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fcopy Spencer County Public Schools Transportation Standard Operating Procedures 1 Spencer County Public Schools Transportation Standard Procedures Manual Administrative Staff Charles “Chuck” Adams Superintendent Mark Thomas Director of Operations and Transportation Mitzi Stump Lead Driver Trainer Dorthy Barnett Driver Trainer / Driver Colleen Huff Transportation Office Coordinator/Administrative Assistant/ Driver Trainer Jim Martin Lead Mechanic Board of Education Debbie Herndon, Board Chair Janet Bonham, Vice Chair Bart Stark Sandy Clevenger Lynn Shelburne Spencer County Public Schools 207 W. Main Street Taylorsville, Kentucky 40071 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer offering Equal Educational Opportunities. 2  Spencer County Public Schools Transportation Department EMPLOYEE RECEIPT VERIFICATION FORM Please tear out this sheet and turn into your immediate supervisor upon receipt of this manual. I acknowledge that I am responsible for

reading this manual and that my failure to read this manual will not excuse me from a violation of the rules applicable to my employment. Name: Please print Signature: Date: 3 Table of Contents Information on Students and Confidentiality Job Description Your Work Route Selection Unassigned Runs Field Trips Scheduling and Routing Regular Bus Service Transportation of Preschool or Mid-Day Routes Transportation of Students with Disabilities Salary/Experience Performance Evaluation Disciplinary Action Classification of Accidents Accident Review Committee Spencer County Public Schools Rules and Procedures Engine Care Pre-Trip Inspection Bus Cleanliness Accidents and Emergency Procedures Fire Extinguisher Use Evacuation Drills Tornado Earthquake First Aid Student Management Radio Use Management of Child Having a Seizure Kentucky Administrative

Regulations 702 KAR 5:030 Pupil Transportation 702 KAR 5:080 Bus Drivers Qualifications and Responsibilities 702 KAR 5:150 Transportation of Preschool Students Kentucky Revised Statutes KRS 189.540 Regulations for school buses KRS 189.550 Vehicles used for transporting children to stop at railroad crossings Field Trip Application Drivers Report on Field Trips Timesheet for Extra Hours Parent Letter School Bus Incident Report Record of Evacuation Drills Pre-Trip Inspection Forms 4 5 6-7 8-10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11-12 12 12-13 13-14 14 14-16 17 17-20 20 21-22 22 25 24 25 25 25-28 29-30 30-31 32-33 34-37 38 39 40 43-44 45 46-47 48 49 50 51-52 Information on Students and Confidentiality As a bus driver / monitor, a student may show you their report card, share test grades with you or you will hear a student talk about other students and the grades they received that day at school. The report card, grades and verbal discussion about a student are considered educational records. The

complete policy and procedures regarding student records are numbered 09.14 in the policies and procedures manual. The main thing to remember is to not discuss a student in the community, not at the grocery, church, etc. If there is a problem with a student or a concern you have, please contact the school principal, Transportation Coordinator, F/T Driver Trainer, or the Transportation Director. To share information with other agencies or people, outside the district, may not be done without parent permission. The exception to this would be in a health or an emergency situation The contact person for questions or concerns regarding compliance with confidentiality procedures is the Transportation Director Transportation Organization Director of Operation and Transportation (Transportation Director) ADMIN Bus Garage Bus Drivers Driver Trainer (3) Admin Assistant (1) Lead Mechanic (1) Mechanics (2) Full-Time Substitute 5 TRANSPORTATION 06.22 Bus Drivers Responsibilities All

bus drivers shall meet the qualifications of and be in compliance with the responsibilities noted in Kentucky Administrative Regulations.1 WALKTHROUGH AT END OF RUN Bus drivers shall conduct a walkthrough of their buses at the end of each run to ensure that all students have disembarked at their designated stops. DISCIPLINARY ACTION Bus drivers who fail to observe/perform their responsibilities shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. REFERENCES: 1 702 KAR 005:080; 702 KAR 005:150 KRS 189.370 KRS 189.375 KRS 189.380 KRS 189.450 KRS 189.540 KRS 189.550 KRS 281A.175 KRS 281A.205 Adopted/Amended: 09/18/2000 Order #: 37 PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation in the State following specified schedules; transport students to and from school, special events and field trips. 2. Pick up and discharge students, under varying

weather conditions, at established bus stops; report incidents which affect the safety of students. 3. Maintain bus in safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections and driver maintenance including cleaning windows, mirrors and bus interior; check and maintain fuel, oil and water levels; check brakes, brake lights and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel; wash bus when needed. 4. Maintain order and discipline among students on bus following District policies and procedures regarding disciplining of students and regarding contact with school officials, parents and the public; receive and report to Transportation Coordinator or Assistant Superintendent Operations parents’ questions, concerns and disputes. 5. Maintain confidentiality of all student information. 6 6. Perform emergency bus evacuation drills as required by Kentucky Administration Regulations. 7. Transport physically disabled and mentally disabled

children to and from designated locations; lift and secure wheel chairs; assist in the loading and unloading of disabled children as necessary. 8. Comply with applicable local, State and federal policies, procedures and guidelines. 9. Fuel bus; clean exterior and interior of buses including picking up debris, sweeping and mopping floor, wiping upholstery and cleaning headlights. 10. Maintain records concerning vehicle maintenance, miles driven and number of children transported and other related matters; prepare student conduct, incident and accident reports. 11. Maintain bus roster throughout the year. Use student seating chart if needed to maintain order 12. Attend safety and preventive emergency meetings when required. 13. Utilize two-way radio for bus to bus and bus to base communication. 14. Perform first aid according to established guidelines and procedures. 15. Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by Transportation Coordinator, Full-Time Driver Trainer,

Director of Operations, or Superintendent. ABILITY TO: Operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students Maintain order and discipline among students while driving a school bus Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and safe operating condition Recognize equipment malfunctions and take appropriate action Learn designated bus routes including stops and traffic hazards Maintain routine records Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others Understand and follow oral and written directions Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Learn to apply regulations, policies and procedures. Learn to explain discipline rules to students Observe legal and defensive driving practices Assist in loading and unloading disabled children as necessary Understand safe driving practices Learn provisions of State Motor Vehicle Code and Kentucky Administrative Regulations Know first aid practices Use

interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy 7 YOUR WORK -- A WORD OF EXPLANATION Your Responsibilities  You must be able to obtain a Commercial Drivers License and a Kentucky-required School Bus Driver Certification and the Federal School Endorsement.  A professional school bus driver must be willing to accept responsibility.  When you transport students to school every day in all kinds of hazardous highway and weather conditions, you are charged with a grave responsibility.  Like the captain of a ship or the pilot of an airplane, you are responsible for precious human lives that depend upon your experience, skill, judgment and attitude.  Vital links to safety--proper driver attitude, knowledge and skill--are not just acquired but must be developed through your interest in safe driving. Not only with intensive pre-employment training, but also with continual in-service activities you upgrade your skills to cope with the constantly changing driving

environment. You must constantly re-evaluate your driving technique  Specific performance responsibilities of the bus driver are listed in the rules and procedures section of the Spencer County Public Schools Transportation Procedures Manual. (Beginning on Page 14) Your Employer The Spencer County Board of Education is your employer. The Director of Operations and the Full-Time Driver Trainer have the responsibility for the selection and training of all bus drivers. The School District is also responsible for monitoring the status of all bus drivers driving and criminal records. Your Coordinator The Director of Operations is assigned the responsibility of supervising you as an employee. He/she is another member of the "safety team" and is interested in the safety of your riders as well as efficiency and economy of operation. He/She needs your cooperation You must be willing to:  Accept responsibility.  Accept authority.  Exhibit interest in employment assignments.

 Learn and accept training continuously.  Carry out assignments completely.  Gain a working knowledge of school policies applicable to student supervision, student conduct, and student transportation. Communicate and discuss with your coordinator problems of discipline, condition of bus, condition of highway and changing conditions of various stops for pickup and discharge of passengers.  Discuss with the principals about discipline problems of individual students who attend their schools. Your Passengers You should establish a positive relationship with your student riders. Your student riders conduct will depend a great deal on what you say or do.  You should greet student riders in a friendly manner.  You should use reasonable, consistent disciplinary procedures along the guidelines of assertive discipline.  You should recognize that students growing up are in a state of physical and emotional change.  You should realize that all students want to be treated

fairly and equally.  You should know that all students desire recognition of their good traits and abilities. You should complement the good conduct, habits, and deeds of your passengers.  You shall maintain a professional, yet friendly relationship with all students.  You may not order or conduct a search of students or their personal possessions. However, a bus driver should notify the principal of the school a student attends of any concerns that might result in a search of the student as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Parents/Guardians 8 Parents/guardians are concerned with the safety of their children and will be a positive force in assisting you with problems on the bus. Occasionally, through lack of information or misunderstanding, some parents/guardians may react negatively. Learn how to inform and work properly with parents  Your discussion with distraught parents concerning a school official or school policy should be without malice.  Do not

repeat rumors or idle gossip, but rather communicate facts to the Transportation Director, Superintendent, or the principal at the school where the student attends. Only discuss an individual student with his/her parent/guardian or the Transportation Director, Superintendent, or the principal at the school where the student attends.  Impress upon parents/guardians that it is their responsibility to have their children at the bus stop on time.  You have a responsibility to the parents and your students to be on time, courteous and cooperative.  Exercise maximum safety by practicing and displaying good driving habits at all times.  Be receptive to parents and students suggestions that contribute to the orderly operation of your bus.  Recognize when you need assistance from the Transportation Staff or principals in solving parental, passenger or driver concerns.  Parents/guardians should realize that passengers are expected to sit and be reasonably quiet without causing

a disturbance throughout the bus ride.  Establishing a communications rapport with the parent/guardians is encouraged (i.e, texting, phone calls, etc) Your Fellow Employees The people with whom you work desire the same courtesy and friendliness that you do. You can help to make their jobs, as well as yours, rewarding.  Be courteous at all times.  Be helpful & respectful to other school employees.  Aid other drivers whenever possible.  Use safe driving practices at all times.  Cooperate to promote a congenial working environment by refraining from personal attacks and by complimenting good work and deeds. Yourself No one knows the "real you" as well as you do. Therefore, it is important that you honestly evaluate yourself to be sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for driving your bus.  You must be sufficiently rested to be free from fatigue.  You must be free from the adverse effects of drugs, medication or alcohol.  Your personal

appearance, grooming and language must be professional at all times.  You must exhibit the mature mental adjustment and emotional stability needed to cope with unexpected and unusual situations.  You must have interest in the welfare and needs of others.  You must be willing to practice patience and understanding. Your Vehicle Your bus is a special vehicle. It is expensive and designed with many special safety features to protect the passengers you transport. You must be sure that your bus is kept in a safe, clean condition -- ready to do the job Your Public Public relations is the opinion people have of bus drivers individually, of Transportation as a part of the District, and of the District itself. ► COURTESY -- By the way you do your daily job you each contribute favorably or unfavorably to public relations. The careful, courteous driver makes good impressions; the careless, thoughtless driver creates harmful impressions. One discourteous, irresponsible act reflects an

unfavorable image on other members of 9 the pupil transportation team. Each driver is important to public relations. Carefully consider these facts:  Each driver represents our school system to the public.  How you act is reflected in public opinion on school matters.  Drivers, in running their daily routes, have more contact with the public than do any other school group because - Large numbers of student riders are involved. Large numbers of motorists view the school buses.  Observers expect proficient driving, take good performance for granted, and are usually quick to complain of poor performance. ► PERFORMANCE -- Learn to call the student who rides your bus by name. Your expression of interest in each individual will assist you in gaining the confidence of your students -- and their parents. “Making a deposit in a student’s life gives you something to draw from.” ► COMMUNICATION -- Talk to the individual student; explain expectations to her/him; and

