SCHOOL BUS DRIVER HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 SCHOOL BUS DRIVER HANDBOOK Ascension Parish School Board Transportation Department Sorrento, Louisiana Transportation Director Chad Lynch Transportation Supervisor Larry Grant Transportation Coordinator Aubrey Yates Transportation Secretary Chris Mitchell Last revision 9/15/17

2 David Alexander Superintendent Patricia Russo Board President District 7B Taft Kleinpeter Vice President District 5B 1100 Webster Street Donaldsonville, LA (225) (Gonzales) (225) (Donaldsonville) Robyn Penn Delaney, District 1 Scott Duplechein, District 2 Julie Blouin, District 3 Kerry Diez, District 4A John Murphy, District 4B Shawn Sevario, District 5A Lorraine Wimberly, District 6A Louis Lambert, District 6B Troy Gautreau, Sr., District 7A FOREWORD The purposes of this handbook are: (1) to set forth the rules, regulations, and guidelines which will result in an improved transportation system; (2) to provide the basis for an overall improvement in the school transportation program; and, (3) to guide all persons involved with the Student Transportation process towards excellent support of the Public Education process The school bus driver assumes an important role in all phases of the transportation program, but of special significance, is the driver s role in connection with the safety aspects of transportation. The safest highways and the very best buses are important, but a complete safety program can be developed only in direct relation to the safety of the operation of the bus. Since the bus driver has in his care the lives of many children, his major responsibility is their safety. Toward this end, the driver is morally, as well as legally, responsible to conduct herself/himself at all times in the discharge of her/his duties in such a manner that every precaution can be taken to afford maximum protection to the children. The school bus driver is responsible to the School Board, the Superintendent. The Supervisor of Transportation and the Principal in all his actions insofar as the safe and efficient handling of the bus is concerned. The school bus driver is responsible for familiarizing himself with policies of the School Board concerning transportation, to acquaint himself with state and local traffic laws governing the operation of motor vehicles, and to participate in all meetings, conferences, and training courses which will improve pupil transportation in the Parish. She/he is responsible for the proper care, repair, maintenance, and inspection of the bus in addition to following safe operating practices. It is of vital importance that the school bus driver maintains the highest efficiency as far as health is concerned if maximum safety is to be afforded those who ride the bus daily. The driver must be punctual and reliable if good public relations are to be maintained between the school and home.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 - School Bus Driver a. Your Work b Transportation Organizational Chart c. Transportation Department Contacts Chapter 2 - Learn About Policies and Regulations a. For Your Information b. Loyalty c. Courtesy d. Smoking e. Absences f. Administrators on Campus g. Traffic Tickets h. Address and Telephone Change i. Employee Benefits j. Appearance k. Driver s License l. Performance Appraisal Chapter 3 - Know Your Duties and Responsibilities a. A Good Bus Driver Should b. Your Responsibility To--the Principal/Students c. While Students Are on the Bus, You Should d. Miscellaneous Duties Chapter 4- Maintenance Responsibilities a. Proper Maintenance of Your Bus b. Pre-Trip Inspection c. Use of Spare Buses for Bus Breakdowns d. Replace Any Fuel Consumed Chapter 5 - Substitute Bus Drivers a. Availability of Substitutes b. Special Rules for Substitutes c. How Substitute Drivers are Paid d. To Become a Sub Bus Driver Chapter 6 - Regular Routes a. Bidding on Routes b. Order of Bus Stops c. Flooded Street Procedures School d. School Arrival Time e. Administering Medication f. Student Rosters g. Reporting a Breakdown h. Extra Trip Forms i. Guidelines for Establishing Bus Stops Chapter 7 - Practice School Safety a. How the Ascension Parish School Board Promotes Safety b. Drug Policy c. How You Can Promote Safety

4 Chapter 8 - What To Do In Case Of an Accident Chapter 9 - What to Do In Case a Vehicle Runs Your Stop Arms Chapter 10 - Procedures for School Closure a. The Superintendent b. Schools c. Bus Drivers d. Local Broadcast Chapter 11 Emergency Routes a. Emergency Routes b. Field Trips Chapter 12 - Special Education Transportation Guidelines a. Responsibility of Bus Operator and Aide b. See Special Education Manual for Further Information Chapter 13 Filling Vacant Driver Positions a. Qualifications for Consideration b. Guidelines for Maintaining the list of sub bus drivers c. Guidelines for filling a bus route vacancy using the list of substitute drivers Appendices A. Bus Driver Job Description B. Bus Driver Aide Job Description C. Bus Seating Arrangement Form D. Pre-Trip Inspection Form E. Employee Conduct Policy GBRA F. Field Trips and Excursions Policy IFCB G. Student Transportation Management Policy ED H. Responsibility for Vehicle Operation Policy EDBA I. Student Transportation Safety Program Policy EDC J. School Bus Safety Policy EDCA K. Sick Leave Policy GBRIB L. Maternity Leave, GBRIC M. Substance Abuse Testing For Holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses Policy GAMEB N. State of Louisiana Incident Form O. Extra Trip Form P. School Board Member Listing Q. Consent to release official driving records R. Substance Abuse Policy Statement/Agreement

