School Board Policy 709 -
Student Transportation Safety Policy
Adopted: december 9, 1996
REVISED: september 9, 2013
Revised: may 8, 2017
REVISED: June 10, 2019
Revised: June 12, 2023
Revised: September 11, 2023
Revised: SEptember 9, 2024
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide safe transportation for students and to educate students on safety issues and the responsibilities of school bus ridership.
II. Plan for Student Transportation Safety Training
A. School Bus Safety Week
The first week of school is designated as school bus safety week. The National School Bus Safety week is the third week in October.
B. Student School Bus Safety Training
The school district shall provide students enrolled in grades kindergarten through tenth with age appropriate school bus safety training. The training shall be results oriented and shall consist of both classroom instruction and practical training using a school bus. Upon completing the training, a student shall be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following:
1. the concept that transportation by school bus is a privilege, not a right;
2. district policies for student conduct and school bus safety;
3. appropriate conduct while on the bus;
4. the danger zones surrounding a school bus;
5. procedures for safely boarding and leaving a school bus;
6. procedures for safe vehicle lane crossing; and
7. school bus evacuation and other emergency procedures.
C. Active Transportation Safety Training
1. Training required
a. The school district must provide public school pupils enrolled in kindergarten through grade 3 with age-appropriate active transportation safety training. At a minimum, the training must include pedestrian safety, including crossing roads.
b. The school district must provide pupils enrolled in grades 4 through 8 with age-appropriate active transportation safety training. At a minimum, the training must include:
(1) pedestrian safety, including crossing roads safely using the searching left, right, left for vehicles in traffic technique;
(2) bicycle safety, including relevant traffic laws, use and proper fit of protective headgear, bicycle parts and safety features, and safe biking techniques; and
(3) electric-assisted bicycle safety, including that a person under the age of 15 is not allowed to operate an electric-assisted bicycle.
2. Deadlines
a. Students under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), who are enrolled during the first or second week of school and have not previously received active transportation safety training specified in that paragraph must receive the safety training by the end of the third week of school.
b. Students under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), who are enrolled during the first or second week of school and have not previously received active transportation safety training specified in that paragraph must receive the safety training by the end of the sixth week of school.
c. Students under subdivision 1, paragraph (a) or (b), who enroll in a school after the second week of school and have not received the appropriate active transportation safety training in their previous school district must undergo the training or receive active transportation safety instructional materials within four weeks of the first day of attendance.
d. The school district and a nonpublic school may provide kindergarten pupils with active transportation safety training before the first day of school.
3. Instruction
a. The school district may provide active transportation safety training through distance learning.
b. The district and a nonpublic school must make reasonable accommodations for the active transportation safety training of pupils known to speak English as a second language and pupils with disabilities.
III. Conduct on School Buses and Consequences for Misbehavior
A. The school district’s general student behavior rules are in effect for all students on school buses, including nonpublic students.
B. Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will be imposed by the building administrator. In addition, all school bus/bus stop misconduct will be reported to the district's Transportation Coordinator. Serious misconduct will be reported to the Department of Public Safety and, if appropriate, reported to local law enforcement.
1. School Bus and Bus Stop Rules. The school district school bus safety rules are to be posted on every bus. The school district's discipline procedures will be followed when a rule or rules are broken. In most situations consequences are progressive and may include suspension of bus privileges. It is the school bus driver's responsibility to report unacceptable behavior to school district administration and document accordingly. All rules, responsibilities, and behavior standards are in addition to those listed in the White Bear Lake Area School District Code of Student Conduct.
2. Consequences of rule violation(s)
a. Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will apply to all regular and late routes. Decisions regarding a student's eligibility to ride the bus in connection with co-curricular and extra-curricular events are at the sole discretion of the school district. Parents or guardians will be notified of any suspension of bus privileges.
Discipline will generally be progressive, as indicated below, but the school district reserves the right to vary from this sequence.
1st report: Warning with a copy of report sent home to parent/guardian.
2nd report: Student will be placed on probation and the parent/guardian will be notified that further behavior infractions will result in loss of ridership privileges.
3rd report: Student will be suspended from the bus for 3 days or longer.
4th report: Student will be suspended from the bus for 5 days or longer.
5th report: Student will be suspended from the bus for 10 days or loss of privileges for the remainder of the school year.