secure her/his cooperation as a follow-up to group instructions. Laws require the school bus driver to instruct all students in safe riding practices at least four times yearly. This type of communication between driver and passenger should be a constant activity. Help students to understand and voluntarily follow what is generally considered to be acceptable behavior on the school bus. ► LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS – Consider law enforcement officers part of the "safety team". Their job, as well as yours, is to ensure safety on the highways. Their authority and experience may be invaluable to you in your performance of transporting students. ► ATTITUDE -- Building desirable public relations is a continuous process. The term public relations is misleading because it suggests good relations with only the public. But good relations within ones organization are essential, too. Public relations begin with you, fellow drivers, teachers, principals, coordinators, the

superintendent and the members of the Board of Education. Good relations depend much on the attitude each driver brings to work each day. The drivers who are proud of their jobs will not intentionally hurt the Districts reputation; they will enhance it. This improves public relations: the good opinion of the public and of fellow workers. ROUTE SELECTION The Director of Operations and Transportation is responsible for assignment of drivers to a particular route. Assignment to a particular route will be made upon route availability, drivers yearly evaluation, drivers request, and efficiency to the operation of the transportation program. Drivers wishing to remain on a certain route will be given high consideration. Vacant routes resulting from resignation, reassignment, retirement or termination will be posted at spencer.ted12com/hire/indexasp However, vacancies occurring during the 2nd semester may not be posted until the summer. All pertinent route information such as where bus will

be housed, bus number, approximate driving time, is available from the transportation department. All routes are subject to change as deemed necessary by the Director of Operations and Transportation. Drivers wishing to be considered for a vacant route are to apply online during the period the position is posted. During the summer, drivers wishing to be considered for a different route are responsible for applying online. Reassignment to a vacant route will be made by the Director of Operations and Transportation based upon the following criteria: 1) Attendance; 2) yearly evaluations; 3) efficiency to the operation of the transportation program; 10 and 4) perceived impact upon the driver’s present route if switch is made. Unassigned Runs Since this type of run always has unique features and/or requirements, these will be noted when the position is posted and often limit those available to drive. If applicants exceed the positions available, then considerations will be given to

the number of hours a driver is presently driving in relation to the other drivers that are applying. It is noted that most drivers wish to drive as many hours as possible. Field Trips Drivers wishing to drive for field trips should sign up with the Transportation Coordinator. Assignments to the trips will be made by random selection, but limited by hours driven daily. All participating drivers will be given a comparable number of field trip opportunities, provided they have the available hours without incurring overtime. To drive for a field trip a driver must have a copy of the completed Field Trip Application with all appropriate signatures and abide by the requirements as they appear on the application. Also, the driver is responsible for completing the Drivers Report on Field Trip upon the conclusion of the trip. Scheduling and Routing  All possible effort will be directed toward developing direct runs for all programs.  The number of students riding each bus and the amount

of riding time will be taken into consideration when developing schedules and routes.  For optimal use of buses, the starting and closing time of some optional programs may have to be altered.  Routes shall be arranged so as to reduce the waiting time of students as much as possible.  Director of Operations and Transportation must approve all route changes prior to implementation.  Regular bus schedules and routes will be published in the local newspaper prior to the beginning of the school year.  Online route sheets shall be completed by October 1 and maintained thereafter. Regular Bus Service Pupils shall be eligible to be transported to and from school if they reside more than one (1) mile, by the nearest traveled road or street, from the school to which they are assigned. If traffic or other safety conditions make walking to school extremely hazardous, pupils shall be eligible for transportation without regard to the distance to their school. Bus stops will be

located after taking into consideration student’s safety while walking to, waiting for, boarding, and leaving the bus. Transportation of Students with Disabilities Students within this category will be transported with the regular student population whenever possible and appropriate, as determined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the student. Students unable to ride a regular bus will be transported as stated in the IEP for the student. Salary/Experience Base salary is calculated based on the following factors:  Years of experience on Classified Salary Schedule.  School Calendar Days: calculated route time one (1) hour and ten (10) minutes per day (paper work, bus cleaning, principal time, etc.) annual eight (8) hour update four (4) holidays approved number of professional development days and opening/closing day 11 Additional factors relating to compensation above the base salary:  Non-regular assignment (Example - substituting for another driver, bus monitor,

field trips, etc.) hours will be paid for as performed.  Drivers for field trips are responsible for seeing that the Drivers Report on Field Trip is completed and submitted to appropriate people to receive payment. In addition, the driver is to fuel the bus and assure it is clean and ready for the use. Performance Evaluation All full-time bus drivers are annually observed performing their task by a driver trainer or Director of Operations and Transportation and a conference is held following the observation. Audio and video recordings from the vehicle’s onboard recorder may be used to conduct the observation. Using the various observations, and other information and documentation received regarding the driver, the Director of Operations and Transportation will complete an annual evaluation for each full-time driver, share it with the driver and place a copy in the drivers file. Evaluation will be conducted as per board policy 0328 Disciplinary Action If at any time problems arise

in a drivers performance, Spencer County Board Policy 03.27 addresses the types of disciplinary actions available to the Superintendent. However, disciplinary actions of lesser severity often precede these. There are four (4) forms of disciplinary action as follows: *Requires action by the Superintendent to become final; a driver may be suspended with pay during an investigation of conduct and while disciplinary charges are pending. ►Verbal Warning A verbal warning may be given by the Director of Operations and Transportation or anyone above this position in the School District’s organizational chart. The nature and date of warning will be placed in the employees evaluation file by the person giving the warning. ►Written Letter of Expectation A letter of expectation may be sent to the employee by the Director of Operations and Transportation or anyone above this position in the School district’s organizational chart. A copy of the letter will be placed in the employees

evaluation file. This is not a reprimand ►Recommendation for Suspension without pay for one to ten (1-10) days Upon recommendation from the Director of Operations and Transportation, the Human Resources Coordinator will review the evidence and recommend disciplinary action to the Superintendent. When disciplinary actions result in suspension without pay, suspension will be administered as per board policy 03.27 ►Recommendation for Termination Upon recommendation from the Director of Operations and Transportation, the Human Resources Coordinator will review the evidence and recommend disciplinary action to the superintendent. When disciplinary actions result in termination, termination will be administered as per board policy 03.27 The following are examples of situations that can lead to the different disciplinary actions. This list is not all inclusive. ►Verbal Warning being late to work fifteen (15) or more minutes without valid reason. failure to call for substitute at least

two (2) hours before time to begin work. failure to properly maintain equipment or complete written reports. confirmed, but non-flagrant violation of a safety standard, policy, procedure or regulation. 12 ►Written Letter of Expectation failure to report to work. any confirmed problem warranting a previous verbal warning. confirmed flagrant violation of a safety standard, policy, procedure or regulation. ►Recommendation of Suspension without pay for one to ten (1-10) days being cited for a moving violation in bus or personal vehicle being found “at fault”* for causing an accident involving the school bus where property damage is or exceeds $4,000.00 and/or medical treatment is required away from the scene any incident warranting a written Letter of Expectation after having received two (2) written letters of expectations within the past two (2) years of this incident. leaving child unattended on bus and child has not been injured. ►Recommendation for Termination leaving a

child unattended on bus and child has been injured, or on the bus for an extended period. being cited for multiple moving violations in bus or personal vehicle within any twelve-month period being convicted of drunken driving [DUI/DWI] while operating bus or private vehicle. failing a drug screening. any suspendable incident after being suspended twice (2) within the past two (2) years of this incident. being found “at fault” with causing a second (2nd) accident involving the school bus where property damage is or exceeds $4,000 and/or medical treatment is required away from the scene, within the past two (2) calendar years of this accident. Classification of Accidents: Accidents will be classified as “at fault” to the driver and those “not at fault” to the driver. “At fault” accidents are accidents that are due to driver error as determined by the accident scene reports and other information available to the Accident Review Committee. There are two categories of “at

fault” accidents: ►Major This is any injury accident as the result of driver error, requiring medical treatment treated away from the scene and/or all accidents in which the damage to all property involved is four thousand dollars ($4,000) or more. Upon determining an accident to be major, the Accident Review Committee will report its findings to the Superintendent. If the Committee’s findings warrant disciplinary action, such will be recommended to the Superintendent by the Transportation Director. ►Minor This is any accident as the result of driver error, requiring no medical treatment other than that which may be treated at the scene and/or all accidents in which the damage to all property involved is less than four thousand dollars ($4,000). The first minor “at fault” accident caused by the driver may result in a driver trainer being assigned to observe and/or counsel the driver concerning his or her driving technique. If a driver has a second minor accident during the

fiscal school year, he or she will attend additional training classes consisting of two, three-hour training sessions which will include, but not be limited to, Safe Operating Practices. Each driver will drive a vehicle appropriate for the job category. Should a driver have a third chargeable accident during the fiscal year, he or she will be referred to the Superintendent for disposition. ►Not “at fault” accidents are accidents that are not due to the drivers error as determined by the accident scene reports and other information available to the Accident Review Committee. 13 Accident Review Committee The Accident Review Committee consists of the following members: ►Transportation Director - Chairman ►driver trainer ►another bus driver The Accident Review Committee will meet as needed when accidents occur involving Spencer County Public Schools school buses and other board-owned vehicles. The Accident Review Committee’s role is to determine whether the accident is a

major or minor accident and whether or not the accident was due to driver error. The driver will be allowed to submit a taped video or written statement explaining the accident to the Accident Review Committee. The Accident Review Committee will consider the available evidence and determine by majority vote whether the bus driver is “at fault”. If the Accident Review Committee is unable to reach a consensus on the disposition of any accident, the chairperson of the Accident Review Committee will make the final recommendation on that particular accident. Should the driver disagree with the Accident Review Committees findings, the driver may file a written appeal, within 5 working days, with the Superintendent for disposition. The Superintendent’s disposition will be based on factual information gathered at the accident by the accident scene investigators, the driver’s written statement or video, and other information available regarding the accident. The Superintendent need not

defer to the Accident Review Committee’s findings, but may adopt the Accident Review Committee’s recommendation in whole or in part, or may issue a different determination. SPENCER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS RULES AND PROCEDURES  Safety is the paramount consideration in the operation of the school bus. Careless driving or failure to abide by traffic laws, or to conform to the regulations of the Kentucky Board of Education and Policies of the Spencer County Board of Education shall be cause for disciplinary action.  If the driver is too busy with other vocations to take his/her time to drive safely, the driver should not try to operate a school bus. Any driver convicted of violation of traffic regulations will be responsible for the fine and subject to disciplinary action.  The driver shall be governed by all rules of the road.  The maximum speed at which a Spencer County Public Schools bus should be driven is the posted speed limit either loaded or empty. Exceeding this

speed limit is sufficient reason for disciplinary action  All traffic signs and signals shall be obeyed.  Courteous driving shall be the trademark of all Spencer County Public Schools bus drivers.  The driver shall not leave the bus at any time the engine is running or while the brakes are released.  The driver shall maintain a consistent time schedule; no driver shall leave a stop before the scheduled time.  The driver shall keep an accurate, up-to-date copy of the route on the bus for use by a substitute driver and provide the Transportation Coordinator with the same.  The driver shall report all accidents immediately to the Transportation Coordinator or Assistant Superintendent Operations. The Transportation Coordinator is to conduct a post-accident “review of next steps” with the driver to make clear the next steps taken due to being in an accident.  The driver is subject to immediate drug screening when involved in any accident while operating a boardowned