5 CHAPTER 1 SCHOOL BUS DRIVER YOUR WORK YOUR RESPONSIBILITY YOUR EMPLOYER YOUR SUPERVISOR YOUR PASSENGERS PARENTS YOUR FELLOW EMPLOYEES YOURSELF YOUR VEHICLE YOUR PUBLIC Safety and efficiency in operating a school bus to transport precious lives daily requires dedicated personnel. The health, safety, and welfare of students are at stake. The school district has the responsibility for hiring you and making sure you carry out your responsibility. You as a bus driver need to cooperate with and exhibit loyalty to your supervisor. You must use equipment properly in regard to the safety of all persons and other vehicles at all times and in all places. You should have sympathetic understanding of problems, moods and individual differences of students. Your communication to parents, knowledge of school policy and bus safety rules promotes a cooperative state of mind that will build safety habits in a child. You must have sincere respect others and be co-operative in your relationship to those with whom you work. You must be sure you are in the proper physical and mental condition to conduct a safe trip every day. You must make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy before each trip. The community may judge the school by the way you drive, talk, and look; You are a Public Relations Agent. Chain of Command Asst. Principal, Principal Supervisor of Transportation, Superintendent of Schools A driver should go through the proper chain of command when dealing with bus problems

6 2017 Organizational Chart Transportation Department Superintendent David Alexander Assistant Superintendent Denise Graves Director of PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION Chad Lynch Supervisor of TRANSPORTATION Larry Grant Transportation Secretary Vacant Coordinator of Transportation Aubrey Yates Transportation Contacts: Director of Planning and Construction Chad Lynch Supervisor of Transportation Transportation Coordinator Transportation Secretary Transportation Office:

7 CHAPTER 2 LEARN ABOUT POLICIES AND REGULATIONS FOR YOUR INFORMATION As a bus driver of the Ascension Parish School Board you should understand and will be responsible for the information contained in: School Bus Driver Handbook Ascension Parish School Board Employee Handbook LA Administrative Code, Title 28, Bulletin 119 Louisiana School Transportation Specs and Procedures State of Louisiana Vehicle Code LA Revised Statute School rules and procedures The following Transportation Bulletins have been rescinded: Bulletin School Transportation Handbook Bulletin Minimum Standards for School Buses Bulletin Louisiana Operational and Vehicle Maintenance LOYALTY Work with your employer, not against him/her. Carry out orders with good grace. If you have any complaints, address them to the Principal or Assistant Principal in charge of transportation at the school level. This person is your immediate supervisor. Complaints not satisfied at this level shall be directed to the Supervisor of Transportation at the school board level. COURTESY Since your position requires direct contact with the public, their opinion of our school system depends on your courtesy, patience, and willingness to serve. Remember, you are the first person in the school system to greet students and the last person in the school system to say good-bye each day. SMOKING Smoking is prohibited on the bus for all passengers and drivers, at ALL TIMES.

8 ABSENCES If you are unable to report for duty as a regular driver, you are responsible for calling a substitute from the approved substitute list. All absences, the reasons, and the name of the substitute should be reported to the administrator in charge of transportation at the school level for all schools that you serve. Drivers are not allowed to hire and pay substitutes directly. Each driver must report their own absences to the (TSSI) system. This is to ensure that the time off is deducted and so that the substitute drivers gets paid for their work. The TSSI website can be found at or call into TSSI at ADMINISTRATORS ON CAMPUS At least one school administrator should be on campus until the completion of all routes. TRAFFIC TICKETS If you receive a traffic ticket you must report it to the Supervisor of Transportation before the end of the next working day. You are responsible for all traffic fines. ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE CHANGE Changes in telephone numbers and addresses must be reported to the Supervisor of Transportation and the Payroll Department, in writing, as soon as possible. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS A complete description of employee benefits including hospitalization, sick leave, and other policies is published on the Ascension Parish School Board website at click employment opportunities then click employee benefits. APPEARANCE When reporting for duty, your dress should reflect the school's teacher dress code. You are a representative of the school system, and a neat, clean, well-mannered driver can have a positive effect on students and others you meet while on duty. Bus Drivers must wear shoes with backs. DRIVER'S LICENSE You must carry a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with you while on duty. If the license is lost or allowed to expire, you will be held responsible for any fines. Suspension of a license and certain traffic violations are possible grounds for dismissal. Any bus driver whose driver s license is suspended must notify the Transportation Department immediately. PERFORMANCE APRAISAL Each bus driver is evaluated on the following performance factors: Quality of Work-accurate, neat and thorough Dependability-consistent, prompt, and trust-worthy

9 Initiative-does what needs to be done Cooperation-works well with others and displays a positive attitude Qualifications - has skills to do job Use of Skills-gives full effort to do job Adaptability-accepts and adjusts to change Appearance-neat. attractive, and appropriate Promptness in providing their bus for regular scheduled service or other regular maintenance Completion of daily pre-trip inspections and timelines Maintains a current seating chair using standard chart in Bulletin 1475 Health sound mind and body Attendance On time for pickups and drop offs, regularly attends work and adheres to sick time policies and procedures