6th report: Meeting with parent/guardian. Possible loss of bus ridership privileges for the remainder of the school year.
b. Other Discipline
Depending on the nature of the offense, consequences such as suspension or expulsion from school also may result from school bus/bus stop misconduct.
c. Records
Records of school bus/bus stop misconduct will be forwarded to the individual school building and will be retained in the same manner as other student discipline records. Reports of serious misconduct will be provided to the Department of Public Safety by the Transportation Safety Director in accordance with state and federal law.
d. Vandalism/Bus Damage
Students damaging school buses will be responsible for the damages. Failure to pay such damages (or make arrangements to pay) within two weeks may result in the loss of bus privileges until damages are paid.
e. Notice
A copy of school bus rules and the responsibilities, behavior standards, and consequences for bus riders will be made available to students upon completion of school bus safety training. The rules will also be posted on each bus and on the District webpage.
f. Criminal Conduct
In cases involving criminal conduct (e.g. assault, possession or use of weapons, possession/distribution of a controlled substance, vandalism), the superintendent, local law enforcement officials and the Department of Public Safety will be informed.
IV. Parent and Guardian Involvement
A. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities for Transportation Safety:
1. Provide the school office with proper student information including the home address, home telephone number, and telephone number at which the parent/guardian may be reached in the event of an emergency.
2. Provide the school office and the transportation office with accurate information regarding student name, address, phone number, emergency information and day care information. Immediately notify the school office of any changes.
3. Instruct children to be at the school bus stop at least five minutes and, in inclement weather, not more than ten minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
4. Remain alert to impending weather patterns and have children properly clothed for the current weather conditions.
5. Discuss in advance with child how long the child should wait at pick-up locations during conditions of extreme cold or extreme wind-chill conditions.
6. Know the school name and the route number of the bus. Students in K-2 should have a "bus pass" fastened to their book bag or backpack.
7. Provide the child with a book bag or backpack for books and loose papers, pencils, etc.
B. Parent and Guardian Notification:
A copy of the school district school bus and bus stop rules will be provided to each family at the beginning of the school year or at the time of enrollment if enrollment occurs during the school year. Parents/guardians are asked to review the rules with their students.
V. School Bus Driver Duties and Responsibilities
All school bus drivers shall be adequately prepared, both physically and mentally, each day to perform required duties. These duties shall include:
A. Operating the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner
1. Safety. The primary concern of each driver is safety. Drivers will exercise extreme caution during the loading and unloading process as well as when driving.
2. Defensive Driving. All drivers are to drive defensively at all times. A definition of defensive driving is: driving in a manner to avoid accident involvement despite adverse conditions created by roads, weather, traffic, or errors of other drivers or pedestrians.
3. Driving Adjustments. Winter and wet weather conditions require adjusting speed and normal driving practices to compensate for road conditions.
4. Emergency Doors. Emergency doors must be free and operable. Under no circumstances may the doors be obstructed to prevent easy access.
5. Service Door. The service door of the bus must be closed at all times while the bus is in motion.
6. Overloads. The registration card in all vehicles designates the maximum number of passengers allowed. This limit cannot be exceeded. A driver is required to call the dispatch office for instructions should a vehicle become overloaded.
7. Railroad Crossings. All school buses must stop at railroad crossings, using required procedures, whether they are loaded or empty. Drivers shall not activate the eight-way lights; four-way hazard lights are to be used before stopping and when crossing the tracks.
8. Speeding and Other Moving Violations. No district vehicle will travel faster than road, traffic and weather conditions safely permit, regardless of the posted speed limit. Any driver convicted of a moving violation with a school bus will face disciplinary action. Other reports or warnings regarding speeding will result in suspension and/or termination.
9. Smoking Prohibited. Smoking or vaping by either the driver or the passengers is prohibited on any school bus, Type III vehicle, or on school property.
B. Conducting thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle and special equipment
1. Bus Inspection. Drivers are required to make a pre-trip inspection of the bus before each trip. Failure to do so is a violation of State law. Defects are to be reported in writing. Drivers are required to check their buses for students, vandalism and articles left on the bus after each route segment.
2. Safety Equipment. All drivers are responsible for ensuring that the necessary safety equipment is aboard the bus, including fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bodily fluids clean-up kit, flashlight, reflectorized emergency warning device, any additional items required by the district, and meet current annual inspection status requirements.
3. Bus Cleaning. Drivers are required to keep the interior of their buses swept and free of trash at all times.
4. Fueling. The driver is responsible for ensuring that his or her assigned vehicle is adequately fueled before leaving the yard. Smoking is prohibited in the fueling area. The engine shall be turned off while fueling. It is against the law to fuel with passengers aboard.