vehicle (Board Policy 06.221)  The driver shall submit required reports on time and attend meetings called by the Transportation Administrative Assistant or any principal.  The driver should use a seating chart (assigned seats) for students when needed to maintain discipline and control. A driver may make adjustments in the seating chart or reassign seats during a route when needed to maintain discipline and control.  There shall be no changes in the drivers route or times unless authorized by the Director, F/T Driver Trainer, or Administrative Assistant.  The driver shall bring the bus to a complete stop when a student enters or leaves the bus and shall remain stopped until the student is seated or well away from the bus. The driver shall be on the bus when loading or unloading students. Students are to board the bus in an orderly manner from a single column The 14                    driver will also see to

it that seats are shared fairly and that each seat is taken before any student is permitted to stand in the aisle. State regulations allow the driver to assign seats, three to each seat The driver will not permit students to stand or sit on the step at the entrance of the bus or close enough to the front to obstruct the vision of the driver in any direction. (The driver shall report crowded conditions to the Transportation Staff.) The driver is responsible for notifying the Full-time Driver Trainer of all concerns regarding the safeness of a stop location. Drivers and the Transportation Coordinator will work together to change a location if the stop is determined after careful consideration to be unsafe. The principal must be notified of any change on the route relating to a student attending his/her school. The driver is not to let a student off at a stop other than his/her own unless the student has a note with the principal or designees signature and authorization. During routine

operation, drivers should not permit pupils to get on or off the bus through emergency exits. Drivers shall pick up and discharge pupils at designated stops only. Drivers may not establish or eliminate bus stops. All stops are determined by cooperative decision of the bus driver and Full-time Driver Trainer. (However, if a new family moves to your route and children are waiting for a bus at their gate, driveway, or designated stop, the driver shall: 1) Radio Transportation Department to verify students are enrolled at assigned school; 2) If students are enrolled, transport; 3) If students are not enrolled, then inform them of the contact name and number of the school. If a change is desired, seek advice from the Transportation Director. During the days of inclement weather, buses may stop at SAFE POINTS nearest the home of the students on the route. Stops shall not be made on blind curves, on steep grades, or near crests or hills THIS APPLIES ONLY TO BAD WEATHER AND STOPS MAY NOT BE

ESTABLISHED PERMANENTLY. Drivers SHOULD NOT WAIT at bus stops for pupils. However, if a pupil is running to catch the bus, wait one time, tell him/her in a courteous manner that you cannot wait at the bus stop. THEN DO NOT WAIT. Drivers may cooperate with pupils when it is raining, snowing or extremely cold. If pupils are waiting in the house or on the porch, the driver may wait a reasonable time for them to come to the bus, provided traffic conditions allow it. Doors on school buses must be kept closed at all times when the bus is in motion. Drivers shall not use tobacco products while operating the school bus, nor knowingly permit pupils to use tobacco products when on the school bus. Drivers shall not permit a personal radio to be installed on a Spencer County Public Schools owned bus. Drivers ARE NOT permitted to wear headphones or use blue tooth devices. Drivers shall not use a telecommunication device while operating a Board-owned vehicle unless the vehicle is parked or unless

there is a bona fide emergency. Drivers shall not use a telecommunication device while students are loading or unloading. The school bus driver must have a watch or some type of timepiece. At the end of each run, drivers shall check their bus for things such as damaged seats, vandalism, and lost articles. The bus shall be checked at the end of every run, AM, mid-day and PM for sleeping or hiding students. Students can often be found asleep on the bus at the end of a route Bus drivers are required to attend in-service meetings when notified. Publicly owned buses ARE NOT AUTHORIZED to make any stops, such as stores, restaurants, or shopping centers in order for students or drivers to conduct personal business except as part of the itinerary for an approved trip. The driver is to use student management procedures and is responsible for student behavior while transporting the students to and from school. The driver should inform the principal when a student displays conduct in violation of

the Student Code of Conduct; this will allow the principal to help the driver to avoid further difficulty. Fill out the incident report form and submit it to the principal or designee. The driver shall notify the Transportation Coordinator or designee prior to any absence from work as per 15             instructions from the Transportation Coordinator. The driver shall be responsible for seeing that appropriate REPORT OF ABSENCE is received by the Administrative Assistant ALONG WITH TIMESHEET, EACH PAY PERIOD. Drivers are required to conduct four (4) bus evacuation drills per school year -- one during the first week of school, the month of October, the month of February and the month of April. See Kentucky Administrative Regulations, 702 KAR 5:030, Section 14 for information on conducting emergency bus evacuation drills. The drivers shall report any citation or conviction for any moving violation regarding their driver’s license or the

revocation or suspension of their driver’s license to the Transportation Coordinator who is the Superintendent’s designee under 702 KAR 5:080, Section 2. The driver shall transport no freight, baggage, or merchandise of any kind while the bus is transporting pupils. This prohibition does not apply to musical instruments, athletic equipment, or student book bags/backpacks, as long as these items are transported consistently with this manual, and do not block the aisle or emergency exits. Drivers will not permit unauthorized persons, including their own children, to ride the school bus when transporting students to and from school or otherwise with the exception of the substitute driver or those persons authorized by the superintendent/designee. If unauthorized persons come to the bus to ride, the driver shall tell them in a courteous manner that he/she is instructed to transport students only. All related inquiries should be referred to the Transportation Director. This policy will

also apply to persons who wish to visit the school. The driver shall not permit the display of any advertising signs (such as political placards or stickers) on the bus, either inside or outside. Do not discuss religion, politics or controversial topics with students. Decorations are not permitted on school bus. No paper decorations, posters, banners, or streamers are permitted. Littering from school buses is quite serious. In fact, it goes beyond the matter of littering only; safety is involved. Cans, bottles, cartons, boxes and other trash have been thrown from school buses Drivers should prohibit pupils from boarding buses with cans, bottles or drink cartons. Pupils are not to board while eating. Students must understand the seriousness of this, and they must be informed of the consequences. Please inform all students that they are subject to disciplinary action if caught throwing any object from a school bus. When inclement weather conditions develop, schools may be closed. Monitor

local radio or television station for this announcement. Additional messages may come from texting, Twitter, or Facebook Drivers are expected to take good care of the transportation equipment. Drivers that do not do this may be subject to disciplinary action. This pertains not only to the mechanical parts of the bus, but also includes a regular cleaning schedule for bus seats, floors, front and rear windows. All transportation operations are under the direct supervision of the Transportation Director and the school bus driver is responsible to him/her. It is important that all persons responsible for the transportation system work cooperatively to ensure a safe and effective system. 16 ENGINE CARE The following are things to do when starting the engine:  UNPLUG ENGINE HEATER CORD BEFORE STARTING. DO NOT START OR LEAVE THE ENGINE PLUGGED IN WHEN STARTING OR RUNNING THE DIESEL ENGINE.  Watch all gauges during the engine warm-up period. DO NOT RACE ENGINE AT ANY TIME  DO NOT

increase the engine speed until the engine oil pressure gauge reads normal. Shut engine off if oil pressure does not read on the gauge within 20 seconds.  Let the engine run at 1200-1500 RPM for 10 minutes in temperatures of 320 F and below before leaving. Above 320, let engine idle for 5 minutes. The following are things to do when leaving the bus for the night:  Shut off all accessories, let the engine idle for 5 minutes before shutting off to build up battery.  Turn key to OFF position.  Turn radio off, if equipped.  Plug in engine-block heater cord if the outside temperature is 320 F and below.  Pump down air brakes. PRETRIP INSPECTION You must inspect your bus each time the bus is taken out for the transporting of pupils. Such an inspection will help ensure the safety of the passengers, bus driver, and the public. This practice will also decrease the maintenance costs of the pupil transportation program. Make this daily inspection a matter of routine The few

minutes you invest will pay rich dividends in the saving of lives and property. Why Inspect? Safety is the most important and obvious reason. Inspecting your vehicle helps you to know your vehicle is safe All bus drivers employed by public school districts in the Commonwealth must sign a contract annually which states, in part, you agree to perform a pre-trip inspection each time the bus is used to transport students. Federal and state laws require inspection by the driver. Federal and state inspectors also inspect commercial vehicles An unsafe vehicle can be put "out of service" until necessary repairs are made. Types of Vehicle Inspections Pre-trip Inspection:  Perform a pre-trip inspection before each trip to find problems that could cause a crash or breakdown. During Trip Inspection -- for safety, you should:  Watch gauges for signs of trouble.  Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).  Check critical items when you stop: tires,

wheels, rims, brakes and lights. After-Trip Inspection and Report:  Perform an after-trip inspection at the end of the day on the vehicle you operated. It will include filling out a Driver Inspection Report listing any problems you find. The inspection report shows the maintenance personnel mechanical concerns noted with the vehicle. 7 Step Inspection Method You should do a pre-trip inspection the same way each time so you will learn all about the steps and be less likely to forget something. The following seven-step procedure should be a useful guide NOTE! This is the same as you did on the CDL skills test. 17 DRIVER TRAINING VISUAL INSPECTION GUIDE SHEET  I will do a safe start. Sit in the Driver seat, put on seat belt, put key in ignition switch, check parking brake to make sure it is set and the gear shifter is in neutral.  I will do my service brake check by letting the bus speed up to five (5) miles per hour, apply service brake and release the steering wheel

lightly, if the bus pulls to the right or left this could mean the brakes need adjustment.  Chock wheel before doing pre-trip. Take key out of the bus  Make sure that the bus is secure and brake is set.  Check for any obstruction around the bus; also check the posture of bus. Trees, Power lines, other vehicles  Check for leaks under the bus, which could indicate antifreeze, also transmission fluid, motor oil, fuel leak.  Check lens on the front of the bus, that they are not cracked, broken or missing: clearance, big yellow, big red, turn signal, hazards and head lights.  Check windshield for damage, wiper arm tension and blade. Condition, no foreign stickers  Check that mirrors are not cracked, broken or missing and that the brackets are secure.  Check hood for damage and check hood latches.  Check crossing arm and bumper that they are secure with no damage.  Check Bumper – no cracks and no factory welds. CHECK UNDER THE HOOD  Check mud flaps front

and rear and both sides and hood cables and springs if equipped.  Check radiator, that it is secure and has no damage and no leaks, also fan blades are not missing or damaged.  Check all electrical wiring. Make sure secure and not frayed  Check all hoses and clamps, couplings that they are secure, tight and not rubbing, including top and bottom  Radiator hoses and heater hoses and no leaks.  Check engine oil. Pull dipstick out, wipe it off, return it, and then pull it out again It should be between add and full.  Check power steering and transmission fluids. (Cold Check)  Check serpentine belt (runs fan and alternator). There should be no more the ¾ inch play Also the V belt that runs the water pump should have no more than ¾ inch play and are in good condition.  Check air compressor for damage and no leaks. Also check coupling for securement and line for damage Is it belt or gear driven?  Check steering shaft that it is secure and steering gear box for

damage. Also that hose clamps are tight. Is it gear driven?  Check pitman arms for damage, also drag link, making sure that it is tight and secure. Check cotter pin is in place.  Check steering arm and tie rod for securement and that the cotter pin is also present.  Check shocks that they are secure and no leaks. Brackets Secure  Check that leaf springs are not broken, missing or out of alignment. Also that spring mounts are secure and hanger and brackets are secure. Check frame make sure secure, no non factory welds  Check brake hoses that they are not rubbing or damaged and couplings are tight.  Check brake chamber for damage, also slack adjuster. There should be no more than 1-inch play Push rod is secure and in line, cotter pin in place, with all brakes released.  Check brake drum for damage, cracks, welds or rust.  Check dust for damage and brake shoes not too thin thru the inspection slot.  Check the inside and outside of rim for cracks or welds and

