacuated. 6. The driver should then proceed to the rear emergency door and open it. 7. Two (2) helpers should be placed on the ground to assist passengers as they evacuate the bus. 8. A helper should be appointed to lead the children in a safe direction (to be determined by the driver) at least one hundred (100) feet away from the bus. 9. The driver should then start evacuating the passengers one (1) seat at a time beginning with the left rear seat first and alternating left and right seats until the bus is empty.
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10. The driver then should walk to the front of the bus, checking that the bus is empty and then leave through the front door and have the helper(s) go with you to join the other students.
FRONT – REAR – SIDE DOOR EVACUATION In this type of evacuation, the passengers in the front eight (8) seats exit the front door. The passengers in the next six (6) seats or seven (7) seats (depending on the year of the bus; 1993 buses have a seat in front of the left side door) exit through the left side emergency door and the rear eight (8) seats exit through the rear emergency door. 1. The driver gives the command “emergency evacuation, remain seated, front, rear and side door.” 2. The driver should open the front door and then stand between the first occupied seats, facing the front. 3. A helper should be appointed to take position outside the front door to assist those leaving the bus. 4. A leader should be appointed to lead the children in a safe direction (to be determined by the driver) at least one hundred (100) feet away from the bus. 5. Starting with the right seat, begin evacuating by backing toward the rear of the bus while releasing pupils one (1) seat at a time alternating from right to left until all students in the front eight (8) seats are evacuated. 6. At that point, the driver should open the left side emergency door and check traffic to determine there is no other moving traffic present which would create a danger to exiting passengers. 7. Two (2) helpers should be placed on the ground to assist passengers as they evacuate the bus. 8. Another leader is appointed to lead the passengers around the bus, toward the rear, if safe, facing traffic to the assembly point where the passengers from the front are located. 9. The driver resumes the evacuation, starting with the seat next to the left side door and the seat across from the side door. As the driver is backing towards the rear of the bus releasing the remaining passengers one (1) seat at a time by the left-right side method for five (5) more seats depending on bus size.
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10. The driver should then proceed to the rear emergency door and open it. 11. Two (2) helpers should be placed on the ground to assist passengers as they evacuate the bus. 12. A leader should be appointed to lead the children in a safe direction (to be determined by the driver) at least one hundred (100) feet away from the bus. 13. The driver should then start evacuating the passengers one (1) seat at a time beginning with the left rear seat first and alternating left and right seats until the driver who is backing towards the front of the bus until the rest of the bus is evacuated. 14. After the passengers are clear, the driver returns to the front of the bus ensuring all passengers are off and exits the front door. 15. The driver then walks off around to the left side of the bus, facing traffic, to ensure no one remains along side of the bus and then joins the passengers at the designated assembly location.
EVACUATION DRILLS These drills shall be conducted at least four (4) times during each school year. The required times to conduct these drills are: The first full week of school The first full week of the second semester And the other two (2) drills within the school year, preferably one in the late fall and one in the early spring. Documentation of the evacuation drills are to be turned in to the driver trainers.
33) VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AREA
To provide for employee safety, the vehicle maintenance area has been set aside only to perform maintenance on Daviess County Public School buses. Employees should refrain from going into those areas unless requested to do so by supervisor.
The speed limit in the transportation compound area, as well as all school property is 10 miles per hour and should be strictly adhered to.
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34) PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN PROCEDURES
Three I.D. Cards will be issued to parents/guardians by the preschool teacher for the identification and protection of our preschoolers. Persons picking up children from the Driver/Monitor must have the I.D. Card visible to the Driver/Monitor before the preschooler will be released to that person. Only an adult will be allowed to pick up a preschooler from the Driver/Monitor. All adults must be on the Enrollment/Emergency Card. If an unfamiliar adult is at the bus stop, they will be required to show a valid picture I.D. in addition to being listed on the Enrollment/Emergency Card. If the I.D. Card is not presented or the adult is not on the Enrollment/Emergency Card the preschooler will be returned to school.
Pre-School routes should always follow the same schedule. Do not arrive to pick up or drop off students earlier than the regularly scheduled stop time. Parents are not required to call the Transportation office if a student is not riding.
Kindergarten students – A parent/guardian or an approved adult must be present before a student is released from the bus.
35) USE OF SCHOOL BUSES
Any use of school buses beyond the daily routing schedules will require approval from the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. School buses may not be used for personal use. Reference KRS 157.370, 158.110, 702 KAR 5:030
36) USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS ON BUSES
Video cameras are installed in the District’s school buses to record student behavior during transportation to and from school and school-related events. Evidence of student misbehavior recorded on video may be used to discipline students under provisions of governance authorities.
37) WATER OVER ROADS
Transportation Employees are not to take a school bus through water of any depth if a WATER OVER THE ROAD sign or a HIGH WATER sign is posted. If water is over a road and no signs are posted, do not take a bus through the water unless you can see the center line and the distance is no more than 50 yards (four bus lengths). You must feel confident that the water is not going to get any deeper. In any event, if you do not feel comfortable, do not go through any water.
