Transportation may be provided to students in a variety of ways. For example, students may be transported by yellow bus, city bus or specialized transportation. Regardless of the method of transportation, it is expected that all students will demonstrate safe, respectful and appropriate conduct while being transported to school. Students who do not conform to the rules relating to safe transportation may have their riding privilege withdrawn by the transportation provider. The following actions have been identified by the Board of Education as justification for refusing a student the privilege of riding a school bus:
- Yelling, cursing, obscene language;
- Throwing objects within the vehicle or out of the windows;
- Extending head, arms or hands out of the windows;
- Fighting, scuffling, smoking in the vehicle;
- Moving about in the vehicle while it is in motion;
- Damaging property;
Supplement to the District Policy Guide - Black Hawk Middle School 47.Any other conduct which might jeopardize the health, safety, welfare or rights of other people. Drivers are responsible for the maintenance of order among children being transported and are instructed to use every reasonable means necessary to maintain order on the bus. The District supplies a three-ply “incident report” form to be used by school bus drivers in reporting violations of established rider rules. It is the duty of the driver to immediately report severe misconduct to the principal and to the bus company office. Guidelines for action to be taken in conjunction with the bus company if a student violates the rules for safe bus riding are as follows:
- First Incident–Discuss appropriate behavior with student and forward a copy of incident report to parent/guardian;
- Second Incident–Confer with parent(s) legal guardian(s) and student(s). Students may be refused transportation for one to three days.
- Third Incident–Student may be suspended from transportation for a period of four to seven days.
Parents/legal guardians must be notified in writing of their right to a hearing and/or appeal. Severity of offense may dictate acceleration of progression outlined above. Parents/legal guardians may appeal this decision to the Chief of School Operations. However, students whose bus riding privileges have been suspended are required to attend school, and parents must assume responsibility for alternate means of transportation. Continued refusal to abide by established rules may result in suspension of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year. If an adult supervisor from the School District is on the bus, a student may be subject to discipline in accordance with the Behavior Education Plan. The Madison Metropolitan School District is concerned about the health, safety, welfare, and rights of your child. Please go over appropriate school bus riding practices with your child. Student behavior on the school bus and the driver’s management of the behavior are two key elements to a safe and enjoyable bus ride for all students. Your child’s bus may or may not be equipped with video monitoring equipment. The video camera is an aid used to monitor bus discipline. It does not replace the discipline policy, the driver’s authority, or the responsibility of the school officials. If you have any questions, including questions regarding the use of video equipment on board buses, please call the District’s Transportation Office at 663-5288 or 663-5287.