inside and outside of tires for cuts, bumps and bruises.  Check tire tread for no less that 4/32nds of tread with gauge and there should be no mismatches or retreads on the front of the bus. Air pressure should be 110 psi Valve stem and cap are secure  Check lug nuts that they are secure and no shining metal around them for this could indicate that they are loose. Check for excess rust.  Check hub seal for leaks, valve stems for damage and that it has a valve cap. Also check air pressure with gauge It should be properly inflated to manufacturer specs. 18  Check front axle seal for leaks. CHECK OTHER SIDE OF BUS CHECK THIS SIDE OF BUS THE SAME AS I DID THAT SIDE.  Check radiator reservoir site glass that it is full, radiator hoses, heater hoses that they are not rubbing and clamps are tight and no leaks and sufficient cooling level. Radiator cap is secure and in place  Check serpentine belt (runs fan and alternator). There should be no more that ¾ inch play Also

the V belt that runs the water pump should have no more that ¾ inch play.  Check the alternator that it is secure and wiring is in place and not loose. Not frayed, no bare wires  Check water pump for looseness and there is no leaks. Check washer fluid, tank that is secure has no cracks and wiring is not damaged. Should have enough fluid for today  Check the fuel area and fuel tank for leaks. Also make sure that the fuel tank is in its cage and has no damage. Check that fuel cap is secure and not missing Tank is secure  Check for damage along side of the bus. Also make sure that all windows are not cracked, broken or missing. No illegal stickers or obstructions Reflective tape  Check all reflectors are secure and not cracked, broken or missing. Also check cargo door on both sides of bus. Check marker lights and safety lights  Check frame for damage. No non-factory welds  Visually inspect exhaust system that it is hanging properly, no excessive rust and hangers are

secure.  Check drive shaft that it is in alignment and guards are in place.  Check brake hoses that they are not rubbing. All fittings are secure  Check brake chambers for damage, also the slack adjuster for no more that 1-inch play and cotter pin is present. Also check dust cover and brake drum for damage Check brake lining that it is not too thin thru slots. Check spacer if equipment or check the budd wheel, there is no spacer Check space that it is clear of debris.  Check inside and outside of tire for cuts and bumps and bruises, inside and outside of rim for cracks  and welds. Also the lug nuts, make sure that they have no shining spot of metal that would indicate that they are loose. Also check for excess rust  Check tire tread with a gauge. Should be no less that 2/32nds No mismatched Recaps are ok  Check axle seal for leak. Also check both valve stems that they are secure and no damage Tire should be inflated properly to manufacturer’s specifications. 

Check shocks that they are secure no leaks and check shock brackets. Check spring mount and spring, if equipped and air bag for damage or leaks.  Check exhaust system. Kick the tail pipe  Check all lens covers, clearance, big yellow, big red, also the turn signal lens and brake, back-up, and clearance lights. Also reflector and the license plate that it is secure Check back-up lights before daylight  Check the emergency door, safety latch, that is opens smoothly, the windows and all seals. Check gaskets and door arm lock operates properly.  Go to the other side of the bus. I will check this section of bus as I did the other side with the exception of  those things that was not present on the other side.  Check carrier and cables and hooks for damage and securement.  Check side emergency door that it swings properly and all seals and gaskets are intact and not dry rotted.  Check stop signal, lens and cover that they are not cracked, broken or missing. Also the

wiring that they are not frayed and the boot for dry rot or damage and the cable for proper tension and cotter pins.  Check that batteries are secure and cables tight. No leaks or corrosion  Check entrance door that is opens smoothly, check seals, gaskets and glass is in place.  Check floor covering that it is secure. Also the handrail is secure and stairwell light lens cover is not broken or missing and check the fire extinguisher (ABC Type) for the up-to-date card, and make 19       sure that it has been charged up and there is no obstruction in the hose. Shake up once a week Check that there is a body fluid clean up kit and a fully supplied first aid kit. Also it should have three spare fuses and the insurance card. Make sure driver seat is secure and seat belt is secure. Sit in seat and start engine check ABS light Check horn. Check mirrors for proper adjustment and steering wheel for no more that 2 inches play for a 20-inch steering wheel. Make sure

parking brake is on and shifter is in neutral. Also shift through all of its gears Check all gauges, voltmeter (12-14) and oil pressure gauges (40-60). Air pressure gauge should be between 100-120 PSI. Check water temperature gauge and transmission gauge that they are not overheating, fuel gauge, enough for today. Check that RPM meter works. CHECK SIDE PANEL  Check windshield washer fluid, wiper high and low. Check auxiliary and front heater high and low. Check fans high and low, check defrost heaters high and low, check dome lights and check strobe light indicator.  Check noise kill switch.  Check override switch and crossing gate cancel switch.  Check indicator light for big yellows and big reds. Also headlights, turn signals and hazard lights. These are indicators only  Check parking brake. Put bus in drive and give some fuel Shut engine off, at this time I will do my lab test Put key in on position; push parking brake (should be no more than 2 PSI drop per minute)

without your foot on the brake. With foot on brake, should be no more that 3-PSI drop per minute Start pumping the brakes down, alarm should come on at 60 PSI. Continue pumping brake until parking brake sets itself or comes back out (between 10 and 40 PSI).  Start the engine and let the air pressure build up to 120 PSI.  Check clearance lights, head lights for high and low. Check left and right turn signals Check hazard, yellow and red lights. Then go to the back of the bus and repeat the same checks on the lights and signals Also check running lights, brake lights and license tag light. DO NOT PUT IN REVERSE TO CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS. Check safety light  Shut off engine and leave the key in the on position.  Check seat back and bottoms, floor of the bus for damage and check floor tread is secure. Check dome lights and lens cover (cracked or missing). Check all windows, emergency windows and hatches, front and back, for damage. Check that strobe light is working on the

emergency hatch Make sure that all of the alarms are working and windows open freely.  Check both emergency doors, side and back seal around them and windows. Check head bumper cushions  I will do this side of the bus the same as I did the other side, including front emergency roof hatch. Bus Cleanliness The cleanliness of your bus is a reflection of you. The bus must be kept clean at all times Sweep your bus daily and note its overall cleanliness. A dirty and littered bus is an invitation for students to make it worse Trash left on the floor may lead to student injuries. ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES If you are involved in an accident, (an accident is described as any incident that would cause property damage, damage to the bus, physical injury, or render the bus inoperative or immobile) there are prescribed procedures to follow that will meet the requirements of the state law. Always remember that no two accidents are exactly the same. The sequence of things in the

following suggested 20 procedure may not be practical in every case. Use your own good judgment and common sense in making decisions. Remember, your primary responsibility is to your passengers. Therefore, your first responsibility is to remain calm. If you are physically unable to perform your duties, direct others to do them for you Should this be the case, ask your oldest and most responsible pupil to help you. The following procedures should be followed should you be involved in an accident or an emergency situation:     Set the parking brake and place the gear selector in neutral/park. Turn off the ignition and place key in reserve position. Check the students for injuries and give first aid if needed. Radio or contact the operator or Transportation Coordinator of your situation. They will contact the necessary assistance. City Police: 477-5533 Sheriffs Office: 477-3200 Life threatening Emergencies or Fire: 911 Bus Garage: 477-3269 Central Office: 477-3250 

Use of Emergency Reflectors. Should your vehicle become inoperative, immobile, or unsafe to continue operating, activate your hazard flashers and move the vehicle as far off the roadway as possible; then use the emergency reflectors in the following manner: Two-lane roads. Place the first reflector 100 feet (40 paces) to the rear of the school bus so that it can be seen but not run over. Place the second reflector 10 feet (4 paces) from the left rear corner of the school bus. Place the third reflector 100 feet (40 paces) to the front of the bus Divided highway. The first and second reflectors should be placed at the same points as the first and second reflectors on a two-lane highway. Place the third reflector 200 feet (80 paces) to the rear of the school bus. Curve or hill. Place the first reflector 100-500 feet (40-200 paces) to the rear of the bus, giving adequate warning to motorists. The second and third reflectors are to be placed at the same points as the second and third

reflectors on a two-lane highway. If the school bus is blocking a lane, place the reflectors in that lane. If it is on the shoulder of the road, place the reflectors on the edge of the road.  Under normal circumstances, the vehicles involved should not be moved until law officers advise you to do so, unless the bus is in a dangerous situation. Use your own good judgment and common sense in making decisions.  Keep all pupils on the bus, except in a dangerous situation. Again, use your own good judgment and common sense in making decisions.  Account for all pupils.  Exchange information with the other person(s) involved. Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance company of the driver. Also, the name(s) of the owner(s) of the other vehicle(s) involved Obtain the names of any injured person(s) and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witness(es).  The driver SHOULD NOT ADMIT an accident was his/her fault. All information is to be reported through the

Transportation Department. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS There are certain situations that you as a driver need to be able to deal with effectively. 21 Vehicle Emergencies  Loss of brakes--A school bus has an emergency brake locking system. Should your vehicles air pressure fall below 60 psi, the wheels will automatically lock if you apply the brakes. If this decrease in pressure should happen, care should be taken to slow the vehicle by gearing it down without applying the brakes. Before attempting to stop, make sure the vehicle is at a speed where locked brakes would not cause the vehicle to go into a dangerous skid. In this situation, a driver should find an area where the bus can leave the roadway before applying the brakes. Once the brakes are locked, a mechanic is needed before the bus can be moved.  Off-Road Recovery--If your tires happen to drift off the highway, do not try to get them back on the road until after you have slowed the bus to a "crawl." Avoid locking

the brakes Then turn the wheels sharply "in" towards the road and climb back upon the pavement. Shoulders are often soft and tires will sink Frequently, the pavement is higher than the shoulder. In either case, you can damage tires, wheels, and other components by rubbing against the side of the pavement. Many accidents have happened when the driver tried to get back onto the highway without reducing speed.  Skid--Should you skid, turn the steering wheel the direction of the skid until the bus straightens out. For example, if the rear of the bus skids to the right, turn the wheel to the right. To prevent skidding, apply your brakes gently. The front wheels must roll in order to have steering control  Fire--In case of a fire, pull the bus off the roadway, if possible, and evacuate the students to a safe area well away from the bus. Then if you feel it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire using the fire extinguisher. Fire Extinguisher Use To operate a fire

extinguisher- Remove the fire extinguisher from the bracket.  Hold the extinguisher in an upright position so that all the powder in the extinguisher will be available for use.  Pull the safety pin.  If possible, stand upwind from the burning material to avoid the smoke and heat.  Squeeze the handle to discharge the powder. Turn on and off to control the fire  With the nozzle in hand, aim the powder at the base of the fire. The idea is to smother the fire and allow no oxygen to reach the flame. On oil or gasoline fires, it is better to use a sweeping motion with the extinguisher.  Do not walk into unburned material that could catch fire in a back flash and cause injury to you.  The fire extinguisher, regardless of the extent of use, should be recharged or replaced with a substitute immediately after use. 22 BUS EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS School bus emergency drills are important to a safe and orderly evacuation in case of an emergency. They are designed to

train young people to get off and away from a school bus quickly, safely, and in an orderly manner. Evacuation drills help familiarize bus riders with the types and locations of emergency equipment and its use. Emergency drills must be held four times per school year -- during the first week of school, and in October, February and April. The evacuation procedure to be used by Spencer County Public Schools utilizes three methods of evacuating a bus. The methods involved are front exiting, rear exiting and simultaneous exiting from the front and the rear. The procedures are described below. Front Door Evacuation The driver appoints two helpers, one for each side of the door. These helpers will count students and assist them in getting off the bus. The driver appoints one student to lead the other students to a safe area well away from the bus. Drivers Instructions:  Stop the bus in a pre-selected location on the school ground. NOTE: Be sure that ample adult supervision is at this