C. Ensuring the safety, welfare and orderly conduct of passengers while on the bus
1. Drivers of vehicles for disabled students will have access to all student health information in hard copy or immediately accessible through a two-way communication system or by phone at all times a disabled student is on the bus.
2. See Section II – Plan for Student Transportation Safety Training.
D. Communicating effectively with school staff, students, parents/guardians, law enforcement officials and the motoring public
1. Relations with Students. Bus drivers will treat students with respect and will refrain from any conduct which is intended or could be perceived as demeaning, intimidating or harassing.
2. Relations with School Officials. School officials can and will be of considerable assistance to drivers. They are trained in the education of students and it is in a driver’s best interest to work together with school officials to ensure that proper student behavior is maintained on the bus. Therefore, it is very important that drivers have good relationships with the school officials and give them full cooperation.
3. Relations with the Public. To the general public, the driver represents the school district. Buses are among the most visible vehicles on the road. Drivers must deal with students, parents/guardians, pedestrians and other motorists in a polite, professional and considerate manner.
4. Student Discipline. Although drivers are responsible for maintaining order on the bus, drivers must always remember that the types of actions they may use are governed by school district policy. Drivers must never, under any circumstances, use corporal punishment. Drivers have no authority to deny a child the privilege of riding the bus, or drop the student at any location other than the designated stop. Denial of bus-riding privileges can come only from the school authorities.
5. Route Changes. Drivers may not make changes in the pick-up or drop-off schedule for his or her route without prior authorization. Bus stops may not be added, deleted or moved without approval. Drivers may not deviate from the established route without prior permission except as required by an emergency or temporary road conditions.
6. Route Problems. All problems encountered by a driver on the routes or trips should be brought to the attention of the Dispatch Specialist or the Transportation Supervisor as soon as possible.
7. Unauthorized Passengers. Only authorized passengers may be transported in a bus. Any other passenger must be specifically approved by the Transportation Supervisor.
8. Notices. It is the responsibility of the driver to check for notices each day and to check with his or her supervisor regularly.
E. Completing required reports
It is the responsibility of the driver to completely fill out and turn in all reports, discipline referrals, time cards, and mechanical defect slips as required. This includes all requirements pertaining to pre-trip inspections and stop-arm violation reports.
F. Completing required training programs successfully
The training program is outlined in the "Safe School Bus Driver Curriculum" and is available in the Transportation Department.
G. Providing maximum safety for passengers during loading and unloading
1. Standees Prohibited. Standees are not allowed on a moving school bus. Drivers must not move a bus from a stopped position until all passengers are seated. Students are to remain seated until the bus has stopped.
2. Dangerous Articles. No weapons or articles that may be classified as dangerous may be transported on a school bus. This includes any and all weapons, gasoline cans, animals, and other dangerous or objectionable items. Possession of weapons on school property or the bus will not be tolerated. Companion dogs are allowed.
3. Bus drivers must wear a driver's seat belt whenever the bus is in motion.
Additional driver duties and responsibilities may be found in the driver handbook. All bus driver dismissals will be reported to the Department of Public Safety pursuant to Department of Public Safety directions.
VI. Operating Rules and Procedures
A. General Operating Rules
1. All routes shall be on file with the school district's transportation office. School buses shall be operated in accordance with state traffic and school bus safety laws and the procedures contained in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Model School Bus Driver Training Manual.
2. Only students assigned to the school bus by the district shall be transported. The number of students or other authorized passengers transported in a school bus shall not be more than the legal capacity for the bus. No person shall be allowed to stand when the bus is in motion.
3. Drivers are to enforce the provisions of the school bus and bus stop rules as appropriate. Students may be released from the bus at only two points, the designated bus stop or at school, except in case of an emergency or as otherwise authorized.
4. The parent/guardian may designate, pursuant to school district policy, a day care facility, respite care facility, the residence of a relative or the residence of a person chosen by the parent or guardian as the address of the student for transportation purposes. The address must be in the attendance area of the assigned school and meet other eligibility requirements.
5. Students who misbehave may be returned to the school immediately and reported to the building principal or designee.
6. Safety evacuation drills for the student passengers shall be conducted in compliance with state law.
7. There shall be no students in the bus while the fuel tank is being filled.
8. Upon leaving the vehicle when students are in the bus, the driver shall stop the bus, remove the ignition key, set the brakes and otherwise render the bus immobile.