10 A GOOD BUS DRIVER SHOULD CHAPTER 3 KNOW YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Attend all meetings called by the administrators concerning Transportation Park the bus in a safe and proper place so that it will not interfere with traffic. Unless loading or unloading students a bus must be parked in such a manner as not to, in any way, impede or obstruct the normal flow of traffic. Make sure windows and doors are all closed when the bus is not in use. Cooperate with other drivers to promote good safety and the best possible service for students. Communicate effectively and professionally with parents and students. Set a professional example for the students to follow and respect Avoid spreading rumors or discussing personal business of yourself or others. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ---- the PRINCIPAL --- and the STUDENTS You are responsible to the Supervisor in charge of Transportation and the Principal or Assistant Principal of your assigned school (s). You should develop a good working relationship with the Principal or Assistant Principal and report any discipline problems directly to him/ her. All student passengers are under your direct authority and care. If a student continually displays disorderly conduct and refuses to obey your instructions, the Principal/Assistant Principal should be notified using the proper procedures. However, you do not have the right to deny the student transportation. Students must be picked up and returned to their designated stops only. A written permission request should be obtained before allowing a student to get off at a different stop or permitting another student to ride your bus signed by the student's parent/legal guardian and the school principal. Students must ride the bus four (4) times a week to be considered a full time rider. If a driver suspects that the parents or guardians of students in grades PK to 2 nd are not at home or not visible from the bus stop, the driver should not leave the student unattended. The driver should find a safe location to stop the bus and make a phone call. The driver should attempt to contact the parents or the school Administrator to ensure that the child is transferred to the legal guardian or an otherwise authorized adult.

11 WHILE STUDENTS ARE ON THE BUS, YOU SHOULD: Avoid any physical contact unless a student needs assistance getting on or off the bus because of an injury or physical handicap. Discourage over friendliness and unnecessary familiarity. Never discipline a student by slapping, shaking, or using abusive language. Violation could result in serious disciplinary actions. Avoid making remarks to pupils that in any way border on a suggestive nature. Report to the Principal/Assistant Principal any student who possesses obscene Literature or attempts to make suggestive actions. Never use profanity. Set forth clear rules and penalties. Make no statements that may be construed as racial or prejudiced. Avoid belittling a student by calling names or making remarks that will in any way embarrass he/she before students. Seat troublesome students in a designated seat if it will enhance the safety of the group. A bus driver has the right to assign seats if it contributes to the safe operation of the bus. Refuse to allow students to stand while the bus is in motion unless an emergency should dictate otherwise. Forbid conduct such as smoking I eating, or drinking, possession of glass objects, pets, weapons, and the use of abusive or vulgar language Report Bullying hat you personally witness to your Principal in charge of Transportation BE POLITE --- BE CONSIDERATE --- BUT BE FIRM MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES Each driver is responsible for maintaining the inside of his/her bus in a clean and orderly condition. Each driver is responsible for reporting breakdowns on the day the breakdown occurs Each driver is responsible for keeping his/her Commercial Driver's License (COL) up to date.

12 PROPER MAINTENANCE OF YOUR BUS CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES The school bus you drive is your "office". Its appearance is important to your attitude and that of your passengers. A clean, happy environment is one way to develop good public relations with your passengers. There are a number of procedures you should follow to make sure that your bus is clean and in good working condition: Clean and sweep thoroughly the inside of the bus daily. Schedule oil change, wash jobs, and other maintenance on a regular basis. Be sure that the bus is properly gassed prior to beginning your routes. Do not risk running out of gas on the road. Listen for unusual noises or vibrations so that proper repair can be made before they cause a major breakdown. Have a vehicle inspection sticker installed twice a year. These dates will be set by the Supervisor in charge of transportation. Replace burned out lights immediately. You should help other drivers by letting them know if you notice burned out lights on other buses. A flat tire on the rear of the bus requires immediate attention. Call the Bus shop for assistance. Flat tires noticed on other buses should be called to the attention of the other driver. PRE-TRIP INSPECTION Proper maintenance of your school bus is important from the standpoint of safe, efficient. and economical transportation. Your bus must be maintained in safe, operating condition at all times. A proper, daily pre-trip inspection will also help decrease your maintenance costs and keep your bus on the road. Make the daily inspection a matter of routine anytime your bus has been unattended. The few minutes you invest may pay rich dividends in the saving of lives and property. Carry your checklist in your bus at all times. Failure to do so could result in a traffic citation being issued by the State Police. You are subject to a check by the State Police at any time. Send your pre-trip inspection checklist in to the school at the end of each month. USE of SPARE BUSES for BUS BREAKDOWNS Obtain approval from the Transportation Supervisor or Coordinator. Conduct your usual pre trip inspection. Report any abnormalities or damages as soon as possible to the clerk at the service desk in the bus shop. Return bus to its original location and position or coordinate with Transportation staff

13 for appropriate parking location Sweep the bus and empty the trash cans before returning the bus. REPLACE ANY FUEL CONSUMED Close all windows and doors. Return the keys to the Transportation Staff Notify the Supervisor or Coordinator in charge of transportation when you have returned the vehicle.