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38) MOBILE RADIOS / CELL PHONES
The 2010 General Assembly enacted a new section of KRS Chapter 189 prohibiting the use of “Personal Communication devices” while operating a motor vehicle. This ban will apply to Bus Drivers. TRANSPORTATION 06.2 AP.12 Mobile Radios/Cellular Telephones
Two-way mobile radios or cellular phones placed in the school buses operated by the District can be an important safety device if properly used. The purpose of these radios/phones is to provide instant communication with the base units (located in the bus garage and the Central Office) in case of an accident, mechanical problems, or a misplaced child. The following rules and procedures for the use of mobile radios/cellular phones shall be followed: 1. The radio/phone will be used for school business only. The driver of the bus shall not use a cellular phone while the bus is in motion. 2. Students or unauthorized persons are not to use the radio/phone. 3. A driver using the radio/phone to report an accident or breakdown shall give the following information: a) The bus number or route number, as appropriate. b) The location of the bus. c) Whether or not medical assistance and/or an ambulance is required. d) Whether or not a police officer is needed. 4. The bus number, or route number, as appropriate, shall be used when the driver is talking with another vehicle. 5. The driver shall keep the radio/phone on at all times s/he is in or around the bus. 6. The driver shall not attempt to repair the radio/phone; if it develops a problem, it should be taken to the bus garage for repair. 7. The radio/phone shall be protected from vandalism and theft. The driver shall be responsible for securing the radio/phone when the bus is vacant. 8. Bus drivers shall comply with applicable legal requirements concerning use of cellular telephones and other personal communication devices while operating a school bus.
**Note: DCPS policy is – Drivers/monitors are NOT to use cell phones while the school bus is in motion, regardless of whether the bus has students or not.
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39) DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING
Employer Responsibility Pre-Hire: Drug screen 2 year history on testing Assume all remaining recommendations of the SAP Post Hire: Alcohol &/or Drug Testing for: Post Accident Reasonable suspicion Random Return to Duty/Follow-up Tested Substances Marijuana Cocaine Opiates Amphetamines PCP Alcohol When to Test Post Accident Must be in a qualifying vehicle. Fatality. Bodily injury requiring medical treatment away from the scene of the accident. Towing Citation issued. Should be conducted within 2 hours of accident. Employee has up to 8 hours-alcohol, 32 hours for drugs. When to Test Random Drug Test All CDL holders must be in a CDL only testing pool. 10 % of the testing pool must be tested for alcohol in a calendar year, 50 % for drugs. Drivers should not be given ANY advance notice of testing. Random names are held until the next testing date if the driver is on vacation, etc. Driver has two (2) hours to get to the test site once notified. Note: If test results come back diluted you will be required to retest.
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40) DEFINED DRIVER/MONITOR RESPONSIBILITIES ON PAPERWORK AND CLEANING
The driver on each type of route will be responsible for the following:
Route Sheet Ridership Seating Chart Evacuations Pre-Trips Route Change Information
The monitor will be responsible for the following as it pertains to the route:
Medicaid Log Safety Vest / Booster Seat Documentation and Permissions Other Various Student Related Paperwork (Parent Permissions, Seizure Log, IEP Information, Medical Papers)
The bus cleaning responsibilities on routes with monitors will be divided as follows:
The driver will be responsible for the outside of the bus, and the driver’s compartment and dash area.
The monitor will be responsible for the remaining passenger compartment area from the front seats to the back of the bus. This includes the daily care and maintenance of student related equipment.
Safety Vests / Booster Seats Wheelchair Tie-Downs and Tracks
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D. TRIP GUIDELINES
Field Trip shall be defined as a trip taken during school hours (7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).
Special Trip shall be defined as a trip taken outside the regular school hours (7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).
Extended Trip shall be defined as a trip consisting of three nights or more.
The order of priority in the type of trips is as follows: Extended trips, KSB/KSD, Special trips, and then Field trips.
When trips are being assigned, overtime will be avoided if at all possible. Drivers that are skipped two rotations due to overtime will be assigned a trip on the third rotation, regardless.
The following are general guidelines for trips. Management reserves the right to make exceptions or changes as needed to complete our responsibility to provide transportation.
GUIDELINES FOR ALL TRIPS:
1. Trips are assigned, confirmed, and recorded by the trip coordinator in the transportation office.
2. The driver/monitor should arrive at the pickup location 15-minutes before the pickup time. The pickup time on the trip is the time when the bus should begin loading. Should the pickup time be changed more than one hour, the driver should notify the trip coordinator.
3. When a trip driver arrives at a location to pick up students and no one is present to be loaded, please refrain from radioing transportation to find out the status of the trip. The driver should park their bus in a safe location, then go inside the building to contact the trip supervisor to ascertain the status of the trip.
4. State guidelines require at the beginning of each trip the school provide the driver with a seating chart and rider-ship list with students name, address, phone number, age or date of birth.
5. Before the trip starts the driver shall go over the evacuation procedures with the group.
6. Trips are considered part of your work assignment and will be fulfilled once assigned. Only by illness, emergency or with a supervisor’s approval, will a driver be excused from field trips.
7. A supervisor must approve a trip turn-down after the trip has been assigned. 8. Drivers/monitors who are late or do not show up for trips may be disciplined.
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9. Under no circumstances will any driver/monitor give his/her trip to another driver/monitor. Changes must be arranged with trip coordinator. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action.
10. Schools will not be allowed to choose trip drivers since every effort is made to evenly distribute all trips.
11. Drivers/monitors who wish to attend trip programs will do so only at the invitation of the group. The driver/monitors will be responsible for any cost of entry to the programs. Driver/monitor will not request entry or payment of entry.
12. No personal business may be conducted with Daviess County Public School vehicles (including school buses) while on a trip.