9. Buses shall not be run backwards on the school grounds or any other point if it can be avoided. If it is necessary to run a bus backwards on school grounds, the driver shall have another responsible person act as a guard flagman in back of the bus to keep other persons out of the path and to issue warnings to the driver of approaching traffic.
10. When arriving or leaving the school grounds, the driver must not follow closer than 50 feet from the vehicle directly in front of the bus or closer than 500 feet when traveling on the highway.
11. No school bus shall pull any trailer when students are being transported on regular routes to or from school.
12. In case of an accident or breakdown of the bus, the driver shall contact the dispatcher using the two-way radio or mobile phone.
13. The district may adopt such additional operating rules as are deemed necessary to meet local conditions and needs, provided they do not conflict with State laws and regulations.
B. Use of Signals, Loading or Unloading
The driver shall follow the following procedures:
1. Activate the flashing 8-light system of the bus at least 300 feet before stopping to load or unload students when outside an incorporated municipality, and 100 feet when operating within an incorporated municipality, and shall not extinguish such lights until loading or unloading is completed and persons who must cross the roadway or highway are safely across.
2. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop in the right hand lane of the roadway parallel to the center line.
3. Prior to discharging students, open the door, activate the red flashing lights, and extend the stop arm. Discharge students only after all traffic (front and rear) has come to a complete stop.
4. Keep the door open and eight-light system operating until all students have been loaded or unloaded safely.
5. Avoid loading or unloading students where the view is obstructed to other motorists for 200 feet in either direction.
6. Do not allow students to stand or get on or off the bus while it is in motion.
7. Bring the bus to a full stop and into neutral or park position before loading or unloading students.
8. The driver shall visually ascertain that students getting off the bus are out of the school bus danger zones and at safe distance before moving the vehicle.
9. Buses shall load and unload students only at designated locations.
C. Crossing Highways and Streets
1. Students shall pass approximately 10 feet in front of the school bus so as to be seen by the driver and cross the road only upon receiving a hand signal from the driver; or
2. Students shall pass approximately 10 feet in front of the school bus so as to be seen by the driver while being conducted across the road by the school bus patrol; or
3. The driver shall personally conduct the students across the road after following required procedures for disabling the bus.
D. Type III Vehicles
1. Any vehicle designed to carry more than 10 passengers must meet all legal requirements for a school bus. Any Type III vehicle used to transport students must carry all emergency equipment including: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bodily fluids clean-up kit, flashlight, and any additional items required by the school district and meet current annual inspection status requirements. If school district owned, the school district name and/or logo will be clearly marked on the side of the vehicle. All school-owned Type III vehicles will be properly licensed, insured, inspected, and maintained.
2. Students will not be regularly transported in private vehicles. Emergency, unscheduled transportation may be conducted in vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or fewer without meeting the requirements for a Type III vehicle. The school district has no system of inspection for private vehicles.
3. All drivers of Type III vehicles will be licensed drivers and will be familiar with the use of required emergency equipment. The school district will not knowingly allow a person to operate a Type III vehicle if the person has been convicted of an offense that disqualifies the person from operating a school bus.
Any driver scheduled to drive a type III vehicle that does not possess a school bus driver's license must pass the school van driver's test and provide a copy of their driver’s license before driving the van.
