9010 - Guidelines for Utah School Buses and Operators

Pupil Management

Pupil management involves the combined effort of four distinct groups of individuals. An effective program must have the support of the 1) school district, 2) school bus drivers, 3) pupils, and 4) parents. A comprehensive pupil management program is designed to share the responsibility for pupil's safety and well being, as well as protecting the interests of all others involved in the program.

SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Establish the policies and procedures by which the program functions.
2. Establish pupil regulations governing the behavior and safety of pupils while on the bus and at the bus stop.
3. Institute and administer an instructional program that teaches pupils proper conduct and safety procedures.    
4. Conduct a training program for school bus drivers to ensure that all policies, procedures and regulations are understood and why they must be enforced.
5. Ensure that parents receive written copies of bus rules and regulations.
6. Clearly establish their roles and obligations with respect to pupil promptness, attitude and behavior.
7. Provide training in pupil management skills that extends beyond the scope of enforcing rules and regulations.

DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Drivers should be familiar with all rules, policies and procedures affecting pupil transportation.
2. Drivers need to establish rapport with each building administrator and work to ensure proper conduct and communications.
3. Drivers should establish proper rapport with pupils.
4. Drivers should instruct pupils in proper behavior, general procedures and drills.
5. Drivers should maintain order as a safety practice and stress the following points and procedures:

1. Minimize interior noise.
2. Control passenger movement.
3. Require an orderly entrance and exit.
4. Eliminate movement or potential movement of objects.
5. Require silence at railroad crossings.
6. Prohibit transportation of unauthorized materials.
7. Drivers should handle minor infractions through seat assignments or discussions with pupil passengers.
8. Drivers, in instances of serious or recurring misconduct, must use appropriate written forms to describe violations to persons dealing with discipline problems.

PUPIL RESPONSIBILITIES

Proper pupil behavior is important. The distraction of the driver can contribute to accidents. Pupils and parents should be made aware of and abide by reasonable regulations to enhance safety. The consequences of unacceptable behavior should be clearly understood. The following procedures will protect the pupil's rights and maintain order on the bus.

A.    Pupils must be aware that they are responsible for their action and behavior.
B.    Pupils must know what the rules and procedures are and abide by them.
C.    Pupils must display proper respect for the rights and comfort of others.
D.    Pupils should realize that school bus transportation can be denied if they do not conduct themselves properly.
E.    Pupils should be aware that any driver distraction is potentially hazardous to their safety.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES (regarding rules and regulations):

A.    Become familiar with them.
B.    Encourage children to abide by them.
C.    Assist children in understanding them.    .
D.    Recognize their responsibilities for the actions of their children.
E.    Effect desirable changes in their children's behavior.
F.    Support safe riding practices.
G.    Support procedures for emergency evacuation.
H.    Support procedures for safely crossing the highway before boarding and after leaving the bus.
I.    Support procedures to follow in emergencies.
J.    Support respect for the rights and privileges of others.

PUPIL RULES - SCHOOL BUS

1. Pupil shall arrive at the bus stop before the bus arrives.
2. Pupil shall wait in a safe place, clear of traffic and away from where the bus stops.
3. Pupil shall wait in an orderly line and avoid horseplay.
4. Pupil shall cross the road or street in front of the bus only after the bus has come to a complete stop and upon direction of the driver.
5. Pupil shall go directly to an available or assigned seat when entering the bus.
6. Pupil shall remain seated and keep aisles and exits clear.
7. Pupil shall observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.
8. Pupil shall refrain from throwing or passing objects on, from or into buses.
9. Pupil is permitted to carry only objects that can be held on his/her lap.
10. Pupil shall refrain from the use of profane language, tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substance on the bus.
11. Pupil shall refrain from eating and drinking on the bus.
12. Pupil shall not carry hazardous materials, nuisance items and animals onto the bus.
13. Pupil shall respect the rights and safety of others.
14. Pupil shall refrain from leaving or boarding the bus at locations other than the assigned stops at home or school.
15. Pupil shall refrain from extending head, arms, or objects our of the bus windows.
16. Pupil shall refrain from hitching rides via the rear bumper or other parts of the bus.