13. Trip drivers must turn in completed trip sheets within three (3) workdays after taking the trip. Driver/monitor must retain copies of trip sheets for their own records.
14. The same rules apply on trips as on regular routes. (See student guidelines handout.)
15. The bus driver is responsible and in charge of passengers on their bus while loading, unloading, and in route. The certified person on each bus will be expected to maintain control of passengers. The driver/monitors are encouraged to avoid confrontation; call a supervisor if needed in order to resolve any conflicts.
16. If the driver/monitor does not run their morning route then they will not do the trip that day, unless they were doing a supervisor-assigned, job-related task.
17. Time for any trip (pre-trip inspection or trip time) may not overlap base hours. If trip overlaps base time, base pay will need to be docked.
18. If a driver/monitor elects to do a portion of their regular route before their trip, they must have it approved in advance. The driver/monitor is responsible for coordinating with a dispatcher to ensure their bus route is covered no less than two (2) days in advance of the trip date.
19. Upcoming trips will normally be posted on Thursdays. Drivers/monitors are responsible for checking whether or not they are responsible for an upcoming trip.
20. Should a trip be canceled, the driver/monitor will be assigned a makeup trip.
21. On one day trips, the driver/monitor will be paid from start time to finish time including pre- trip time.
22. The driver/monitor shall initiate and maintain continuing verbal communication with the person(s) who requested the service – throughout the trip – as needed and as appropriate. Drivers/monitors shall conduct themselves in a safe, tactful and courteous manner and certainly should expect the same from those for who the service is being provided..
23. If you have a personal question or problem about a trip, please contact a supervisor.
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24. The driver/monitor will arrive on site on time, prepared and dressed business like, adhering to the Transportation Department dress code.
25. The driver will help load luggage in order to get maximum usage of the limited space in the cargo compartments.
26. The driver/monitor is not to fulfill any request that is against the rules or unsafe.
27. Luggage or other items that student cannot carry in lap will not be permitted in passenger compartment. (Coolers, equipment, etc).
28. Driver will not exceed posted speed limit.
29. Mid-day preschool drivers and monitors (that also have a morning and afternoon route) cannot do field trips, but can do special trips.
30. If a driver/monitor that is on the trip list, changes job category (i.e. regular route to special needs route or vice versa) they will also change categories on the trip list for the remainder of that year. Example – If a regular route driver that is on the trip list takes a special needs route during the school year, then they will be moved to the special trip list – special needs driver category. If a special needs driver gets a regular route then they will be moved to the special trip – regular driver category.
31. The coach/teacher (if qualified) would serve as back-up driver. The back-up driver would drive only in an emergency. (The driver and back-up driver shall agree on it being an emergency.)
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS:
1. Drivers/monitors whose field trips extend through lunch will be responsible for their own lunch except when invited to eat with the group.
2. If the bus is off for 2-hours or longer, the driver must pre-trip the bus. Pre-trip time for a field trip is 15-minutes.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR SPECIAL TRIPS:
1. The special trip list will be opened on opening day of each school year. A list, of at least 25 in number, shall be maintained showing the names of those drivers available for special trips. Additions will be made to the list when the number drops below 25, at which time the opportunity to be added to the list will be offered to full time regular route drivers & monitors (excluding special service drivers & monitors). If someone becomes a full time driver during the school year, they must wait until the list is opened to be on the special trip list. A driver must be a full time driver for at least half a school year before going on the special trip list. (August to December OR January to May).
2. A driver/monitor on the list who turns down (3) consecutive or (6) total unexcused special trip assignments during the term of the list shall have their name removed until the list is rev. tw 8/27/18 37
re-opened on opening day of the following school year. A driver/monitor absent from work due to illness on the day of the trip will be excused. The driver/monitor shall not be considered to have turned down a trip, but will be passed in rotation and not owed a makeup trip. If a driver/monitor is ill and cannot drive their route, they shall not drive a trip that day. If a driver/monitor knows he/she cannot take the trip, he/she should notify the trip coordinator as soon as possible. Weekend Trips – Notify the trip coordinator by 5:30 p.m. Friday if you are not available for a weekend trip. Any notification after 5:30 p.m. will be considered a turn down.
3. The following are not considered as turn downs: personal illness, personal day, approved emergency day, medical leave, or already assigned an out of town trip for that day.
4. Drivers will be responsible for planning the trip(s). Planning should include determining the exact destination of the trip, expected departure time and expected arrival time at the destination, event, number of passengers, luggage availability, etc. Trip planning will include the driver making contact with the trip supervisor (no less than two (2) days before the trip date) to discuss and finalize details of the trip. The trip supervisor’s name and contact phone number will be shown on the special trip sheet.
5. The driver, as a trained professional, shall be responsible for selecting and planning the safest and most practical route(s) both ways. Certainly, type and condition of roads, weather conditions, time of day or night, etc., are considerations. The driver should solicit and consider reliable information available and /or offered from others, particularly the person(s) who requested/arranged for the transportation service.
6. On overnight trips, the first and last days of the trip the driver/monitor shall be paid actual time from start to finish including pre-trip time. If there is one intermediate day during the trip, the driver/monitor will be paid a minimum of 10-hours per day.
7. For safety considerations, no trips should have a planned destination or return time after 2:00 a.m. Plans should be made to stay overnight to prevent traveling after the 2:00 a.m. cutoff time.