14 CHAPTER 5 SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVERS AVAILABILITY OF SUBSTITUTES The Transportation Department is responsible for training substitute bus drivers and maintaining a current list of sub-drivers who can be called upon to run routes when needed. In the event that a substitute is needed and no substitute is available, the regular driver must either run the route or coordinate an emergency route with the Principal in charge of Transportation. SPECIAL RULES for SUBSTITUTES All substitute bus drivers are subject to the same rules and responsibilities as regular drivers. Every substitute bus driver is trained and must hold a current Commercial Driver s License. Substitute drivers are evaluated both during the training period and while the driver is substituting. One of the most important considerations is the driver s availability. Because the substitute must be available when the regular driver cannot drive, his/her job requires short notice. Failure to be available may be grounds for removal from the substitute list. Additionally, the substitute driver must: Attend all meetings called by the Transportation Department. Successfully complete all phases of the training program. Complete the Defensive Driving Course. Obtain/maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) HOW SUBSTITUTE DRIVERS ARE PAID Substitute Drivers are paid a daily rate for the days that they work. TO BECOME A CERTIFIED BUS DRIVER AND TO MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION ONE MUST: 1. Have a current Commercial Driver s License (CDL) 2. Complete the following training: Two types of driver training make up the school bus driver instructional program: Pre- Service Training which is designed to develop minimum skills in driver applicants; and In-service Training which is devoted to improving skills, attitude and knowledge of all who drive a school bus in the state. PRE-SERVICE TRAINING In order to ensure safe operation from the onset, all newly appointed drivers must go through the pre-service phase of the school bus training programs. Recent experience in driving a school bus may be considered when scheduling application for per-service training. Instructors for this training may be transportation supervisors, driving training instructors, or

15 specifically appointed experience school bus drivers who are also skilled in instructional methods. Bureau of School Transportation instructional personnel may be called on to assist in the classroom phase of pre- service training. Pre-service instruction will consist of the following three phases: classroom instruction, vehicle familiarization and operation (behind-the wheel), and on-the-bus training. Every driver must have at least forty (40) hours of instruction before being allowed to operate school bus loaded with children. (Drivers who become certified after pre-service training do not have to take the eight hour in-service training that same school year.) Pre-Service instruction must include, but need not be limited to the following: A. Classroom Instruction: 1. First Aid Course (American Red Cross or other approved hours First aid course) 2. National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course (or other hours approved equivalent training) 3. Core Units of U.S. Department of Transportation School hours Bus Driver Instructional Program (or other approved equivalent training) 4. Applicable State and Federal Laws and local ordinances; hours Federal, state and local rules, regulations and policies covering pupil transportation Procedures for completing state and local reports and records 19 TOTAL CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION hours B. Vehicle Familiarization and Operation Training This instruction must be conducted in the type of vehicle the applicant will drive and should cover at least the following: 1. Pre-trip inspection procedure 2. Starting stopping and turning procedure 3. Proper use of school bus signals 4. Proper backing procedure 5. Loading and unloading passengers 6. Emergency procedures 7. Procedures at railroad crossings Total Vehicle Familiarization and Operation Training hours

16 C. On-the-Bus Training This phase of the training cycle is designed to introduce the driver to the actual school bus driving task. A minimum of six (6) hours supervised training is required. On-the-bus training should include but not be limited to the following: 1. Observe regular driver hours 2. Drive the bus empty hours 3. Drive the bus with passengers hours Minimum On-the-Bus Training hours TOTAL PRE-SERVICE TRAINING hours

17 CHAPTER 6 REGULAR ROUTES Regular school routes are prepared and authorized through a joint effort of the School Administration and the Transportation Department. BIDDING ON ROUTES Vacant routes must be offered to tenured drivers in accordance with state laws. Nontenured drivers are not eligible to bid on routes. Non-tenured drivers may request transfer to vacant routes. The Transportation Supervisor will consider the transfer of non-tenured drivers after tenured drivers have had the opportunity to bid. Transfer requests may be approved or denied by the Supervisor. ORDER OF BUS STOPS When possible bus routes should be reversed from morning to evening. The first child on the bus in the morning should be the first child unloaded in the evening. Bus routes should begin at the point farthest from the school and work toward the school. Routes should not overlap. Exceptions for safety and/or efficiency can be made, but only with approval from the Supervisor in charge of transportation. DO NOT take it upon yourself to change a bus route except in an emergency, Call the office first FLOODED STREET PROCEDURES If you encounter flooded streets, you will have to make the decision whether or not to travel on the street (s). Several factors should be taken into consideration: if the water comes up to the first step, it's too deep, If you can't see the street or the curb or ditches, don't travel the street; use common sense, but don t use water as an excuse not to make a complete run. If, for some reason, you are not able to drive on a street and if you are not able to get students home, take them back to their school and notify the principal. If you're not able to pick students up, notify the principal or assistant principal. SCHOOL ARRIVAL TIME Plan your route so that you arrive at the school no earlier than ten (10) minutes before the first bell. Upon arrival at the school, unload your students ONLY at the unloading area where proper supervision is present. Do not allow students to unload at any other point on the campus. ADMINISTERING MEDICATION It should not be necessary for you to administer medication to your passengers, not even aspirin. A certain procedure has been established for administering medication at school. If you observe a student taking medicine on your bus, report the student to the school official on duty upon arrival at school. STUDENT ROSTERS A current Student Roster should be kept on the bus at all times, either in a spiral notebook or by keeping the BUS ROUTE INFCRMATION SHEETS available on your bus. This needs to be kept as accurate possible. This document information must be available in the event of