location before drills are held.  Secure the parking brake.  Place the transmission in neutral.  Shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.  Stand; open the front door; face the students; and get their attention.  Give the command: "Remain seated. Front door emergency evacuation drill"  Direct the two helpers to their places beside the front door.  Stand between the first occupied seats, facing the front of the bus.  Starting with the right-hand seat, ask the leader to lead all students to a designated point to the right which is a safe distance away from the bus, and instruct the other occupants of the right-hand seat to follow. Warn all students: "Walk, do not run; use hand rails."  Hold your hand before the occupants of the left-hand seat in a restraining gesture.  When the students in the right-hand seat have moved forward enough to clear the aisle, dismiss the occupants of the left-hand seat.  Continue the evacuation

procedure as described, right and left seats alternately, until the bus is empty. When the last seat is empty, walk to the front of the bus and check to ensure that everyone is out. After the driver leaves the bus, he/she should take the two helpers and join the other students. The driver should evaluate the evacuation performance, pointing out any improvements needed and commending the students on those activities well done. The purpose of this exercise is not to see how fast the drills can be done, but to train the students to leave the bus safely and in an orderly manner. Emergency Doors Evacuation The driver appoints two helpers per emergency exit. The two helpers are positioned outside each emergency exit, one on each side of the door. Students leaving the bus place their hands on the shoulders of the helpers for support while 23 jumping to the ground. Helpers do not grasp the jumpers hands Visually divide the bus by emergency exit and instruct students which exit they are to

use. The driver appoints one student per exit to lead the students to a designated point, which is a safe distance away from the bus. Drivers Instructions:  Stop the bus in a pre-selected location on the school grounds, away from traffic. NOTE: Be sure that ample adult supervision is at this location before drills are held.  Secure the parking brake.  Place the transmission in neutral.  Shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.  Stand, face the students, and get their attention.  Give the command: "Remain seated. Emergency exit evacuation drill"  Ask two assistants to open each emergency door exit, jump out and stand on each side of the door.  Appoint a leader to exit and lead the rest of the students to a designated point that is a safe distance away from the bus.  Instruct the leader to begin the emergency exit when the command is given.  Continue the evacuation procedure until the bus is empty.  When the last student has exited,

check the interior of the bus to ensure that every one is out and join the waiting students. NOTE: Every precaution must be taken during the drill to prevent injury. If a student does not want to exit via an emergency exit because of illness, physical condition, or for any other valid reason, he/she should not be forced to do so. That student should exit through the front door with the driver and join the other students when the drill is completed. The purpose of this exercise is not to see how fast the drill can be done, but to train the students to leave the bus safely and in an orderly manner. The driver should evaluate the evacuation performance, pointing out any improvements needed and commending the students on those activities well done. Do Not Use Emergency Windows or Emergency Roof Hatches for Any Drills Unless Specifically Instructed to Do So. GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING AN EVACUATION DRILL          Never plan a surprise drill. Explain

all details of the drill to your students several days in advance Schedule the drill during school hours. Conduct the drill on school grounds, away from traffic, in an area designated by the school. Arrange for suitable adult help in supervising the drill. Select a spot to the right, well away from the bus, where the students are to assemble and await the "All Clear" signal. Use safety assistants to help in evacuation procedures at bus exits and in guiding students to a safe refuge area. Let each student decide for himself/herself, if possible, how much assistance is needed when exiting the bus from the emergency exit. It is not advisable to reach up and pull the student out of the bus If a student refuses to evacuate the bus by an emergency exit, allow the student to exit by the front door as you make your exit. Keep a record of evacuation drills to provide information to school authorities for reporting of these events. Remember that special plans for evacuation of

physically disabled students should be arranged with 24 Spencer County Public Schools Transportation Coordinator with information provided as needed by the Director of Special Education. TORNADO Definitions: TORNADO WATCH means that conditions are such that tornadoes may occur; however, no tornado has been sighted. TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or there is rotation in the clouds; take cover immediately. Recommended Procedure If the school bus is enroute to or from school when a tornado warning is received, the driver shall determine the course of action to be taken.  A TORNADO WARNING will be given in several ways: By the siren system of Civil Defense; By the school systems own channels, which are broadcast throughout the entire District; By public radio and television.  Students will be kept at school during a TORNADO WARNING if the alert comes at dismissal time and students cannot reach home before the storm strikes.  During the TORNADO

WARNING, no bus shall be permitted to leave the school until the "all clear" signal is given.  All school buses receiving a Tornado Warning over the Spencer County Public Schools radio network shall take the following action: Blink headlights, activate hazard lights, and sound the horn to alert drivers of buses without a radio. Pass on information received through the radio network.  In the event the communication system is knocked out and communication by two-way radio is impossible, use of personal cell phone is permitted on a secured bus parked in a safe location.  The students aboard the bus at the time the tornado warning is received shall: Evacuate to a nearby ditch, culvert, or low depression to the right of the bus. Be careful of possible rushing water in these places. Take refuge away from the bus so that it cannot topple on them. Avoid areas that are likely to be subjected to fallen power lines. Take refuge in a sturdy building or shelter, capable of

withstanding high winds. The school bus driver should escort the students.  In the event of a TORNADO WARNING, which is activated through the two-way radio channel, all drivers should clear the radio channel for communication of procedures and guidelines to the drivers. Only in EXTREME emergency or in case of injury, should the driver try to communicate by the two-way radio. If a driver has an emergency, the route number, location and type of injury should be given to the radio operator.  In the event of an injury, remain where you are and have the emergency vehicle or police come to you.  In the event there is not two-way radio communication, the driver should flag down an oncoming motorist and/or have an adult continue on for assistance, or use personal cell phone for communication. EARTHQUAKE Recommended Procedure  The possibility of an earthquake should be discussed with the students, and they should be instructed in the guidelines.  Stop and secure the bus in a safe

area away from buildings, overpasses, and electrical wires. Keep the 25        students on the bus. Instruct the students to assume a safe body position; lean forward, head down with arms over the head. After the tremor stops, first check for injuries to any student. Then check around the bus by use of the mirrors. Proceed ahead if the area is safe If you cannot continue driving the bus, keep the students aboard the bus until help arrives. If it is unsafe to stay aboard the bus, evacuate the students. Use the two-way radio, if working, to advise Transportation of your status. When evacuating the bus, take the first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. Stay out of buildings, away from electrical wires, overpasses, and openings in the ground. Keep the students together; remain calm, and use your own good judgment to make common sense decisions. FIRST AID First aid is the initial treatment given until medical assistance can be obtained. The school bus driver should be

primarily concerned about providing basic first aid until medical assistance arrives. To do this, the driver must be able to control bleeding, restore breathing, and treat for shock  Controlling bleeding. Send for medical help immediately Bleeding is best controlled by direct pressure over the wound. The best method is to place a clean dressing directly against the wound and apply pressure.  Restoration of breathing. Should a student stop breathing you should use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation Contact your driver trainer for training on how this procedure is to be properly performed. Should a student be choking, use the Heimlich Maneuver.  Treating for shock. The symptoms of shock are cold, clammy, and moist skin; perspiration on the face; and a fast, weak, or absent pulse. A vacant stare is a characteristic of shock, and a person may complain of illness. Have the student lie down and keep him/her calm. The student should be kept warm enough to prevent chilling Elevation of the

legs can help keep the flow of blood to the heart and head. Someone should stay with the student until help arrives. STUDENT MANAGEMENT You cannot be retained as a school bus driver unless you can manage the students who are assigned to your bus. STUDENT MANAGEMENT IS PRIMARILY A BUS DRIVERS RESPONSIBILITY. If it becomes clear after an extended period of time that property is damaged and student safety is threatened because of student conduct, it reflects on the driver. A driver must work within the policies and procedures of the School District to achieve proper student management. Proper management of the assigned students is a result of a continuous effort of the bus driver to follow the established policies and procedures. Student discipline concerns should be reported to the Transportation Administrative Assistant and the principal of the school where the student attends. The students should be told the rules and obligations the first day they ride the bus. Regulations for Pupils

Riding SCPS School Buses School bus transportation is authorized only for pupils regularly enrolled in public school in head start through grade twelve. The Transportation Department of the Spencer County Public School District provides you with the best equipment and drivers and with the safest program possible. The following regulations are furnished for your information and 26 compliance. We ask your cooperation * Due To Safety concerns for our students, all transportation pick-up/drop-off stops will be made door side. If a pick-up/drop off stop has extraordinary circumstances for the student’s safety/well-being, a review will be made and determined by the Superintendent/designee. * The privilege of riding a school bus is conditioned upon continued good behavior by the pupil. Any pupil who violates the rules or regulations for passengers on a school bus will be reported to the pupils principal. Continued unacceptable behavior may cause the pupil to lose bus riding privileges.

Walking to the Bus  Obey all traffic signs and signals.  Try to wear light clothing that motorists can see.  Do not accept rides or gifts from strangers.  Walk to your assigned bus stop.  Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.  Respect other peoples property. Items on the Bus  No knives, glass containers or other sharp objects.  No live, stuffed or preserved animals.  No objects that cannot be held in the pupils lap.  No items that will cause a disturbance or distract the driver’s attention. Pupils must not be permitted to bring anything on the bus that might frighten other passengers or distract the driver’s attention. Examples would include the following: live, dead, stuffed or preserved animals, fowl, fish, snakes, or insects. Pupils must not be permitted to bring any item on the bus that might block the center aisle, stepwell, entrance, door, emergency door, or any of the windows, or that would be dangerous in case of a collision, or

that would present a fire hazard, or that would take up pupil seating space. Footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, baseballs, and softballs may be brought on the bus but must be kept in an equipment bag in the possession of the owner at all times and not tossed about inside the bus. Since it is unsafe to have any object under the dashboard or blocking the center aisle or emergency door, the only musical instruments pupils are permitted to bring on the bus are those which can be confined to the lap of the owner or on the floor between the student’s feet. Instruments must not interfere with other students sharing the seat and must not be permitted to slide around the floor. Instruments that may be transported on a student’s lap are as follows: violin, trumpet/coronet/oboe, viola, clarinet (b flat), piccolo, alto clarinet, bells, flute. Instruments that may be transported on the floor between the student’s feet are as follows: bassoon, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, trombone, alto

saxophone, French horn. Instruments that are not permitted on the buses during the regular morning and afternoon bus runs, as they cannot be transported safely according to the state and local district policies are as follows: tuba, string bass, drums, cello, baritone horn, Sousaphone. Waiting for the Bus  Be at your bus stop at least 5 minutes ahead of time.  Respect other peoples property.  Line up and dont push when the bus arrives.  Do not stand in the road. Boarding the Bus  Only board the bus you are assigned to unless you have written permission from your principal.  Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding. 27     Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver motions you across. Use the handrail. Go quietly to your assigned seat and sit down. Do not stop to talk to your driver. Riding the Bus  Sit quietly.  Change seats ONLY when the bus driver gives you permission.  Do not stand in the stepwell or