8. Demand situations – These procedures, pertaining to driver selection, may be waived to meet transportation service requirements that come up unexpectedly with short notice. In this case, the full time special trip driver emergency list will be used if at all possible. However, these occurrences will be infrequent.
9. Special service drivers will drive the annual special service Holiday World trip. The special service drivers that are not on the trip will be transporting students home, from school (the special service students that do not go on the trip).
10. If you have trouble contacting the trip supervisor (the person who requested / arranged the trip) let your trip coordinator know and he/she will make contact for you.
11. On an overnight trip the policy is that a driver may share a room with another adult of the same sex. The other adult should respect the need for the driver to get a good nights rest, so they may perform their driving responsibilities in the safest possible manner.
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12. Driver/monitor will stay with group except to get food or fuel. The driver will let trip supervisor know where they will be. The driver will provide a cell phone number to the trip supervisor (a cell phone will be signed out from the office before leaving for the trip). The cell phone must be on at all times. The driver will coordinate with the trip supervisor in order to make this work out best for all concerned.
13. The same rules apply on trips as on regular routes. (See guideline handout.) Driver may have flexibility on rules 4 and 8. Drivers should discuss and agree upon this with trip supervisor “school sponsor” before the trip.
14. If a trip is cancelled when a driver/monitor arrives at the site, the driver should write down the person’s name they talked with. The driver/monitor will receive 1-hour pay and owed a trip. The trip supervisor should notify transportation in writing or email when canceling a trip.
15. The passenger limit for special trips is forty-four including adults (teachers, coaches, etc).
16. The driver of an overnight trip must pay for meals first and then they will be reimbursed for meals by turning in a reimbursement form to the Transportation office. The driver must also turn in a copy of the trip sheet with the form. Food purchased while on trips shall be reimbursed at the state per-diem rate when an overnight stay is required.
17. Whenever the supervisor deems it necessary for a backup driver on a trip, the backup driver shall be picked from the next special trip driver in the rotation or a driver trainer.
18. When assigning add-on trips, the trip coordinator will go down the list until a driver is reached. 19. If you are on an excused absence we do not owe you a trip. We go to the next available person on the trip list. The only way we would owe you a trip would be if you were out on company related business. (Court, or extended trip, etc.)
20. Pre-trip time for a special trip is 30-minutes before and 30-minutes after.
21. When multiple buses are going to the same trip location from the same school, the senior driver will be assigned as the lead driver. The lead driver will receive an extra 30 minutes time on the trip and is responsible for planning the trip.
22. Any certified driver may be used to fill any emergency trip with the transportation director’s approval.
23. If a regular route driver or preschool driver signs up for the special trip list, they will drive special trips. If a special needs driver/monitor signs up for special trips then they will drive/monitor special trips that require a special needs driver/monitor.
24. When a staff van or car is used to transport KSB or KSD, a monitor may be assigned to drive on an as needed basis.
25. Passengers may take a pillow. They should not block aisles or lay on the floor. rev. tw 8/27/18 39
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR EXTENDED TRIPS:
1. The driver/monitor will get paid for total hours per day going and coming. The intermediate days, while at location, they will get eight hours per day or driving time if more than eight hours.
2. If a driver/monitor is on an extended trip and it is a regular school day, the driver/monitor will be paid a minimum of their contracted hours. Example- if they only drive for 3 hours and they’re contracted for five and one-half hours, then they will receive five and one-half hours.
3. The school will be responsible for food and lodging for the driver.
4. If the driver takes the group to a location and the trip supervisor tells the driver to pick them up at a certain time then the driver would come off the clock. If they stay with the group then they remain on the clock. (The driver would need to stay by the cell phone in case the plans change.)
5. The driver shall check with the trip supervisor each evening to find out the itinerary for the next day.
6. A separate list will be used for extended trips. It will be updated at the opening day of each school year. This list will be used for the entire year, including summer.
7. If while on an extended trip, the trip is reduced to less than three (3) nights, it will still be considered an extended trip. The driver will not be given an owed extended trip. (Ex. If the driver is given a state athletic tournament and that team loses in the first round and the team returns before the third overnight).
8. Once a trip has been approved by all parties, the trip coordinator may assign that trip up to one month before the date of the trip. This allows the group requesting the trip and the driver time to make arrangements.
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E. TRANSPORTATION RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Rules and Regulations printed on the following pages are necessary in order to assure a smooth, efficient operation within the Pupil Transportation Department and are not meant to be all-inclusive. It is expected that all employees will follow these Rules and Regulations.
Supervisory personnel are charged with the responsibility of seeing that all of these rules and regulations are followed. In the event that an employee does not follow a rule or regulation, disciplinary measures depend on the seriousness of the offense, as well as previous infractions or warnings with regard to that or any other rule or regulation. The disciplinary measure may include a verbal warning, a written reprimand, suspension, or a recommendation for dismissal.
GENERAL
1. The failure to carry out directives, either written or verbal, given by a supervisor or management is insubordination. Insubordination can be by acts, gestures, or words. Gross insubordination may result in termination after the first offense. Included in this category also is willful neglect of known duties and responsibilities.
2. Unlawful possession, use or distribution of non-prescription drugs or intoxicants, except those prescribed by a licensed physician, is prohibited while on duty. Prescription drugs that cause drowsiness or impair reflexes should not be taken prior to driving a school bus. The illegal use of drugs, the use of alcohol, or attending work under the influence of alcohol or drugs during work hours on Board of Education property will not be tolerated and may lead to termination after the first offense.
