7130   STUDENT SAFETY AND CONDUCT WHILE ON STUDENT TRANSPORTATION   7130

The Board of Education places a high priority on school bus safety, and recognizes that a safe and orderly environment is critical to safe student transportation.  The Board recognizes that providing safe transportation requires the cooperation of students, parents, administrators, staff, and other government agencies.  The Superintendent, Transportation Department staff, and principals are responsible for making reasonable efforts to inform affected individuals or entities about safety issues and monitor compliance with legal requirements and this policy.

1. Student safety:  training:
1. Instruction in school bus safety will be provided to elementary school students and others when specific circumstances warrant.
2. Instruction will be designed to develop the habits, attitudes, skills and knowledge that are vital to safe school bus travel.

2. Student behavior:
1. All Board policies on student behavior apply to students while on school transportation or at the bus stop, including policy 6500 and other 6000-series policies.
2. A safe and orderly environment is critical whenever transporting students.
3. The principal may take action on any misconduct that occurs on a school bus or at the bus stop in the same manner as if the violation had occurred on the school campus.
4. Pursuant to North Carolina law, the bus driver, subject to the direction of the principal, shall have complete authority over and the responsibility for the operation of the bus and maintenance of good conduct on the bus.
5. Because misconduct can distract the driver from the primary responsibility of operating the bus, the driver shall report promptly to the principal serious or repeated misconduct or violation of the driver’s instructions. 
6. The Superintendent will develop a statement of student expectations and driver expectations to be communicated to students and parents. Refer to R&P 7130.

3. Emergency Procedures:
1. Lost child: The Superintendent or designee will establish emergency procedures for students not arriving at their destinations when expected.  Refer to R&P 7130.
2. Inclement weather: the Superintendent will establish a procedure for determining if school should be dismissed in event of severe weather or winter storm warning. Refer to 7130 R&P.
3. Accident reporting: The Superintendent or designee will establish procedures for response to accidents involving school buses.  Refer to R&P 7130

4. Vehicle safety:
1. The superintendent or designee will fulfill all duties prescribed by state law and regulations for maintaining, inspecting and repairing school buses.
2. School bus drivers will perform a pre-trip inspection of their buses before beginning their routes.
3. Drivers are expected to use good judgment in determining whether it is safe to operate a bus, and to immediately report any suspected mechanical defects or other unsafe conditions.
4. Drivers are expected to report road or traffic conditions which may affect the safety of the route or stops.