landing, in front of the emergency door or any place that might block drivers view.  Be quiet at all railroad crossings and road intersections.  Open windows ONLY when the bus driver gives you permission.  Keep your arms, legs and head inside the bus.  Do not eat, drink, chew gum or smoke on the bus.  Keep all your items in your lap.  Report any damage to the bus to the driver when you leave the bus.  Do not throw items on or off the bus.  Do not do or say anything that might distract the drivers attention.  Obey any directions given to you by the bus driver. Leaving the Bus  Wait in your seat until the bus stops.  Do not crowd or push.  Use the handrail.  Do not jump off the steps.  Go directly home or into the school.  Leave the bus only at your assigned stop unless you have written permission from your principal. You cannot hope to effectively control your passengers until you know their names. This can be accomplished by greeting your

students daily on a first name basis. The students must realize that the bus driver is in control. Loss of temper is a sure sign that the driver has lost selfcontrol and, therefore, will surely lose control of the passengers Students can sense when this is taking place, and the driver will have a difficult time gaining their respect and, subsequently, control of the situation. It is a must that you maintain an even temperament with the students. Nothing will be gained by embarrassing or berating the students. There must be a mutual respect between passengers and the school bus driver If a student misbehaves aboard the bus:  Take steps to stop misbehavior as it occurs.  Talk to the student, individually, after the other riders have departed the bus. Explain why misbehavior will not be tolerated and describe the consequences of continued misbehavior.  If a student continues to misbehave after a conference with the driver, then the student should be reported to the principal for

possible disciplinary action. The report to the principal shall be made on the appropriate form. See 702 KAR 5:030, Sections 19 and 20 The driver should retain copies of all discipline reports made during the year.  Continued misbehavior by the same student will generate a discipline report form to the principal with each offense. Whenever a students misbehavior interferes with safe operation of the bus, the driver may request a conference with the parent and principal or may refer the student to the principal for disciplinary action. Tips on maintaining discipline:  Know your passengers. 28             Talk to the students without shouting, excitement or evidence of irritation. Never threaten the students with any action that cannot be enforced. Avoid showing favoritism. Overlooking the violation of conduct by one student will lose the respect of other students. Do not allow special privileges to any student. The moment a student gets out

line, deal with the student fairly and impartially and in the same manner you treat all such offenders. Your words and actions have tremendous influence on the students riding your bus. Do not berate any student in front of the other students riding the bus. Never lose your temper. Do not exchange "wisecracks" and gossip with the students. Do not put off until tomorrow the settling of minor problems, but "strike while the iron is hot." Do not threaten the entire bus load for the misdeeds of a few. After the rules have been presented to students, the driver must conscientiously apply the rules firmly and fairly. DOS AND DONTS OF DISCIPLINE DOS:       Always be courteous. Always control your temper. Act the part of a person in a responsible position, conscious of your important job. Inform pupils that they themselves have important responsibilities in assuring group safety. Seat troublemakers near you on a front seat. Be firm, fair, and consistent.

DONTS:  Do not be "one of the guys" with the students.  Do not be too lenient.  Do not make "wisecracks."  Do not threaten.  Do not shout.  Do not argue.  Do not use bad language (swear words or obscenities).  Do not create issues that have to be settled later.  Do not try to handle serious discipline problems while the bus is in motion.  Do not hold grudges.  Do not ever assume that everything is all right.  Do not make general statements to the whole bus load of students when restoring order.  Do not put a student off the bus for misconduct, unless endangering other students.  Do not appoint a student as a "monitor" or "tattletale." RADIO USE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IT IS UNLAWFUL  To transmit superfluous signals, messages, or communications of any kind on your radio transmitter.  To use profane, indecent, or obscene language. 29  To willfully damage

or permit radio apparatus to be damaged.  To cause unlawful or malicious interference with any other radio communications.  To intercept and use or publish the contents of any radio message without the expressed permission of the proper authorities in your department.  To make unnecessary or unidentified transmissions.  To transmit without first making sure that the intended transmission will not cause harmful interference.  To make any adjustment, repairs, or alterations whatsoever to your radio transmitter, It is required by law that only a professional radio technician, holding a second class license or higher, may make adjustments and repairs.  To deny access to your radio equipment if a properly identified representative of the Federal Communications Commission asks to inspect it. The equipment must be made available for inspection at any reasonable hour  To transmit a call signal, letter or numeral, which has not been assigned to your vehicle or station. Upon

conviction for any of the above offenses, the Communication Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, provides severe financial penalties and imprisonment, or both for the first offense. Operation of Two-way Radios in the Buses The two-way radio is licensed to the Spencer County Public Schools by the Federal Communications Commission in Washington and is an open air broadcast station. Since it is licensed to us by the Federal Communications Commission, the operation laws and regulations will be followed at all times. The following regulations are designed especially for buses with two-way radios.  Your radio has a regular on-off switch and volume control. When you enter your bus, turn the radio on, making sure the volume is turned up one-half or two-thirds; also be sure that you wait 60 seconds before trying to transmit, making absolutely sure that the key to your bus is in the "on" position. The volume will be determined by how loud you are receiving

other people on your unit  When you transmit, be sure the TALK button on the mike is pressed down and wait two seconds for REPEATER KEY LAG; then proceed with your message. Release the TALK button when you have finished talking and want to hear the response of the other person.  The radio is installed in your vehicle for the exclusive purpose of getting assistance, either in case of a breakdown, an accident, or for trouble with students. Pick up the mike, making sure that no one else is on the radio, and say "Route # to the bus garage. I am at Mill Road and Goodlett Road and need assistance" (giving full details). Bus Garage will give you any assistance you need For all practical purposes, you, your bus, and your radio are under the supervision of Transportation and its staff.  At no time can there be any temper flare-ups, obscene or profane language, or personal issues discussed on the radio. This is a business radio and should be used as such  Do not broadcast a

student name unless requested by an administrator.  When your bus is parked at night, you must make sure that the radio is off.  Emergency Operation - During all broadcasts to bus drivers detailing emergency procedures, messages will be broadcast by administrators in charge of the operation.  Misuse of the Federal Communications Commission regulations and the Districts regulations will result in disciplinary action. MANAGEMENT OF THE CHILD HAVING A CONVULSIVE SEIZURE1 Objective: To prevent injury to the child ►Observe the progression of symptoms during the seizure. Note the following:  First thing the child does in an attack--where the movements are  Type of movements of the part involved (stiffness starts, position of eyeballs and head)  Parts involved 30  Size of pupils (eyes)  Incontinence of urine and feces  Duration of each phase of the attack  Unconsciousness, if present, and its duration  Any obvious paralysis or weakness of arms or legs

after the attack  Inability to speak after the attack  Whether or not the child sleeps after the attack ►Support the child during the convulsive seizure.  Ensure an adequate airway.  Give child privacy and protection from curious onlookers.  Protect the head with padding to prevent head injury. Towels, blankets, coats, clothes, or book bags can be used. Loosen constrictive clothing. Provide protection without possibility of suffocation.  DO NOT attempt to pry open the mouth. DO NOT place your fingers inside the student’s mouth  Place child on his/her side during convulsion (if possible) to facilitate drainage of mucus and saliva. Do not attempt to lift child during the seizure; to do so may cause injury Instead of moving the child during a seizure, remove things that could cause injury.  Once convulsive movements have stopped, allow child to recover naturally. When appropriate (when child awakens), reorient the child to his/her environment. ►Emergency

Services  Contact 911 if: This is the child’s first seizure If the seizure last longer than 5 minutes If a second seizure begins shortly after the first If the child’s lips remain blue following the seizure 1 Lillian S. Brunner and Doris S Sudarth, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 4th ed. (Philadelphia: JB Lippincott Co, 1986) TO OBSERVE THE CHILD FOR RECURRENT SEIZURES ►Place child in a seat near the front of the bus where he/she can be watched closely. ►Check child frequently. Watch for and report to school or parents if you see the following: Behavior changes Irritability Restlessness Listlessness Care During a Seizure Maintain patient airway and adequate ventilation. Loosen tight clothing (belt, collar, etc.); turn child onto side to facilitate drainage or turn head to the side and point chin downward. This allows saliva and mucus to run out of the mouth and not be aspirated; the tongue will drop forward away from airway. During convulsions, the child is unable

to swallow This increases the possibility of aspiration because vomitus and increased secretions are frequently present. Do not attempt to place any object in the child’s mouth during a seizure Do not attempt to push an airway or tongue blade forcibly between front teeth. To do so may break or loosen teeth or injure lips. Never put your fingers into the childs mouth; the child may accidentally bite you during the seizure. Do not attempt to restrain the childs movements during convulsions. Restraint may increase the movements and their severity and could cause fracture if extreme spasticity is present. Lightly hold the childs hands to prevent him/her from banging them. - 31 - 702 KAR 5:030. Pupil transportation RELATES TO: KRS 156.160, 189540, 281605, 49 CFR 382101-382605 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 156.070, 156160, 189540, 49 CFR 382101-382605 NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 156.160 and 189540 require the Kentucky Board of Education to promulgate administrative regulations

relating to the safety of public school children, the transportation of children to and from school, and the operation of school buses. This administrative regulation provides the local board, the district superintendent, and principal with standards necessary to assist in administering the districts pupil transportation programs and to assure the safe operation of school buses and discipline. Section 1. A school district superintendent shall be responsible for the safe operation and general supervision of the districts pupil transportation program. The superintendent may designate another employee or other employees of the board to assist in carrying out this responsibility. Section 2. The superintendent shall require that a safety inspection be made on each school bus owned and operated by the board or contracted to the board at least once each month that the districts schools are in session. This inspection shall be made by a state approved inspector. If, upon inspection, a school

bus is found to be in unsafe operating condition, the superintendent shall withhold the bus from operation until the required repairs are made. The superintendent shall keep the records of the bus safety inspections on file Section 3. The superintendent shall make reports annually to the Department of Education on all school bus accidents that occurred during the year. Accidents involving serious student injury or fatality or failure of safety equipment shall be reported to KDE immediately KDE shall then distribute this information to all districts. Section 4. The superintendent shall provide the required school bus driver training before a school bus driver shall begin the duties of transporting pupils to and from school or events related to schools. This training shall at least include the school bus driver course prescribed by the Kentucky Board of Education, in accordance with 702 KAR 5:080, Sections 7 and 8 and shall be conducted by a state approved instructor. Evidence that the

driver has received this training shall be submitted to the Division of Pupil Transportation and a copy shall be retained by the district. Section 5. The superintendent shall be responsible for providing the required in-service school bus driver training which each school bus driver shall complete annually for approval renewal, in accordance with 702 KAR 5:080, Section 8. The in-service training shall include at least eight (8) hours of required instruction relevant to the core curriculum conducted by an approved instructor. Evidence that each driver has received this training shall be submitted to the Division of Pupil Transportation and a copy shall be retained by the district. Section 6. A superintendent shall require all drivers of school buses equipped with a crossing control arm to utilize the arm when loading or unloading students. The superintendent or designee, in consultation with the certified driver training instructor, shall have full authority as to the use of crossing

control arms on school grounds. Section 7. District school bus inspectors shall complete an annual four (4) hour update conducted by a state approved school bus inspector and instructor. Section 8. The training required to be designated as a state approved inspector is provided in the "Pupil Transportation Management Manual", Chapter 6, as revised April 1998. Section 9. A superintendent shall implement a controlled substance and alcohol use and testing program in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Regulations 382, Section 101 through 605. Section 10. A district shall provide the owner of any school bus or special type vehicle that is contracted to the board for the transportation of the district’s pupils with a written contract each school year in which the responsibilities of the contractor are clearly established. Section 11. A district shall require the owner of any school bus or special type vehicle contracted to the board to provide a performance bond each school