3. All drivers and monitors must abide by the approved dress code while on duty.
4. Transportation of unauthorized persons is not permitted. ONLY approved assigned students, chaperones and Board of Education personnel authorized to ride the bus may be transported.
5. It is the responsibility of the driver to keep his/her address and telephone number up to date in the Transportation Office. If the telephone is disconnected or if there is a change of address, the office must be notified at once.
6. Personnel shall be prohibited from soliciting sales of products or services to or through students or their families during working hours. Personnel shall not interrupt the workplace by soliciting sales or delivering merchandise to fellow employees during working hours. Conducting personal business or advertising products using Board of Education material (i.e. phones, copy machines, faxes, etc.) is prohibited.
7. Drivers are required to maintain at all times a valid no restricted commercial Kentucky driver's license with the required endorsements for the vehicle their job assignment requires.
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8. Drivers are responsible for sweeping their bus once per day and washing it as needed. When cleaning the buses, do not sweep trash off the bus and onto the bus lot. Bus drivers are responsible for picking up the paper and trash around their bus. Drivers are responsible for cleaning up after themselves in the wash bay.
For routes that have a driver and a monitor the driver is responsible for the driver area and entrance compartment. The passenger area is the responsibility of the monitor.
Note: Spouses, children, etc. should not be on our bus lot cleaning a bus. Only our employees should be on our lot cleaning buses.
9. No student will be discharged after boarding the bus in the morning until the bus arrives at the school. Written permission from the Principal and the parent to drop the student off at a bus stop, other than the student's home stop, will be honored in the afternoon.
10. The driver shall be on the bus when the students are boarding the bus, and at all times when a student(s) is on board.
DISCIPLINE
11. If a student is uncontrollable, (i.e. fighting, loud or abusive, suspected of having a weapon, drugs, alcohol, etc.) the driver that has a radio should notify their dispatcher so that the student can be removed. Students that are merely disorderly will be transported and normal discipline procedures followed. Refusal to transport after being told to do so is insubordination.
12. No student will be put off the school bus at school or en route without first notifying a principal or supervisor. NOTE: Where at all possible, it is best to take the student to his/her stop in the afternoon and turn the student in to the principal the next morning.
ROUTES
13. The Transportation Department will develop all bus routes which will include the time allotted for completion of the specific route assignment. It is expected that this route will not change with exception of changes that may need to be made early in the term after a few days of operation have been completed. The total times-starting and ending-will not be changed by the bus driver; however, the driver may request a reevaluation and incorporate any indicated changes necessary. Otherwise, each driver will follow the specific route assignment without any deviations. Extra time will be allotted if road construction, accidents, or severe weather increases the driver's time. Drivers are required to update their route sheet within 72 hours after a route or bus stop change. However, new kindergarten student information needs to be updated the day of the change. Drivers should also have a current ridership list and seating chart on their bus as well as a copy at the Transportation office at all times. Drivers may also be required to fill out other paperwork in regard to their route from time to time.
14. At no time will buses be driven off the scheduled routes or leave earlier than the approved time on the written schedule. Unless authorized, no driver will drive through private property, commercial property, residential property, subdivisions or parking lots in order to rev. tw 8/27/18 42
make his/her run shorter or to avoid traffic signals or other situations. Drivers shall have a copy of their current bus schedule on their bus at all times. Unscheduled stops at stores, restaurants, and unauthorized areas are not permitted unless approved in advance by the Transportation Management.
15. No driver is to make arrangements with another driver to drive an assigned field trip. If a driver is unable to complete a trip as scheduled, he/she is to contact the trip coordinator or dispatcher.
16. Buses shall run on schedule at the time designated at each bus stop. Under no circumstances shall the bus run ahead of schedule. If a bus runs late due to the driver's negligence (i.e. lost keys, oversleeping, etc.) the driver may be reprimanded.
LEAVE OR ABSENCES
17. Drivers and monitors are to schedule their appointments at times which do NOT conflict with their morning or afternoon routes. For those who have midday assignments (between morning and afternoon runs) the dispatcher will reassign midday runs to someone else on days that the employee has appointments.
18. If it becomes necessary to be absent from work due to an illness, the driver must notify his/her supervisor or designee by 5:30 a.m. for the morning route and by noon for the afternoon route. NOTE: An absence of three or more successive scheduled working days without reporting the absence will be considered as a voluntary resignation. Irregular attendance may justify disciplinary action.
19. Employees reporting back to work after being absent due to illness for three (3) or more consecutive days may be required to have a doctor's statement. When questionable circumstances arise, an employee may be required to provide a doctor's statement, even if the employee has been out less than three consecutive days. Abuse of the sick leave policy is not fair to the other workers who are diligent in their attendance.
20. Unexcused tardiness is not acceptable and is subject to disciplinary action.
21.An employee who has been on a medical leave may be required to pass an FCE, upon request of the district, to continue employment.
DAILY DUTIES
22. Daily pre-trip logs are to be completed accurately each day, signed by the driver, and left at the designated location on the same day timesheets are due.
23. Each driver must inspect his/her bus daily and complete the checklist on the back of the trip record form. The checklist is to be signed and dated, indicating completion of the inspection and recording of deficiencies found.