18 an accident or for use by substitute drivers. REPORTING A BREAKDOWN Secure vehicle off of roadway as safety as possible, Keep students on bus. Place flares or triangle reflectors 100 feet i40 paces) to the front of the bus and two (2) each 100 feet i40 paces) to the rear of the bus. (Complete instructions on inside cover of triangle flare box,; Call Principal or Assistant Principal at school EXTRA TRIP FORMS This form is intended for use by school clubs to calculate the amount they must pay to the district for driver pay and fuel cost. Clubs shall work with school administration to complete this form for each field trip or other extra trips. School administration shall turn this form in with a payment to the Business Department. Make sure that the total mileage of the trip is indicated in order for proper payment. If forms are not filled out properly, the form will be returned to you for correction. GUIDELINES FOR ESTABLISHING SCHOOL BUS STOPS 1. Where city-type blocks exist, a bus stop should be located as near to the middle of the block as possible with no more than one bus stop per block. 2. Where city-type blocks do not exist, bus stops should be located everyone (1) tenth of a mile. To locate a stop off a main road, the student must live two (2) tenths of a mile from the main road. One (1) mile = 5280 feet Two tenths (.2) = 1056 feet 3. Students must be picked up and dropped off only at their regular bus stop unless they have a note signed by their parent/guardian and Principal or Assistant Principal. Also, the bus they are to ride must have available space. 4. Traffic and road conditions will require exceptions to be made to the 1 st and 2 nd guideline. If a bus operator is in doubt contact your school for approval of a change. 5. During inclement weather, school bus drivers are asked to pick up and/or drop off students as near each house as possible. This is a courtesy extended to students and parents in the best interest of the student's health and safety. 6. Once established, bus stop locations can be changed only with approval and at the direction of the school. 7. No new private roads shall be added to the routes. Private roads that are presently part of the route shall be grandfathered in as long as students riding presently continue to do so.

19 CHAPTER 7 SAFETY HOW THE ASCENSION PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROMOTES SAFETY The Transportation Department conducts a continuous safety campaign to ensure that all buses are being operated safely and properly, Periodic testing is conducted to ensure that the driver s vision and reflexes are good. The ability to respond quickly and see clearly is essential in the operation of a school bus. Each driver and substitute is required to undergo a psycho-physical examination once each year. An in-service training is required every other year. Sessions are devoted to improving skill, attitude, and knowledge based on the driver's experience. Each driver and substitute must submit to a physical examination using a form furnished by the Ascension Parish School Board. The school board will pay the cost of the examination if given by the physician assigned by the school board. Each year, all busses receive a State Inspection and a Service to ensure that they are ready to transport the students in a safe manner. Throughout the school year, maintenance services are available to all bus drivers and spare busses are available for use during repair of regularly used busses. Stop arms are installed and maintained on all busses. DRUG POLICY Ascension Parish School Board has adopted a drug policy for employees. Policy GAMEB - SUBSTANCE ABUSE TESTING FOR HOLDERS OF COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSES is included in this Handbook. The Policy states that: Each driver is required to sign a statement certifying that he or she has received a copy of this policy. In accordance with the policy, all drivers who receive a copy of this handbook shall read Policy GAMEB and shall sign the attached Substance abuse Policy Statement and Agreement. Drivers shall return the signed agreement to the Human Resources Department. As of February 1993 all employed bus drivers were drug tested. When a new driver is hired he/she must be drug tested. Federal Standard 17 is part of a national safety effort to reduce the danger of death or injury to school children while they are being transported to and from school. It imposes minimum requirements for a state pupil transportation program to assure that school

20 vehicles are constructed, operated, and maintained to achieve the highest possible level of safety. The comprehensive safety program must be integrated into every aspect of pupil transportation, administration, identification and equipment of school vehicles, operations, personnel, pupil instruction, vehicle operation, vehicle maintenance and program evaluation. HOW YOU CAN PROMOTE SAFETY Every effort should be made to be on schedule, but SAFETY is more important than being behind schedule. During inclement weather, all drivers are asked to pick up and/or drop off students as near each house as possible. Inclement weather is defined as if rain is experienced, the windshield wipers of the bus have to be in continued operation, or if the temperature falls below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove keys - Always remove the keys from the ignition when not in the driver s seat. Never leave the bus while the motor is running. Use seat belts - Use your seat belt. It is possible for you be thrown out of your seat upon an impact if you re not wearing the seat belt. Accountability of Passengers: Drivers will visually inspect the entire bus before leaving each school in the morning to verify that all students have exited the bus. Drivers shall also inspect the bus when they arrive at their designated parking location at the end of the day to ensure that there are no students remaining on the bus. In the event that a student is found to be on the bus after he/she was supposed to get off of the bus, the driver shall contact the appropriate school administrator immediately and notify the administrator of the student s name. If the administrator is unavailable, the driver shall contact the Transportation Department. It is critical that the parents also be made aware of the child s whereabouts and well being as soon as possible. Stop at railroad crossings When approaching a railroad crossing, the driver should: Bring the bus to a full stop not less that fifteen (15) feet from and not more than fifty (50) feet from the nearest rail of the track. The bus should be in neutral while stopped. Proceed only after opening the door of the bus. You must look and listen for approaching trains, and proceed when you have determined that the track is clear in both directions. Drive in low gear without shifting, until the last track has been cleared.