year in the amount that the district deems necessary. Section 12. In route planning and purchasing or contracting for school buses, a district shall work toward providing a sufficient number of school buses to allow each student a seated position that affords the occupant protected compartmentalization and complies with 702 KAR 5:080, Section 11. Section 13. Before a district transfers title to a school bus to another party other than a Kentucky school district, the district shall: (1) Remove all district identification from a board-owned school bus before transferring the title to the school bus to another party. A contract issued by the board to a school bus contractor shall contain a clause requiring the school bus contractor to remove all district identification lettering from the school bus when it is no longer under contract to the district; and (2) Make the stop signal arm and the red flashing warning lights, strobe lights and crossing control arms inoperable by disconnection or

removal. - 32 - Section 14. A district shall develop a plan providing all pupils instruction in school bus pupil safety each school year The district shall conduct two (2) evacuations each semester with the first evacuation each semester being conducted within the first week in accordance with the Driver Training Instructor Manual, Chapter Eleven (11). The district shall retain documentation of emergency evacuation performance. Educational films, safety demonstrations or related information as approved by the Kentucky Department of Education, may supplement emergency evacuation drills. Section 15. A district shall not permit a radio, tape, or communication system to be installed or operated on the school bus that is not under the direct control of the bus driver. Any installed radio, tape or communication system shall be per the original equipment manufacturer’s specifications. Section 16. A district shall designate a physician, physician’s assistant, or an advanced registered

nurse practitioner to perform the physical examination required for all school bus drivers. The district shall retain a current physical examination record or physical fitness certification for each school bus driver. Section 17. A principal or designee shall be responsible for the organization and operation of a system of adequate supervision of the pupils as they enter and leave the school buses at the school. Section 18. Each local board of education shall have a policy on responsibilities of pupils who are transported in district vehicles Section 19. A principal or designee shall be responsible for the discipline of pupils who ride school buses The principal shall assist the school bus driver with school bus discipline problems when the school bus driver properly reports on the discipline problem either in person or in writing. Section 20. A pupil who creates a serious safety or discipline problem or persists in creating serious discipline problems on the school bus shall be

reported to the principal or designee to handle bus discipline problems. The principal or designee may suspend the pupil bus riding privileges until the problem is resolved. A student whose bus riding privileges have been suspended shall not be allowed on the bus again until the driver receives permission by the principal or his designee. Section 21. A school bus driver shall maintain a current ridership list for all routes and trips Section 22. A local board of education that owns, operates, or contracts school buses that transport the district’s pupils to and from school shall purchase liability or indemnity insurance for these school buses. The coverage limits shall be at least the amounts below: Bodily injury/property damage $2,000,000 per occurrence combined or $250,000/$2,000,000 split Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage $500,000 "No fault" coverage 20,000 per passenger Section 23. If there are pupils transported on school buses or other vehicles contracted

to the board, the board shall enter into an agreement with the contractor to secure fleet rates for liability or indemnity insurance for these vehicles. Section 24. The Kentucky Standard School Bus Endorsement, which is furnished by the Commissioner of Education to insurers that have been awarded school bus insurance coverage, shall be attached to and become part of the school bus insurance contract after having been signed by an official of the insuring company having the proper corporate authority to sign the document. Section 25. The following federal administrative regulation is adopted without change: "Federal Motor Carrier Regulations 382, Section 101 through 605" last amended 1997. Section 26. Incorporation by Reference (1) The following documents are incorporated by reference: (a) "Pupil Transportation Management Manual", April 1998; and (b) "Driver Trainer Instructors Manual", July 9, 1995. (2) These documents may be inspected, copied, or

obtained, subject to applicable copyright law at the Office of District Support Services, Department of Education, 15th Floor, Capitol Plaza Tower, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 4:30 pm (SBE 24260; 1 KyR 1051; eff 6-11-75; Am 11 KyR 1876; eff 7-9-85; 13 KyR 2092; eff 7-2-87; 15 Ky.R 1557; eff 2-3-89; 16 KyR 198; eff 10-8-89; 17 KyR 435; 1354; eff 10-14-90; 2036; eff 2-7-91; 18 KyR 477; eff 11-8-91; 3027; 3388; eff. 6-7-92; 21 KyR 1945; eff 4-6-95; 29 KyR 1341; eff 1-16-2003) - 33 - 702 KAR 5:080. Bus drivers qualifications, responsibilities, and training RELATES TO: KRS 156.160, 161011, 189540, 49 CFR 382101-382605 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 156.160(1), 189540 NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 156.160(1) requires the Kentucky Board of Education to promulgate administrative regulations relating to the transportation of children to and from school and to medical inspections and other matters deemed relevant to the protection of the

physical welfare and safety of public school children. KRS 189540 requires the Kentucky Board of Education to promulgate administrative regulations governing the design and operation of school buses. This administrative regulation establishes the qualifications and responsibilities of the school bus driver. Section 1. (1)(a) A local board of education shall require annual medical examination of each school bus driver or driver of a special vehicle used to transport school children to and from school and events related to the school. (b) To ensure student safety, a district may require a school bus driver to pass a routine medical examination or a special type medical examination more often than annually at the district’s expense. (c) A current Medical Examination Report, form TC94-35E and supplement (TC 94-35E and the Supplement to TC 94-35E) for each school bus driver shall be retained by the district. (2) The medical examination shall include tests for: (a) Hearing and vision

disorders; (b) Emotional instability; and (c) Serious medical conditions including: 1. Diabetes; 2. Epilepsy; 3. Heart disease; and 4. Other chronic or communicable diseases if indicated in the opinion of the licensed medical examiner (3) The examination shall include risk assessment and appropriate follow-through, as established in 704 KAR 4:020, Section 1, for tuberculosis upon initial employment. (4) A medical examination of a school bus driver shall be reported on the Medical Examination Report, form TC94-35E and supplement, and shall be submitted to the local superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. Section 2. (1)(a) A criminal records and driving history check shall be performed by a local district on school bus drivers prior to initial employment and after a break in service (excluding summers). (b)1. Employment shall be contingent upon meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection 2. A local board of education shall adopt policies outlining employment

qualifications as related to these criminal records and driving history checks. (c) A school bus driver shall immediately report to the local superintendent or the superintendent’s designee a: 1. Revocation of the drivers license; 2. Conviction for DUI or DWI; 3. Conviction for reckless driving; or 4. Citation for a moving motor vehicle violation, including: a. DUI or DWI; b. Reckless driving; or c. A violation of state or local law governing motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation (2)(a) Controlled substance and alcohol use testing shall be a condition of employment for anyone in a safety sensitive position, including: 1. School bus drivers; 2. School bus mechanics; and 3. Other safety-sensitive jobs requiring a CDL license (b) The controlled substance and alcohol use testing program shall include the following tests: 1. Preemployment testing (controlled substance only); 2. Postaccident testing; 3. Random testing; and 4. Reasonable suspicion testing (c)

Prospective employees who have tested positive for a controlled substance within the last five (5) years shall not be considered for employment to drive a school bus or the performance of safety-sensitive services related to pupil transportation. (d) A school bus driver, school bus mechanic, or anyone performing safety-sensitive pupil transportation duties having a confirmed positive test for a controlled substance shall be relieved of those duties immediately and not be eligible for reemployment for five (5) years. (e) A school bus driver, school bus mechanic, or anyone performing safety-sensitive pupil transportation duties who tests at 0.02 percent or higher on the confirmation alcohol test immediately before, during, or immediately following the performance of these duties shall be relieved of these duties immediately and not be eligible for reemployment in a safety-sensitive position for five (5) years. (f) A person shall not be employed as a school bus driver if convicted within

the past five (5) years of DUI or DWI. (g)1. A person shall not drive a school bus unless the person is physically or mentally able to operate a school bus safely and satisfactorily. 2. If there is limitation of motion in joints, neck, back, arms, legs, or other body parts, due to injury or disease that may limit the drivers ability to safely perform the task of driving a school bus or performing other driver responsibilities, the person shall not be employed as a school bus driver. 3. Pursuant to KRS 161011, a temporarily-injured or ill bus driver may be assigned duties other than driving until the employee regains the ability to safely perform school bus driver duties. (h) A driver taking medication either by prescription or without prescription shall report to the immediate supervisor and shall not drive if that medication may affect the drivers ability to safely drive a school bus or perform other driver responsibilities. - 34 - Section 3. (1) A person shall not drive a school

bus unless the person has: (a) Visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellan) in each eye either without corrective lenses or by correction with corrective lenses; (b) Form field vision of not less than a total of 140 degrees; and (c) The ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber. (2) A driver requiring correction by corrective lenses shall wear properly prescribed corrective lenses at all times while driving. Section 4. (1) A person shall not drive a school bus if the persons hearing is less than 7/15 in the better ear, or if hearing loss is greater than forty (40) decibels if an audiogram is used, for conversational tones, with or without a hearing aid. (2) A driver requiring a hearing aid shall wear properly operating aids at all times while driving. Section 5. A school bus driver shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age Section 6. (1) A school bus driver shall have a current, valid Commercial Driver’s License with

applicable endorsements and restrictions. (2)(a) Prior to acceptance into the school bus driver training program, a driver applicant shall be required to demonstrate driving skills judged by a certified driver training instructor to meet acceptable performance standards as outlined in Preemployment Road Test found in the School Bus Drivers Curriculum Instructor’s Manual. (b) The Preemployment Road Test Score Sheet supplied by the Department of Education shall become a part of the drivers training record. (c) A driver shall demonstrate the following skill levels: 1. Vehicle knowledge; and 2. Driver ability to a. Perform steering, maneuvering, and braking; b. Use mirrors; c. Demonstrate (i) Ninety (90) degree left hand turns steering technique; (ii) Ninety (90) degree right hand turns steering technique; (iii) Correct operating posture; (iv) Visual awareness; (v) Backing ability using mirrors only; and (vi) Demonstration of spatial awareness. Section 7. (1) Minimum training

requirements to become a school bus driver shall consist of the training course developed by the Kentucky Department of Education and three (3) driver review, evaluation, and instruction components. (2) A person shall not be certified to teach the school bus driver training curriculum until that person has: (a) Satisfactorily completed a minimum of thirty-three (33) of hours classroom and driving instruction conducted by the Department of Education and relevant to the driver training curriculum; and (b) Been issued an instructor’s certificate by the commissioner of education. (3) Instructors shall be required to renew their certificates annually by completing six (6) hours of update training conducted by the Department of Education. (4) The School Bus Driver Training Course core curriculum shall consist of the following instructional units and minimum instructional times: (a) Laws and regulations, which shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time; (b) Driving

fundamentals, which shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time; (c) Care and maintenance, which shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time; (d) Critical situations one, which shall include at least one (1) hours of instructional time; (e) Incidents and emergency procedures, which shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time; (f) Pupil management, which shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time; (g) First aid, which shall include at least one (1) hours of instructional time; (h) Special education transportation, which shall include at least one (1) hours of instructional time; (i) Extracurricular trips, which shall include at least one (1) hours of instructional time; (j) Vehicle operations, which shall include at least three (3) hours of instructional time; (k) Vehicle control at speed, which shall include at least one (1) hours of instructional time; and (l) Bus route identification, driver review and instruction, which

shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time. (5) Upon successful completion of the core curriculum, the school bus driver applicant shall complete the following: (a) Driver review I, evaluation and instruction, which shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time within the first five (5) days of driving; (b) Driver review II, evaluation and instruction, which shall include at least two (2) hours of instructional time after not less than twenty (20) days and not more than thirty (30) days of driving; and (c)1. Driver review III evaluation and instruction, which shall include at least one (1) hour of instructional time within three (3) to six (6) months of completion of driver review II. 2. Driver review III shall be done with students on the bus Section 8. (1)(a) Prior to the beginning of each school year, a certified driver shall complete an eight (8) hour training update relevant to the curriculum. (b) Each district shall be responsible for planning and

conducting its own update based on the needs of its drivers and to ensure student safety. A district unable to administer its own eight (8) hour update shall receive prior written approval from the Department of Education before sending a driver to receive the training from another district. (2) Discontinuance of driver employment and subsequent reemployment shall require the driver to become requalified by a training update within the twelve (12) month period following the driver’s certification termination date. - 35 - (3) A driver who does not complete the training update and recertification as required by subsection (2) of this section shall be required to complete the beginning training program. Section 9. If an emergency makes it necessary for the driver to leave the bus while pupils are on board, the driver shall: (1) Move the bus to a safe location if possible; (2) Stop the engine; (3) Shift the bus to low gear or place in neutral if automatic equipped; (4) Set the

parking brake; (5) Remove the ignition key; and (6) Place one (1) of the older responsible pupils in charge during the drivers absence if appropriate. Section 10. A driver shall operate the school bus at all times in a manner that provides the maximum amount of safety and comfort for the pupils under the circumstances. Section 11. (1) A driver shall supervise the seating of the pupils on the bus and may assign a pupil to a specific seat on the bus (2)(a) The driver shall make certain the seating capability of the bus has been fully utilized before any pupil is permitted to stand in the bus aisle. (b) A driver shall not permit pupils to stand: 1. In the stepwell or landing area; 2. If the pupil would likely fall out of the bus if the emergency door were opened; or 3. If the drivers view directly in front of the bus or to either side of the front of the bus would be obscured (3) A driver shall report to the superintendent or a designee an overcrowded condition on the bus. Section 12. (1)