24.Bus drivers are responsible for seeing that their bus maintains an adequate amount of fuel at all times. Maintain a minimum of one-half tank in all regular route buses. All spare buses must be returned with a full tank of fuel daily.
25. Bus drivers will inspect all seats at the end of each individual load and report any damaged seats at the end of that shift to the vehicle maintenance manager. rev. tw 8/27/18 43
26. All articles, such as books and clothing, left on the bus are to be turned in to the school office if not claimed by the student within two (2) days. NEVER throw away such articles left on the bus.
27.There should be one (1) route number posted on all busses when in use. For proper placement of these magnetic numbers -(See attachment A-1 in the back of this book.)
28. Drivers may re-assign seats to students for disciplinary reasons. This seat assignment should not be excessive.
EQUIPMENT
29. It is the responsibility of the bus driver to prepare and submit requests for vehicle repairs. These reports are to be submitted to the vehicle maintenance manager immediately. Unnecessary abuse of equipment or failure to maintain reasonable preventive maintenance and cleanliness will result in disciplinary actions. The offense of bus neglect resulting in serious damage or injury may be cause for termination.
30. No equipment, such as radios, additional mirrors, or defacing stickers or signs, shall be installed or removed from school system owned vehicles by drivers except when such equipment is installed or approved for installation by the Transportation Department.
31. Buses shall be parked in designated parking areas at their assigned location with windows up and keys removed from the ignition. Personal vehicles are to be parked in the designated employee parking area.
32. Keys shall always be removed from the ignition of the bus.
33. A bus driver will always drive in a safe and courteous manner and always practice defensive driving techniques.
34. Mobile radios are provided for business purposes only (i.e. notification of problems, breakdowns, etc.). Unnecessary or malicious use of the radio is prohibited.
35.On handicap equipped buses, it is mandatory that all tie downs used on the tracks closest to the center aisle be placed inside storage bags when not being used.
SAFETY
36. Obey all speed limits as follows: Rural Streets not to exceed posted speed limit Highway and interstate not to exceed posted speed limit. Service Center or vehicle maintenance center parking lot not to exceed 10 mph School zones not to exceed the posted speed limit.
37. Never leave the bus unattended with the engine running at any location other than the Service Center or the vehicle maintenance center.
38. While a vehicle is in operation, all lights that are mandated to be on by state or federal law or regulation must be turned on. DCPS buses are to run with headlights and strobe lights on at all times. rev. tw 8/27/18 44
39. While loading and unloading students, regardless of location, the STOP sign must be out and the driver must direct the students as to when to cross the street in front of the bus. NEVER allow students to cross the street from the rear of the bus.
40. The door is to be kept closed when the bus is in motion and students are on the bus.
41. When it is necessary to utilize a backup turnaround on a busy roadway, the driver shall back from the main road onto a secondary road or driveway. Of course, due caution must be observed in order to make certain the area in the rear of the bus is clear for backing. Never pull into a driveway with any school bus unless approved by driver trainer.
42. All bus drivers and substitutes will complete a pre-trip safety inspection of their school bus twice daily (prior to starting the first morning run and prior to the afternoon run).
ACCIDENTS
43. Employees MUST report all accidents immediately to their dispatcher by radio or phone:
Student's physical condition must come first. Radio or call the Transportation office at 270- 852-7080 and an ambulance and the police will be dispatched if needed.
44. In case of an accident, DO NOT move the vehicle until the police make a written report. DO NOT admit any guilt to anyone. Only discuss the accident with the police officer, your supervisor, or the School System's Administrative staff. Report any contact from the other party involved or persons representing them the Transportation Management.
45. When involved in an accident, the bus driver shall have on the bus a seating chart with the names and address and phone numbers of all students on the bus. DO NOT let any student leave the scene of the accident. Remove students from the bus only if their safety is endangered.
46. When an employee is involved in an accident, he or she should get a description of the person(s) and other vehicle(s) as completely as possible.
47. If it is determined that the accident qualifies the driver to be drug tested, they will be replaced on the route at that time, and allowed to drive only after the Transportation Director has received the results of that test and it clears the driver. They will be allowed to work as a monitor at full rate of pay until results of the test are obtained.
48. Any driver guilty of a traffic violation will be disciplined accordingly.
49. All drivers approaching railroad tracks MUST have their emergency flashers on and stop at a point NO CLOSER than 15 feet from the tracks and no further than 50 feet. Drivers should stop and look both ways before proceeding. State law requires this stop to be made in the right-hand lane. Under no circumstances should you cross a railroad track with lights flashing and/or stop gate down. If flashers continue to flash and the stop gate continues to stay down after a prudent period of time with no train in sight, notify the transportation service center.
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NOTE: If your bus should ever stall on railroad tracks or crossings, IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE all students to a safe place approximately 200 feet from the tracks. If a train is visible, the students should walk in the direction of the train and not away from it. If a phone is available, call immediately to notify the Service Center of the situation. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will a driver remain on the bus with students in an attempt to start the bus.
SPECIAL BEHAVIOR
50. Any act of an employee that causes the school system and/or Transportation Department to be ridiculed and brought into derision, regardless of whether such act(s) occurs while the employee is on or off duty, may be cause for termination. Each employee shall at all times conduct herself/himself in accordance with all existing regulatory and statutory laws. Any criminal citation, summons, arrest, or violation of law may, in the sole discretion of the Daviess County Board of Education Supervisory Personnel, subject any employee(s) to disciplinary action (see page 39 herein).