VII. School Bus Driver Training
A. Training
All new bus drivers shall be provided with pre-service training, including in-vehicle (actual driving) instruction before transporting students and shall meet the competencies specified by the Department of Public Safety. All school bus drivers shall receive in-service training annually in compliance with state law. The following driver training standards represent the minimum areas of training which each driver must receive prior to entering service to the school district. The school district shall forward to the Commissioner of Public Safety the certification of in-service training, including the number of hours and competency certification for each driver.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection
Both new and experienced drivers must be familiar with the elements of the mandatory pre-trip inspection required under Minnesota law including:
a. The engine compartment - belts, valves, fluid leaks
b. Engine start, warning lights, gauges, horn
c. Fuel level
d. Brakes - pedal reserve and air/vacuum gauges
e. Interior - seats, floor, lights
f. Electrical charging system
g. Emergency door
(1) smooth latch operation
(2) alarm buzzer
h. Entrance door operation
i. Lift door operation and alarm
j. Lift equipment for wheelchairs
k. Wheels, service brakes, emergency brake
l. Exterior Lights - headlights, brake lights, market lights, turn signals
m. Exhaust system
n. Windows, windshield, and inspection sticker
o. Eight-light system and stop arm
p. Emergency equipment — first aid kit, bodily fluids clean-up kit, flashlight, reflectors, two-way radio
2. Fundamentals and Techniques of School Bus Driving
The driver training program must include:
a. Relevant laws
b. Rules of the road and school district safety policies
c. Defensive driving
d. Driving in inclement weather conditions
(1) reduced visibility - rain, snow, fog
(2) wet roads
(3) icy roads
e. Dealing with pedestrians and students in traffic
f. Operation of the manual or automatic transmission
g. The use of the drivetrain for stopping the school bus
h. Situations where the hand brake will and will not stop a moving bus
i. Steering and turning techniques
j. Right and left turn maneuvers
k. Gauging the speed of other vehicles on cross streets
l. Use of mirrors
m. Merging into traffic
n. Visual perceptions
o. Safe following distances
p. Safe passing procedures
q. Safe backing procedures
r. Use of the eight-light system and school district policy regarding its use
s. Loading and unloading procedures
t. Knowledge of the danger zone concept
u. Policies and procedures for grade level railroad crossings
v. Emergency use of the public address system
w. Response to an approaching emergency vehicle while unloading
x. Procedure for leaving the bus unattended at school sites
3. Special Education Transportation
Special education transportation requires skills and abilities that exceed those required to provide normal school bus service. Drivers will be familiar with:
a. What to do in a medical emergency
b. Handling of wheelchairs
c. Operating lift equipment
d. Properly use of wheelchair securement devices
e. School district policies on the use of seat belts on designated students
f. Individual student needs
g. Responsibilities of the bus driver and the bus aide
h. School district policy in situations where a responsible person is not available to receive a student
4. Emergency Procedures
Drivers must be prepared to deal with emergency situations while operating on routes and field trips. Included in these emergency situations are mechanical breakdowns, fire, accident, or passenger injury. Drivers are to receive training in:
a. Identifying the degree of an emergency before beginning an evacuation
b. Identifying a safe evacuation unloading area
c. Preplanning emergency evacuations for both conventional and lift busses
(1) front, rear, and both door evacuations
(2) evacuation of special education students
(3) evacuation of physically disabled students and students using wheelchairs
(4) placement of students in a safe location
d. Cooperation in emergency evacuation drills
e. Mechanical breakdowns
(1) stop bus in safe location
(2) keep passengers in bus if safe to do so
(3) take steps to warn motorists
(4) radio or call for assistance
f. How to secure the school bus and place emergency triangles
g. Use of the two-way communication system in an emergency
h. When it is appropriate to evacuate the school bus
i. How to supervise an emergency evacuation
j. Emergency evacuation of the disabled
k. Special considerations when evacuating a lift bus
l. Lifting techniques for handling disabled students in an emergency situation
m. Priorities when dealing with injured passengers
n. How to use the school bus first aid kit
o. Use and operation of the fire extinguisher
p. Dealing with other motorists and the police
q. Use of emergency reflectors and hazard lights
r. Control of exposure to blood borne pathogens
s. Use of body fluid clean-up kits
t. School district policy on medical emergencies
u. Recognition and handling of epileptic seizures
v. How to respond if a passenger has a weapon on the bus
5. First Aid
All drivers must be trained in basic first aid, including the Heimlich maneuver, procedures for dealing with obstructed airways, shock, bleeding, and seizures.
6. Private or Confidential Student Information
All drivers should know the types of student data that are considered private or confidential under Minnesota Statutes
7. Student Discipline
All drivers are expected to know district policies/procedures on:
a. Creating a positive attitude on the school bus
b. Oral and visual communications skills between the driver and the passenger
c. Dealing confidently with a disruptive student
d. District discipline policy
e. Developing and enforcing appropriate student behavior
f. Incident report forms
g. District policy on possession of weapons by a student
h. District policy on sexual, racial and religious harassment/violence
i. District policy on smoking
8. Human Relations
All drivers are expected to know district policies/procedures on:
a. Appropriate driver behavior
b. Sensitivity to a diverse student population
c. Sensitivity to individual student needs
d. Relations with parents and school staff
e. Working with a special education bus aide
9. Chemical Abuse
All drivers are expected to know district policies/procedures on:
a. How alcohol and/or drugs can affect driving skills
b. Drug-testing programs
c. State and federal requirements
B. Evaluation
All drivers will be evaluated for the following competencies at least once annually:
1. Safely operate the type of school bus the driver will be driving
2. Understand student behavior, including issues relating to students with disabilities
3. Ensure orderly conduct of students on the bus and handle incidents of misconduct appropriately
4. Know and understand relevant laws, rules of the road and local school bus safety policies
5. Handling emergency situations
6. Safely load and unload students, and;
7. Demonstrate knowledge of basic first aid and CPR procedures.
The evaluation must include completion of an individual “school bus driver evaluation form” (road test evaluation) as contained in the Model School bus Driver Training Manual.
