5131.1 - Suspension of Student Transportation Services

Students

5131.1 Suspension of Student Transportation Services

District students shall have satisfactory behavior while on school transportation.

The school administration is authorized to suspend transportation services for any student whose conduct on buses, at a bus stop or while awaiting or receiving district provided transportation to and from school or a school sponsored activity or function endangers persons or property or violates a publicized policy of the Board of Education.

The Superintendent of Schools shall adopt regulations to accompany this policy addressing student conduct while using school transportation. Regulations for the Conduct of Students Riding on School Buses shall be communicated annually to each student. These regulations are applicable to all transportation services provided by the Windsor Locks Board of Education.

“Suspension” means the exclusion from transportation services for no more than ten consecutive school days, provided each exclusion shall not extend beyond the end of the school year during which suspension was imposed.

Procedures for suspension from transportation shall be followed in accordance with Board Policy No. 5114, Conduct and Discipline.

Restitution for any damages due to vandalism shall be sought from the offender and parents, pursuant to Board Policy 2420: Vandalism Restitution and Connecticut General Statute 52-572.

Legal References: Connecticut General Statutes

10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re: school attendance

10-220 Duties of boards of education

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules

100-233a Definitions

10-233c Suspension of students

52-572 Parental liability for torts of minors

Policy Adopted: March 28, 2013 WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Policy Revised: August 10, 2023 Windsor Locks, Connecticut

Students

5131.1 R - Regulation for the Conduct of Students Riding on School Buses

The safety of students riding on school transportation is a continuing concern. The responsibilities of the bus driver to transport students in a safe and secure manner are recognized. To accomplish that task, the bus driver requires cooperation and compliance of students with rules and regulations to assure safety and security. At all times while transporting students to and from school and school sponsored activities or functions, the driver is in full charge of the bus and of all students riding therein. All rules and regulations for conduct adopted by the school administration must be complied with during bus transportation.

The following rules shall be enforced regarding bus transportation:

1. Students must take a seat as they enter the bus and remain seated while the bus is in motion. Students shall not move from one seat to another except by permission of the driver. Standing or walking while the bus is in motion is prohibited.

2. Bus windows shall not be opened without permission from the driver. Emergency doors or windows on the bus shall not be tampered with and shall be used only in case of an emergency or as directed by the bus driver.

3. Students must not at any time extend their arms or head out of the bus window. Students should refrain from throwing any objects out of the bus window.

4. The use, possession, or distribution of tobacco or any controlled substance (alcohol or drugs) or other contraband on the bus is prohibited in accordance with applicable state law and Windsor Lock Board Policies.

5. Students shall assist in keeping the bus clean and orderly; they shall refrain from damaging or abusing the bus, its cushions, or other equipment. Liability for damages shall be incurred by the student and/or parent/guardian pursuant to Connecticut General Statute 52-572.

6. No indecent or profane language shall be permitted on the bus nor shall there be any rowdiness or loud talking.

7. Upon entering or leaving the bus, students shall not crowd or disturb others.

8. Except in case of emergency, students must enter or leave the bus through the front door.

9. Students required to cross a traffic highway after alighting from the bus must cross in front of the bus while bus drivers must remain parked at the spot with flashing lights operating until students have crossed the thoroughfare.

10. Students must be on time to keep the bus on schedule.

11. While waiting for the bus, students shall exercise due respect for private property.

12. Students are required to get off the bus at their assigned stop unless they have requested and received prior permission from the school administration to get off at another location. The school shall arrange to notify bus drivers of such exceptions.

13. Students are prohibited from engaging in any conduct that violates board policy or poses a danger to self or others while awaiting, riding on, entering, or exiting the bus to or from school or a school sponsored trip, extracurricular activity, or other school activity or function such as a school field trip.

To implement a strong safety program regarding bus transportation of students, the Board authorizes the building principal to suspend transportation services for any student whose conduct while awaiting or receiving transportation to and from school endangers persons or property or is violative of a publicized policy of the Board of Education. Video cameras may be used to monitor student behavior on school transportation vehicles transporting students to and from school and extracurricular activities. Students will be notified of the use of cameras in accordance with board policy and state law.

The process procedures specified in Board Policy No. 5114, Conduct and Discipline, shall be applicable in such cases, with notification to the parent/guardian and an opportunity for a parental hearing before the principal prior to any decision regarding suspension from transportation services. The length of suspension from transportation services shall be at the discretion of the principal, and may range from one to ten school days as deemed necessary by the principal to correct student conduct during transportation. The Superintendent shall be notified in writing of any such suspension and the reason(s) therefore.

The transportation carrier shall be advised that drivers must report to the building principal or his designee any accident or incident that threatens the safety of bus students.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re school attendance

10-220 Duties of boards of education

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules

10-233a Definitions

10-233c Suspension of students

52-572 Parental liability for torts of minors

Regulation Approved: March 28, 2013 WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Regulation Revised: August 10, 2023 Windsor Locks, Connecticut