21 Close the door. Obey speed limits In Ascension Parish, school bus speed limits are the posted speed limits for a closed door operation, and thirty-five (35) M.P.H. when frequent stops are to be made. Use reflector for breakdowns When mechanical breakdown occurs, place the reflectors in position. Place the reflector closet to the bus first, one hundred (100) feet from the front of the bus. Emergency evacuation Emergency Evacuation Drills will be conducted twice each school year. Prior to the drill, you will receive instructions on how to prepare yourself and your passengers so that each will know what to do in a real emergency. Fueling the bus NEVER, EVER put gas in the bus when there are passengers on the bus. Plan your schedule so that you gas your bus before or after your run. If, for some reason, it becomes necessary to gas the bus when you have passengers, upon stopping the bus, unload ALL passengers and have them stand a safe distance away. Only after the hose nozzle has been returned to the pump should you allow your passengers back on the bus. What to do if there s a fire on the bus Stop the bus immediately. Evacuate all passengers as quickly and safely as possible. Find a safe place for the students to wait that is away from the fire and away from other dangers such as traffic. Have someone call the fire department. If possible, try to extinguish the fire yourself. Remember, life is more important than property. Do not jeopardize your life or that of your passengers.

22 CHAPTER 8 WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT If a bus collides with a vehicle which is unoccupied, try to locate and notify the owner of the vehicle. Even if you cannot locate the owner or driver, follow the same procedure as for any accident. The best cure" of accidents is a good effort of prevention. As a bus driver, you must always remember that the safety of your passengers is your primary concern. When you exercise good judgment and avoid risk, in most instances, accidents can be prevented. Do not force the right-of-way at the risk of an accident. However, when an accident {no matter how minor} does happen, you are required to file a complete report of the incident. Therefore, you should take the following steps when an accident occurs: Stop your vehicle immediately and do not move it until told to do so by a police officer--no EXCEPTIONS! Check immediately for injuries to students and to passengers of other vehicles to see if there is a need for first aid. If you do not know first aid, stop the bleeding and keep the victim comfortable. Telephone police and the Supervisor in charge of transportation as well as the Principal. Protect the scene by turning on emergency flashers, setting out reflectors, controlling traffic, Obtain witnesses names and their addresses. This information will be important at a later time, Assist the police as much as possible to clear the scene. NEVER ADMIT GUILT, just explain the accident. Do not discuss the cause of the accident or any matter relating to the accident with any person other than the police or your supervisor. Exchange only appropriate information with the other driver that he will need to furnish his insurance company. Emergency Personnel will assist in determining which students are in need of medical care. School Administrators will ensure that parents of students are contacted and given accurate information about the status of their child. Bus drivers(if not injured in the accident) shall assist the principal or other administrator in contacting parents and managing the students throughout the incident

23 CHAPTER 9 WHAT TO DO IN CASE A VEHICLE RUNS YOUR STOP ARMS Record and report the following information to the school: Direction of travel License number and state Type of vehicle and color Location of incident Time of day Complete the State of Louisiana Incident Reporting Form which is provided in the Appendix. Turn this form in to your administrator. Under no circumstances should you attempt to halt or pursue a vehicle which runs through your stop arms and overhead flashing lights. Instead try to obtain as accurate a description of the vehicle and driver as possible and report it as soon as possible. Report the incident to the school and have the school notify the police.

24 CHAPTER 10 PROCEDURES for SCHOOL CLOSURE THE SUPERINTENDENT Acting under Board authority and based on available information, may close schools. The decision to close schools is based primarily on the safety of the students. SCHOOLS WILL INFORM PARENTS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES Will try to notify all parents of K-8 students before dismissal or confirm the child's safe arrival (priority will be given to kindergarten students, then first graders, etc.). Will provide orientation of students during the school year of procedures to be followed at school and at home. NOTE: If it becomes necessary to close several schools, middle and high school students will be dismissed first to allow more time for calling parents of K-4 students and to provide someone to supervise younger children. BUS DRIVERS Will provide each school with a telephone number to contact in case of emergency. If the driver will not be at this number during the school day, it is necessary for the driver to contact the school and leave a number where he/she can be located. Will use good judgment in allowing students (K-12) to disembark (as in flooded areas). Will return students who could not be safely let off the bus to the school or to a prearranged site. LOCAL BROADCAST Radio stations and television stations will be notified in severe emergencies. Stay tuned to local broadcast.