VIII. Emergency Procedures
A. Fire
In the event of a fire, the first priority is to evacuate the bus. Drivers will make certain passengers are safe before attempting to put out the fire.
B. Injuries/Medical Emergencies
1. Drivers will be familiar with first aid and CPR procedures.
2. If possible, school bus drivers or their supervisors shall call “911” or the local emergency phone number in the event of a serious emergency followed by contacting the dispatcher. Drivers should administer proper first aid in accordance with their training and level of ability. In the event an injured passenger is taken to the hospital, the driver is to record the student’s name and the name of the hospital where the student is sent.
C. Tornado
If there is likelihood that a tornado will hit a vehicle, and there is no escape route available or no time to drive to a safe location, the driver should evacuate the bus, taking the first aid kit. The driver will take the students to the basement of a nearby building or to the nearest depression or ditch upwind (toward the storm) of the bus far enough away from the bus so that the bus will not roll over on them and instruct them to cover their heads with their arms. If the students are wearing coats or jackets, these can be used to provide additional protection for their heads and bodies. Drivers should take only the first aid kit from the bus.
If drivers are on the road when they hear a tornado warning or spot a funnel, and there is no time to evacuate the students after stopping the bus, drivers should have the students assume the protective position, remaining in their seats, with their heads below window level.
D. Evacuation
Drivers should evacuate buses only when there is a danger of fire, collision or other potential hazard. Drivers should inform passengers that there is an emergency, and in very calm and precise terms, tell them exactly what they are to do. When safely possible, drivers will keep all evacuees a minimum of 100 feet from the bus. They should be loaded back onto the bus only when the driver has determined it is safe to do so.
E. Accident
In case of an accident, the driver should immediately assess students for injuries and begin any emergency first aid procedures if necessary. The driver must also notify the school district and law enforcement of any school bus accidents immediately.
Upon providing emergency care and notifying the district, the driver shall:
1. In cooperation with police officers and/or ambulance service, assist with the care of students.
2. See that all injured students receive proper care.
3. Determine facts pertaining to the accident.
4. Call transportation/district staff to give a list of names and circumstances so they can begin calling parents/guardians.
5. Discuss the accident only with police and school district officials.
6. Record all students' names.
7. Not leave the scene of an accident until released by law enforcement.
Before leaving for the day, the driver shall fill out an accident report. All bus accidents resulting in death, personal injury, or apparent property damage of more than $1,000 will be reported to the Department of Public Safety. A school bus involved in such an accident may not transport pupils until it has been inspected by or has received a waiver from the State Patrol.
F. Cold Weather Stop
If a driver is stuck or stalled in cold weather, the driver should call for assistance and wait for help. The driver should avoid relying on the engine to provide heat for the driver and passengers as long as possible. If it is necessary to run the engine to provide heat, the driver will make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, open windows for ventilation, and check passengers frequently for headaches or drowsiness.
G. Dangerous Weapons
If a driver observes or learns that a passenger may have a dangerous weapon on the bus, they should remain calm and call for assistance. The driver should give the location of the bus to the dispatcher, continue the route and wait for assistance. The driver should not inform the passenger suspected of having the weapon that they know of the weapon.
H. Lights
In an emergency stop, the driver should turn on the four-way hazard warning lights, and running or clearance lights.
I. Getting Assistance
The driver should use the two-way radio communications system to get assistance. Drivers should report the location and number of the bus, the nature of the problem, and the status of the passengers. If the driver cannot contact the dispatcher by radio or mobile phone they should ask a passerby or other motorist to attempt contact with the dispatcher. The driver should write out the number and location of the school bus, the nature of the emergency, and the status of the passengers.
IX. Vehicle Maintenance Standards
A. All school vehicles shall be maintained in safe operating conditions through a systematic preventive maintenance and inspection program adopted or approved by the school district. A copy of this program shall be available in the Transportation Office.