51. Possession of weapons (firearms, knives and other pocket knives with a total length more than 6", etc.) is prohibited and grounds for dismissal. Possession of weapons on school property is against Kentucky state law and calls for imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of $10,000.
52. Any attempt to defraud the Board of Education or its employees is prohibited and grounds for dismissal (modifying time cards, taking tools or other Board property, etc.). There shall be no personal use of School Board property.
53. Abusive or vulgar language to students, fellow employees, school personnel or to supervisors is prohibited and will be dealt with on an individual basis.
54. Any intentional and documented distortion of facts is a serious offense and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
55. Fighting, wrestling and other forms of personal violence while on Board of Education property or during work hours is prohibited and grounds for dismissal.
56. Employees shall report to work regularly and on time. Erratic attendance is a detriment to an efficient transportation operation.
57. Misuse of Radio or Disruption of Communication is prohibited.
58. The general safety of students, employees and the public is to be guarded at all times. Any negligence which endangers will not be tolerated and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
59. Attendance at scheduled Safety/Training Meetings and professional development days is mandatory.
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DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Any appropriate disciplinary action necessary to be taken against an employee(s), in the sole discretion of the Daviess County Board of Education Supervisory Personnel, may be taken depending upon the seriousness of an infraction. Discipline may be administered by counseling, the issuance of either a verbal warning/reprimand, a written warning/reprimand or by dismissal from employment in the sole discretion of Supervisory Personnel. It is always the goal to be consistent in disciplinary matters; however, no two situations are ever exactly alike in all particularities and each disciplinary situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Past disciplinary problems and evaluations may also be taken into account. Disciplinary action(s) taken by the Supervisory Personnel of the Daviess County Board of Education shall be final.
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F. TRANSPORTATION ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
1. RULES OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS RIDING COUNTY SCHOOL BUSES These rules of conduct have been developed to provide a safe and pleasant environment for students while being transported. Transportation is an elective service provided by the Board, and failure to comply with any of the rules will be grounds for excluding a student from riding a bus.
WAITING FOR THE BUS
1. Be at your bus stop five minutes early. The driver CANNOT WAIT for you. 2. Stay on the sidewalk and out of the street. 3. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. 4. No pushing, shoving or fighting. 5. If crossing the street to board the bus, wait until the driver has stopped and gives the signal for you to cross.
RIDING THE BUS 1. Follow the directions of the driver and/or monitor. 2. The driver and/or monitor may assign seats. 3. Use the designated loading & unloading seat when boarding the bus. At the next bus stop, move to a seat quickly and then remain seated. 4. No eating or drinking on the bus. 5. While it is okay to talk with your friends, remember to keep the volume down. Excessive noise can be a distraction for the driver. 6. DO NOT block bus aisle or exits. 7. Carry-on items may not be larger than 13"x 26" and must be held on your lap. Glass items, skateboards, balloons and animals are not permitted. 8. Cell phones, laptops, CD players, radios, mp3s, iPods and other electronic devices may not be used on the bus. Exceptions can be made for Wifi buses. 9. Fighting, tobacco products, profanity and obscenities are not allowed. 10. Do not throw any object out of the bus windows. 11. Do not extend any part of your body outside of the bus. 12. Do not tamper with or damage any bus equipment.
Note: Kindergarten students – An adult must be present before a student is released from the bus.
Pre-S students – Person receiving student must have valid Ident-a-Card, and listed on the enrollment/emergency card.
Report of Violation / Misconduct If a report of misconduct is made by the driver, the school principal will notify the parent or guardian and determine the appropriate action, which may include suspension of riding privileges.
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Student Transfer Locations Students waiting at transfer locations should refrain from using cell phones. Students should be respectful of the location and its property. Students are expected to follow the rules and regulations at transfer locations the same as if they were in the classroom. This includes the district dress code. Dress appropriately so we can set a positive example for our young students. Follow the directions of the principal while at these transfer locations.
Student Bus Pass: Students will not be allowed to get off the bus at any location other than their regular bus stop without a completed bus pass issued and signed by their school principal. The bus pass must be issued with specific dates. No “as needed” passes will be issued. Example:
Student Bus Pass Name:______Grade: ______Has permission to ride bus Rt #______for ______day (s) beginning date: ______ending date ______Destination address:______
Parent signature:______Date:______
Principal signature: ______Date:______
2. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
a. Driver's Responsibilities:
1. Inform pupil of violation
2. Have individual conference with pupil
3. Re-assign seat (if necessary)
4. If all of these efforts fail, driver should report violation to the principal on appropriate disciplinary form. Driver should complete all copies of the form and deliver them to the principal or his representative.
5. Drivers should avoid returning students to school for disciplinary reasons unless the safety of the bus is threatened. All attempts should be made to deliver the student home, turn in a discipline ticket and confirm with the principal the following day. rev. tw 8/27/18 49
3. OPERATING PROCEDURES ON SNOW DAYS / DELAY DAYS
The following procedures shall be followed in determining the closing of schools when snow or inclement weather prohibits the transporting of students on school buses:
a. The Manager of Transportation and his staff shall determine the condition of roads in all school zones.
b. The Superintendent or his designee shall make a determination regarding school closing and notify necessary media. Every attempt will be made to reach a determination by 6:00 a.m.
c. It shall be explained to children and parents that on emergency snow days, i.e., a day when children are dismissed early because of inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.), school buses will carry the children as close as practicable (in judgment of school bus driver) to their home stop. Buses will not operate on steep hills, dangerous curves, dead end roads, etc.
d. On these emergency snow days, appropriate notification shall be given to the news media; and parents shall be instructed to listen for the appropriate announcement so that they can anticipate this change in schedule.
e. School Delay With No Preschool:
AM/PM Preschool Employees—You have the option to work AM and PM. If you choose to work, please report to dispatch at 6:30 am (for a 1-hour delay) or 7:30 am (for a 2-hour delay) and 1:30 pm. Remember to sign in on the sub sheet in the front office. Dispatch will give you an assignment. If you choose not to work, then you may request to take personal time, or you will be docked.