A driver shall transport only those pupils officially assigned to a particular bus trip unless an unassigned pupil presents the driver with a written permit to ride the bus trip that has been signed by the school principal or a designee. (2) Except as provided in Section 18(2)(c) and (d) of this administrative regulation, a driver shall not permit an assigned pupil to leave the bus at a stop other than where the pupil regularly leaves the bus unless presented with a written permission signed by the principal or a designee. Section 13. A driver shall not transport a person who is not a student, including adult employees of the board, unless provided with written permission from the district superintendent or a designee. Section 14. A board of education shall develop a policy regarding what may or shall not be transported on a school bus The policy shall include the following: (1)(a) A driver shall not knowingly permit any firearms or weapons, either operative or ceremonial, to be

transported on the bus. (b) The driver shall not knowingly permit fireworks or other explosive materials of any type to be transported on the bus; (2) A driver shall not permit to be transported on the bus: (a) live animals, except for an animal that is: 1. To enable a person to safely utilize the bus transportation as documented by: a. Adequate medical evidence; or b. A students Individual Education Plan; and 2. Not a risk to other bus riders; (b) A preserved specimen that would likely frighten a pupil or cause a commotion on the bus; or (c) Glass objects or helium balloons; and (3) A driver shall not permit the transportation of an object that may block the bus aisle or exits. Section 15. A driver shall not permit a pupil to operate the entrance door handle or any other bus control except in case of an emergency. Section 16. (1) A driver shall activate the flashing amber signal lights at least 150 feet, if available, or a sufficient distance from a bus stop to warn motorists of the

intended stop. (2) Once the bus comes to a complete stop, the driver shall follow the loading and unloading procedure outlined in Chapter 7 of the School Bus Drivers Curriculum Instructor’s Manual. Section 17. For safety reasons, a driver shall not permit fueling of the bus while pupils are on board the bus Section 18. If a pupils conduct on the bus makes it unsafe for the bus to continue on its route, the driver shall: (1) Make a determination as to the potential danger to other students on the bus; and (2) Take action against the student by: (a) Requesting that the student stop engaging in the prohibited conduct; (b) If feasible, sending for assistance if the student fails to comply with the drivers order or request; (c) Ordering the student to leave the bus; or (d) Ejecting the pupil from the bus. 1. Ejecting a pupil from the bus shall be done only in the most extreme circumstances 2. If a student has been ejected from a bus as the result of conduct specified in subsection (1) of

this section, the driver shall notify the immediate supervisor who shall notify the appropriate district authorities, who shall subsequently notify the student’s parent or legal guardian according to local board policy. - 36 - Section 19. A school bus driver shall stop the bus at all places where the roadway crosses a railroad track or tracks at the grade level. The stop shall be made not less than fifteen (15) feet and not more than fifty (50) feet from the nearest track (1) After making the stop, the driver shall: (a) Set the parking brake; (b) Shift to neutral; (c) Activate the noise abatement switch; (d) Open the service door and driver side window; and (e) Carefully look in each direction and listen for approaching trains before proceeding. (2) If visibility is impaired at a crossing, after stopping the driver may allow the vehicle to roll forward to gain required visibility before proceeding. (3) When a driver has ascertained that it is safe for the bus to cross the

railroad tracks, the driver shall: (a) Close the bus entrance door; (b) Shift the bus into the lowest gear; (c) Release the parking brake; (d) Proceed immediately to cross the railroad tracks; and (e) Turn the noise abatement switch off when safe to do so. Section 20. A driver shall perform and document a pretrip inspection of the bus safety and operating equipment each time that the bus is taken out for the transportation of pupils. Section 21. (1) A school bus driver shall not operate the school bus at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit on any section of highways over which the bus travels. (2) A driver shall not drive the school bus on any roadway at any time at a speed if the conditions of the roadway, weather conditions, or other extenuating circumstances may make it unsafe. Section 22. A driver shall wear the drivers seat belt at all times that the bus is operated Section 23. A stop signal arm and flashing warning lights shall be used only at stops where pupils are

boarding or leaving the bus Section 24. A driver shall not use tobacco products on the school bus and shall not permit pupils to use tobacco products on the school bus. Section 25. A driver shall signal pupils to board or leave the bus when the driver has determined that any visible approaching traffic has come to a complete stop and is not attempting to start up or pass the bus. Section 26. (1) A driver shall not operate a school bus while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any illegal drug or other drug. (2) A driver found under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug while on duty or with remaining driving responsibilities that same day shall be dismissed from employment. Section 27. A driver of a school bus shall be on the bus at all times students are loading or unloading Section 28. A driver shall inspect the school bus at the completion of each bus run to ensure that students do not remain on the bus. Section 29. Incorporation by Reference (1) The following

material is incorporated by reference: (a) "Medical Examination Report", Form TC 94-35E and Supplement to TC 94-35E, October 2007; (b) "Preemployment Road Test”, Score Sheet January 2002; and (c) "School Bus Drivers Curriculum Instructor’s Manual", October 2007. (2) This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Pupil Transportation Branch, Department of Education, 15th Floor, Capital Plaza Tower, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 4:30 pm (24 KyR 1431; Am 1879; eff 3-16-98; 1932; 5-18-98; 25 KyR 1463; eff 2-18-99; 26 KyR 173; eff 9-16-99; 1590; eff. 4-12-2000; 27 KyR 222; eff 9-11-2000; 1069; eff 12-21-2000; 1864; 2436; eff 3-19-01; 3155; 28 KyR 80; eff 7-16-01; 455; 861; eff. 10-15-01; 1192; eff 1-14-02; 1916; 2202; eff 4-15-02; 2726; 29 KyR 705; eff 9-16-02; 1093; 1775; 2156; eff 1-1603; 2156; 2465; eff 4-11-03; 2984; eff 8-13-03; 30 KyR 2107; eff 5-24-04; 31 KyR

1442; 1657; eff 4-22-05; 32 KyR 125; 481; eff. 10-7-05; 1332; 1614; eff 3-31-06; 33 KyR 227; 760; eff 10-6-06; 2135; 2942; eff 4-6-07; 34 KyR 624; 1418; eff 1-4-2008) - 37 - 702 KAR 5:150. Transportation of preschool children RELATES TO: KRS 156.160, 157226, 1573175, 189540 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 156.160, 189540 NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 156.150 requires the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) to promulgate administrative regulations regarding the transportation of children to and from school. KRS 189540 requires the KBE to promulgate administrative regulations to govern the design and operation of Kentucky school buses. This administrative regulation provides school districts with guidelines necessary to provide transportation for preschool children. Section 1. (1) A local board of education shall require each school bus transporting three (3) and four (4) year old children to be staffed with a minimum of one (1) driver assistant who is qualified and trained to

assist in the transportation of three (3) and four (4) year old children by a certified local board of education school bus driver training instructor. If the driver assistant is not a volunteer and is to receive pay or other remuneration for serving as a driver assistant or school bus monitor, the employed driver assistant shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age. (2) The driver training instructor shall qualify the driver assistant with training in student entrance of bus, student exiting from bus, safety rules of transportation, first aid as it pertains to emergency and immediate care, emergency evacuation, and student management as it relates to seated positions and seat occupancy. (3) The Division of Pupil Transportation of the Department of Education shall provide the curriculum for driver assistant training. (4) The number of assistants required for any one (1) school bus shall be recommended to the superintendent by the driver training instructor or the transportation

director. (5) Liability insurance shall be provided for the driver assistant as a named insured. Section 2. It shall be the responsibility of the parent, guardian, or person authorized by the parent of a preschool child to provide safe supervision to and from the bus stop and delivery to and receipt from the driver assistant. Section 3. (1) A driver assistant shall be responsible to deliver and receive the child safely to and from the parent, guardian or person authorized by the parent in writing. Three (3) and four (4) year old children who cross a roadway shall be escorted by the driver assistant. (2) A three (3) or four (4) year old child shall not be left unattended at the time of delivery. (3) If the parent, guardian or a person authorized by the parent to accept the child is not present upon delivery, the child shall be taken to a prearranged location. (17 KyR 693; eff 12-7-90; Am 18 KyR 481; eff 10-6-91; 20 KyR 2361; eff 3-23-94; 23 KyR 2268; 2821; eff. 2-6-97; 29 KyR 1348;

1792; eff 1-16-2003) - 38 - - 39 - - 40 - RESOURCES Kentucky Department of Education. School Bus Drivers Curriculum Frankfort, KY: Commonwealth of Kentucky Kentucky State Police. Kentucky Commercial Driver License Manual Frankfort, KY: Commonwealth of Kentucky Spencer County Public Schools. Policies and Procedures Manual Spencerville, KY: Spencer County Public Schools. Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and Student Discipline Code Spencerville, KY: Spencer County Board of Education - 41 - SAMPLE FORMS ONLY - 42 - FIELD TRIP APPLICATION Rev. 08/10, 05/12 tp *INSERT FIELD TRIP APPLICATION Information Related to Field Trips Teacher must: 1.* Provide bus driver with bus roster before leaving school grounds. 2. Follow driver’s directions as to the time bus must leave to return home. Departure time for all field trips is 9:00 a.m and the buses are to be back at school by 1:45 p.m 3. Check Bus for cleanliness before and after trip. 4.* See that all

seats have no more than 2 people per seat unless total passengers exceed 48 but not exceeding 50(including staff and chaperones). 5. See that adult chaperone in charge on each bus is a Board employee. Driver must: 1. Explain evacuation procedure before leaving school grounds. 2.* Have bus roster on bus. 3. Secure all items that might move around with straps or net. 4.* See that total passengers do not exceed 50 people. 5. Drive at required speed limit (not to exceed posted speed limit). 6. Inform adult chaperone as to what time bus must leave to return. 7. See that adult chaperones sit near emergency exits *Does not have to be enforced on in-county trips. - 43 - *Insert Driver’s Report on Field Trip - 44 - * Insert Time Sheet* - 45 - *Insert Student Discipline Form - 46 - *Insert Bus Evacuation Form - 47 - - 48 -