25 CHAPTER 11 EMERGENCY ROUTES All bus drivers are subject to being called upon to drive any bus route in an emergency situation (accident, breakdown, trip, etc.). In the event a bus is stalled or stranded due to breakdown, accident, etc. and is not able to complete its route(s), other drivers should make every effort to assist in any proper manner to complete the route (s). Drivers, who transport students for another driver during emergency conditions, should call the Principal upon completion of that route.

26 CHAPTER 12 SPEICAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES RESPONSIBILITY OF BUS OPERATOR AND AIDE 1. The bus operator shall assure that special education students aboard the bus are supervised at all times. 2. The bus aide shall ensure that the protective safety devices are in use and fastened properly. (In instances where a bus aide is not available this shall be the responsibility of the bus operator.) 3. The aide and/or bus operator shall assist such students on and off the bus at the designated bus stop and when it is necessary for their safe entrance and exit from the bus. 4. Bus operator and aides shall attend in-service training programs. 5. The bus operator shall secure for his/her vehicle confidential emergency data including: Student s name and address Nature of student s handicap Emergency health care information Name and telephone number of student s physician, parents/guardians and or custodians who can be contacted in case of an emergency. 6. The bus operator shall deliver the students to the same bus stop from which they were picked up. 7. The aide must be on the school bus at all times during the bus route. 8. The bus operator will be responsible for providing the parents with appropriate emergency phone numbers.

27 CHAPTER 13 FILLING VACANT DRIVER POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION: 1. All new drivers must meet the prerequisites on the job description and: a. Must have a Commercial Driver s License (CDL) b. Must have successfully completed the following courses: (30 hours of Pre-Service) School Bus Driver Training Rules and Regulations First aid Multi-media Defensive Driving Course Behind the Wheel Requirement c. Must pass a Psycho-Physical and a Physical d. Must not have been found guilty of driving while intoxicated (DWI) within the last five (5) years. e. Must not have been found guilty of a felony. 2. Must be on the Ascension Parish School Board substitute bus driver's list (except for qualified employees who request a transfer from a different job in the school system) GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING THE LIST OF SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVERS: 1. The Supervisor of Transportation for the Ascension Parish School Board shall maintain a list of qualified substitute bus drivers. 2. Effective May 1, 2005, qualified drivers requesting to be added to the list shall be at the bottom of list. 3. No person on the list will be allowed to forfeit their position to anyone. 4. A person shall be moved to the bottom of the list after his/her third consecutive refusal to substitute. However, when a substitute driver who resides in East Ascension refuses a request to substitute on a route in the West Ascension, or vice versa, this refusal will not count against him/her. 5. At the discretion of the Supervisor of Transportation, a person shall be moved to the bottom of the list or removed from the list when, in the course of his/her duties as a substitute driver, his/her conduct or behavior is deemed inappropriate. 6. When a person requests to be removed from the list, the Supervisor shall make every attempt to receive this request in writing.

28 GUIDELINES FOR FILLING A BUS ROUTE VACANCY USING THE LIST OF SUBSTITUTE DRIVERS: 1. In the event that a vacancy occurs on a route and the Supervisor is unable to fill the position according to the rules in LSA - RS. 17:493.1 (Filling route vacancies), the Supervisor shall attempt to fill the vacancy using the list of substitutes. 2. When the Supervisor must use the substitute list, the following rules will apply. 3. The route shall be offered to the first person on the list. Should that individual refuse to accept, the offer will be made to the next person on the list. This consecutive process will continue until the offer is accepted. 4. The refusal of an offer shall not cause a person to lose his/her place on the list until that person refuses an offer for a third time, in which case he/she shall be moved to the bottom of the list. However, when a substitute who resides in East Ascension refuses a vacant route available in West Ascension, or vice versa, this refusal will not count against him/her.

29 Ascension Parish School Board Job Description I. JOB TITLE: Bus Driver JOB TYPE: 800 POSITION REPORTS TO: Head Start Director/Principal PAY GRADE: TR-1 FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt ASSIGNMENT PERIOD 180 days II. III. SUMMARY OF POSITION S PURPOSE Transports children, parents and/or employees in a safe and timely manner. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION Certification as a licensed bus driver. Must meet all licensing requirements. 2. EXPERIENCE 0-6 months experience working with children. 3. SKILLS Ability to work with children and parents. IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Picks up aide (if appropriate) to ride on the bus prior to picking up the first child on the route. 2. Transports children from their home to school in a safe manner. 3. Departs from school or center at assigned time. 4. Returns children to school or center when no parent is waiting for the child. [NOTE: For pre-school and severely handicapped children, the Bus Driver must locate the parent.] 5. Transports parents with children, as appropriate. 6. Advises the Director/Principal of any incidents that occur. 7. Adheres to all policies and other requirements of the Ascension Parish School Board concerning the transportation of children. 8. Presents proof of insurance coverage, proof of a safe driving record and a copy of current driver s license to the Director/Principal. 9. Advises the staff of any scheduling changes and discusses the need for these scheduling changes with the Director/Principal as soon as they are known to the Driver. 10. Provides courteous and prompt service to all internal and external customers including students, parents, coworkers, etc. Schedules and/or attends conferences with parents. Prioritizes and addresses requests and assignments in a professional manner to develop cooperative relationships and to ensure that student and employee records confidentiality is assured. 11. Identifies opportunities and recommends methods to improve service, work processes and financial performance, e.g. expense management. Assists in the implementation of quality improvement initiatives. 18