B. All school vehicles shall be state inspected in accordance with legal requirements.
C. A copy of the current daily pre-trip inspection report must be documented electronically or carried in the bus. Daily pre-trip inspections shall be maintained on file in accordance with the school district’s record retention schedule. Prompt reports of defects to be immediately corrected will be submitted.
D. Daily post-trip inspections shall be performed to check for any children or lost items remaining on the bus and for vandalism.
X. School Transportation Coordinator
The school transportation coordinator shall have day-to-day responsibility for student transportation safety, including transportation of nonpublic school children when provided by the school district. The school transportation coordinator will assure that this policy is periodically reviewed to ensure that it conforms to law. The school transportation coordinator shall certify annually to the school board that each school bus driver meets the school bus driver training competencies required by Minnesota Statutes, section 171.321, subdivision 4. The transportation coordinator also shall annually verify or ensure that the private contractor utilized by the school has verified the validity of the driver’s license of each employee who regularly transports students for the school district in a type A, B, C, or D school bus, type III vehicle, or MFSAB with the National Driver Register or the Department of Public Safety. Upon request of the school district superintendent or the superintendent of the school district where nonpublic students are transported, the school transportation coordinator also shall certify to the superintendent that students have received school bus safety training in accordance with state law. The name, address, and telephone number of the school transportation safety director are on file with the school district office. Any questions regarding student transportation or this policy may be addressed to the school transportation coordinator.
Legal References:
Minn. Stat. § 122A.18, Subd. 8 (Board to Issue Licenses)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.03 (Background Check)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.42 (Textbooks; Individual Instruction or Cooperative Learning Material; Standard Tests)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.88 (Independent School Districts; Transportation)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.885 (Diesel School Buses; Operation of Engine; Parking)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.90 (School Bus Safety Training)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.91 (School District Bus Safety Responsibilities)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.935 (Active Transportation Safety Training)
Minn. Stat. § 144.057 (Background Studies on Licensees and Other Personnel)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 169 (Traffic Regulations)
Minn. Stat. § 169.011, Subds. 15, 16, and 71 (Definitions)
Minn. Stat. § 169.02 (Scope)
Minn. Stat. § 169.443 (Safety of School Children; Bus Driver’s Duties)
Minn. Stat. § 169.446, Subd. 2 (Safety of School Children; Training and Education Rules)
Minn. Stat. § 169.451 (Inspecting School and Head Start Buses; Rules; Misdemeanor)
Minn. Stat. § 169.454 (Type III Vehicle Standards)
Minn. Stat. § 169.4582 (Reportable Offense on School Buses)
Minn. Stat. §§ 169A.25-169A.27 (Driving While Impaired)
Minn. Stat. § 169A.31 (Alcohol-Related School Bus or Head Start Bus Driving)
Minn. Stat. §§ 169A.50-169A.53 (Implied Consent Law)
Minn. Stat. § 171.02, Subds. 2, 2a, and 2b (Licenses; Types, Endorsements, Restrictions)
Minn. Stat. § 171.168 (Notice of Violation by a Commercial Driver)
Minn. Stat. § 171.169 (Notice of Commercial License Suspension)
Minn. Stat. § 171.321 (Qualifications of School Bus and Type III Vehicle Drivers)
Minn. Stat. § 171.3215, Subd. 1(c) (Canceling Bus Endorsement for Certain Offenses)
Minn. Stat. § 181.951 (Authorized Drug and Alcohol Testing)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 245C (Human Services Background Studies)
Minn. Stat. § 609.02 (Definitions)
Minn. Rules Parts 7470.1000-7470.1700 (School Bus Inspection)
49 C.F.R. Part 383 (Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and Penalties)
49 C.F.R. § 383.31 (Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations)
49 C.F.R. § 383.33 (Notification of Driver’s License Suspensions)
49 C.F.R. § 383.5 (Transportation Definitions)
49 C.F.R. § 383.51 (Disqualification of Drivers)
49 C.F.R. Part 571 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards)
Cross References:
WBLASB Policy 416 (Drug and Alcohol Testing)
WBLASB Policy 506 (Student Discipline)
WBLASB Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records)
WBLASB Policy 707 (Transportation of Public Students)
WBLASB Policy 708 (Transportation of Nonpublic Students)
WBLASB Policy 710 (Extracurricular Transportation)