Mid-day Preschool Employees—Unfortunately, midday time cannot be made up in this situation, so you may request to take personal time, or you will be docked.
f. School Closings:
When school is closed on a Friday, Preschool drivers/monitors are not docked for that day.
If the make-up day falls on a Monday-Thursday, preschool should be in session at that time. If the make-up day falls on a Friday, preschool would not be in session and we would operate as a normal Friday (preschool employees either report in to work as a sub or be docked).
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G. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
Subject: Use of District Property Board Policy# 3.2321, 3.2322, 3.2323
A. As governmental employees, certain obligations are placed on public school staff and employees that the private sector does not experience regarding the use of District Property.
1. Personal use of District property is prohibited.
2. Daviess County School District employees are not authorized to give away or discard any obsolete equipment or materials. Such items must either be sold at auction or disposed of as approved in accordance with Board Policy. Any other means of disposing of District property is prohibited.
3. Employees may not conduct personal business for profit during working hours nor may they use District telephones, supplies, or equipment to advance the cause of their personal business.
B. EMPLOYEES ARE NOT TO:
1. Remove District property of any kind from District facilities unless authorized to do so as part of their job duties.
2. Use audio/visual & computer equipment for personal use.
3. Accept any gifts or favors from any vendor that does business with the District.
C. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Employees are responsible for all tools and equipment purchased by the Daviess County Board of Education for his/her use. It is the responsibility of employees to keep an accurate inventory, of all tools and equipment. If tools or equipment are stolen or misplaced, a report shall be filed with the Supervisor with a complete list of the stolen or lost items IMMEDIATELY following knowledge of the theft or loss. Excessive/negligent loss of tools and equipment by an employee could result in the employee being charged for the missing items.
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APPENDIX
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School bell times for 2018-19
All Elementary schools (except Whitesville) 7:40 – 2:20
1. Whitesville Elementary 7:40 – 2:25 2. BMS – 8:10 – 3:15 3. CVMS – 8:05 – 3:15 4. DCMS – 8:10 – 3:15 5. AHS – 8:10 – 3:15 6. DCHS – 8:10 – 3:15 7. Heritage Park – 8:10 – 11:25 and 11:50 – 3:15 8. Valley Elem. 7:50 – 2:35 9. Valley High 7:50 – 2:35 10. OTC 7:30 – 2:35
A 2
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YEARLY DRIVER REVIEW
Name: ______Date: ______
Comments A. Seat Belt Fastened ______B. Use of Signals ______C. Speed Conditions ______D. Knowledge of Bus ______E. Scanning/Mirror Usage ______F. Turn A-Round ______G. 4-5 Second Rule ______H. Foot Position ______I. Dress Code Followed ______J. Good Posture ______K. Loading and Unloading ______L. Loading and Unloading Seat Used ______M. Railroad Negotiation ______N. Count Students ______O. Students Seated ______P. Student/Driver Relationship ______Q. Bus Atmosphere ______R. Bus Condition ______S. Pre-Trip Inspection and Records ______T. Bus Check/Children ______U. Hand over Hand Steering ______(Push-Pull Accepted) V. Open to Criticism ______Extra Comments ______
Signature: Trainer ______
Revised 4/17/14 LB A 3
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-FRONT-
A 4
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-FRONT-
A 5
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-BACK- of A 4 and A 5
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A 6
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Transportation Parking Lot Procedures
All lanes, and behind the building are one way only. The only areas that are two-way traffic are the main drive, and the lane by Maintenance. Arrows will indicate the direction of traffic flow. A backing bus will always have the right-of-way. Speed limit is 10 M.P.H. anywhere on the lot, at all times. All Lot buses will be assigned a numbered spot according to the year model. All Off Lot buses will park in gravel parking lot at the back gate by Burns Middle. Driver’s personal vehicles are to be parked on the opposite side of the median directly in front of their bus. No parking between the rows or in front of the building. Park in marked spaces only, inside the lines. To prevent tire damage, do not bump the medians. Unplug and hang electrical cords on the hook before moving the bus.
A6
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A7 rev. tw 8/27/18 60
A7
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A8
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A9 rev. tw 8/27/18 63
A9 rev. tw 8/27/18 64
A10
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A10
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A10
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Updates to Transportation Handbook for 2018-19
C. GENERAL INFORMATION
17) ROUTE/JOB ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES
Once you have accepted a route and moved from Full Time Sub to a route, there is no avenue to move back into the substitute pool voluntarily. The Director reserves the right to temporarily reassign drivers/monitors as needed.
34) PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN PROCEDURES
Kindergarten students – A parent/guardian or an approved adult must be present before a student is released from the bus.
D. TRIP GUIDELINES
Please review Section D. Trip Guidelines. This section has been updated.
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