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Policy No. 6605

A comprehensive school trip safety program shall address school walk routes, bus safety and route plans, vehicle access to the school, circulation and parking at the school, pedestrian circulation on and around the school campus and safety education and enforcement.

Bus Safety

The superintendent shall develop written rules establishing the procedures for bus safety and emergency exit drills and for student conduct while riding on buses.

The bus driver is responsible for the safety of his/her passengers, particularly for those who cross a roadway after leaving the bus. No bus driver shall order or allow a student to disembark at other than his/her customary boarding or alighting place unless so authorized by the superintendent. In order to assure the safety of all, the bus driver may hold students accountable for their conduct during the course of transportation and may recommend corrective action against a student. Bus drivers are expressly prohibited from using corporal punishment.

Emergencies

In the event of an accident or other emergency, the bus driver shall follow the emergency procedures in accordance with the School Bus Driver Handbook (SPI). A copy of the emergency procedures shall be located in each bus. To insure the success of such emergency procedures, each bus driver shall conduct an emergency evacuation drill within the first six weeks of each school semester. The district shall conduct such other drills and procedures as may be necessary.

Student Conduct On Buses

The superintendent shall establish written rules of conduct for students riding school buses. Such rules shall include as a minimum the requirements of WAC 392-145-035 and shall be reviewed annually by the superintendent and revised if necessary. If the rules are substantially revised, they shall be submitted to the board for approval.

At the beginning of each school year, a copy of the rules of conduct for students riding buses shall be provided to each student who is scheduled to ride a school bus. The classroom teacher and/or bus driver shall review the rules with the students at or near the beginning of each school year. A copy of the rules shall be available upon request at the district office.

Cross References:      Board Policy 3241      Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment

                                                                                                Board Policy  6510            Safety

Legal References:      RCW 28A.600.010      Government of schools, pupils, employees, rules and regulations for — Due process guarantee — Enforcement

                                                                                                WAC 392-144            School Bus Driver Qualifications

      WAC 392-400-225      School district rules defining misconduct Distribution of rules

                                                                                                WAC 392-145            Transportation — Operation rules

                                                                                                WAC  392-145-015            General operating regulations

                                                                                                WAC  392-145-035            Rules for students riding school buses

Adopted:  May 27, 2008

Blaine School District