30 12. Assists co-workers in the completion of tasks and assignments to ensure continuity of service. Orients new coworkers and actively supports teamwork throughout the school system. 13. Performs other duties as required. NOTE: This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities. The Ascension Parish School Board reserves the right to change this description at its discretion. V. SIGNATURES: Supervisor Date Employee Date This job description was approved by the Ascension Parish School Board on: November 7, 2000

31 Ascension Parish School Board Job Description I. JOB TITLE: Bus Driver Aide JOB TYPE: 810 POSITION REPORTS TO: Principal PAY GRADE: P-2 FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt ASSIGNMENT PERIOD 9 months 180 days II. SUMMARY OF POSITION S PURPOSE Assists the bus driver in safely transporting students to and from school. III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION High School Diploma or its equivalent. Must achieve at least a minimum score on the California Achievement Test as administered by the Ascension Parish Adult Education Department, or an equivalent score on the Arlen Test of Formal Reasoning. An approved health certificate must be obtained which verifies that the incumbent is capable of any lifting requirements. 2. EXPERIENCE 0 to 6 months of basic work experience 3. SKILLS Must have the ability to work well with children 4. OTHER REQUIREMENTS - Must be capable of lifting students to and from wheelchairs and lifting and transferring objects up to 150 pounds. IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Assists students on and off the bus at school and at designated bus stops. 2. Ensures that protective safety devices are in use and are fastened properly. 3. Complies with all federal and state statutes including, but not limited to, the physical requirement to be on the bus at all times as stipulated in state statutes. 4. Provides a substitute Bus Driver Aide when required. 5. Assists the Bus Driver in implementing all policies and procedures on an as required basis. This responsibility includes the requirement to direct all personal and parental concerns through appropriate channels while maintaining complete confidentiality to protect the interests of all concerned parties. 6. Attends all required in-service training. 7. Provides courteous and prompt service to all internal and external customers including students, parents, coworkers, etc. Prioritizes and addresses requests and assignments in a professional manner to develop cooperative relationships and to ensure that student and employee records confidentiality is assured. 8. Identifies opportunities and recommends methods to improve service, work processes and financial performance, e.g. expense management. Assists in the implementation of quality improvement initiatives.

32 9. Assists co-workers in the completion of tasks and assignments to ensure continuity of service. Assists with the orientation of new co-workers and actively supports teamwork throughout the school system. 10. Performs other services as required NOTE: This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities. The Ascension Parish School Board reserves the right to change this description at its discretion. V. SIGNATURES: Supervisor Date Employee Date This job description was approved by the Ascension Parish School Board on: November 7, 2000

33 BUS SEATING ARRANGEMENT This page is to be completed in addition to the Accident Report Form. The names of the students should be printed on the line for the seat which they occupied at the time of the accident. Name of Driver Bus # Date of accident (Front of the bus) 1. (window) 12. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 2. (window) 13. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 3. (window) 14. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 4. (window) 15. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 5. (window) 16. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 6. (window) 17. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 7. (window) 18. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 8. (window) 19. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 9. (window) 20. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 10. (window) 21. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle) 11. (window) 22. (window) (middle) (middle) (aisle) (aisle)

34 FILE: GBRA Cf: JG EMPLOYEE CONDUCT The Ascension Parish School Board believes the teaching profession occupies a position of public trust involving not only the individual teacher's personal conduct, but also the interaction of the school and the community. Education is most effective when these many relationships operate in a friendly, cooperative, and constructive manner. A teacher's conduct, as well as the conduct of all employees throughout the school district, should meet acceptable standards of the community and show respect for the law and the rights of others. All employees, volunteers, student teachers, interns, and any other person affiliated with the Ascension Parish School Board have the responsibility to be familiar with and abide by the laws of the state, the policies and decisions of the School Board, and the administrative regulations and procedures designed to implement Board policies. Employees and others shall also comply with the standards of conduct set out in this policy and with any other policies, regulations, procedures, or guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards of conduct attendant to their status as School Board employees. Employees and all others shall be expected to observe at least the following standards of conduct: 1. Be courteous to students, one another, and the public and conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner. 2. Recognize and respect the rights and property of students, other employees, and the public. 3. Maintain confidentiality of all matters relating to students and other employees. 4. Demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality with regard to assigned activities and work schedules. 5. Observe and adhere to all terms of an employee's contract or job description. 6. Strive to keep current and knowledgeable about the employee's area of responsibility. 7. Refrain from promoting personal attitudes and opinions for matters other than general discussion. 8. Refrain from using undue influence to gain, or attempt to gain, promotion, leave, favorable assignments, or other individual benefit or advantage. 9. Advocate positive personal behavior on or off campus and attempt to avoid improprieties or the appearance of improprieties.