A. Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to follow the same behavioral standards while riding school buses as are expected on school property or at school activities, functions or events. All school rules are in effect while a student is riding the bus or is at the bus stop. 

B. Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will be imposed by the building principal or the Transportation Department designee. In addition, all school bus/bus stop misconduct will be reported to the district’s Transportation Safety Director. Serious misconduct may be reported to local law enforcement.

1. School Bus and Bus Stop Rules

The school district school bus safety rules are to be posted on every bus. If these rules are broken, the school district’s discipline procedures are to be followed. (See Policy 406). Consequences are progressive and may include suspension of bus privileges. It is the school bus driver’s responsibility to report unacceptable behavior to the school district’s transportation office/school office.

2. Rules at the Bus Stop

• Get to your bus stop five minutes before your scheduled pick up time. The school bus driver will not wait for late students.

• Respect the property of others while waiting at your bus stop.

• Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.

• Use appropriate language.

• Stay away from the street, road or highway when waiting for the bus. Wait until the bus stops before approaching the bus.

• After getting off the bus, move away from the bus.

• If you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal to you before crossing the street.

• No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay.

• No use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

3. Rules on the Bus

• Immediately follow the directions of the driver.

• Sit in your seat facing forward.

• Talk quietly and use appropriate language.

• Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.

• Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.

• No fighting, harassment, intimidation, threatening or horseplay.

• Do not throw any object.

• No eating, drinking or possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

• Do not bring any weapon or dangerous objects on the school bus.

• Do not damage the school bus.

4. Consequences

• Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will apply to all regular and late routes. Decisions regarding a student’s ability to ride the bus in connection with co-curricular and extra-curricular events (for example, field trips or competitions) will be in the sole discretion of the school district. Parents or guardians will be notified of any suspension of bus privileges. (See Policy 406 – Student Discipline)

• Other Discipline — Based on the severity of a student’s conduct, more serious consequences may be imposed at any time. Depending on the nature of the offense, consequences such as suspension or expulsion from school may also result from school bus/bus stop misconduct.

• Records — Records of school bus/bus stop misconduct will be forwarded to the individual school building and will be retained in the same manner as other student discipline records. Reports of serious misconduct will be provided to the Department of Public Safety. Records may also be maintained in the transportation office.

• Vandalism/Bus Damage — Students damaging school buses will be responsible for the damages. Failure to pay such damages (or make arrangements to pay) within two weeks may result in the loss of bus privileges until damages are paid.

• Criminal Conduct — In cases involving criminal conduct (for example, assault, weapons, possession or vandalism), the superintendent and local law enforcement officials will be informed.

5. Video recording devises on St. Francis Area Schools busses

• A video recording of the actions of student passengers may be used by the school district as evidence in any disciplinary action brought against any student, arising out of the student’s conduct on the bus.

• A video recording will be released to the public only in conformance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g and the rules and/or regulations promulgated there under.

• Video recordings will be viewed by school district personnel on a random basis and/or when discipline problems on the bus have been brought to the attention of the school district.