Transportation of students is a privilege extended to student in the District, and is not a statutory requirement except for necessary transportation of students with disabilities as indicated in their respective individual programs.

• The safety and welfare of student riders is to be the first consideration in all matters pertaining to transportation. Toward that end, all District transportation department personnel, bus operators, and bus passengers shall comply with the rules adopted pursuant to A.R.S. 28-900 and the Minimum Standards for School Buses and School Bus Drivers.

• Bus evacuations drill shall be conducted at least twice every year. All vehicles used to transport students shall be maintained in such condition to provide safe and efficient transportation service.

• Each school bus shall be inspected by the driver daily.

Arriving at Pickup Point

• Be on time at the bus stop.

• Walk on the left shoulder of the road, facing traffic, if you have to walk on the road.

• If there are other students at your stop, line up without pushing or crowding.

• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before attempting to board.

• Board the bus quickly, without pushing or crowding.

• Walk directly to your seat and sit straight, with your back against the back of the seat and face the front.

• The bus will not move until all passengers are seated.

• Remain seated throughout the trip. Leave your seat only when the bus has reached its destination and comes to a complete stop.

• Keep books and other items on your lap or under the seat. Keep the isle clear.

• Do not talk to the driver except in case of emergency, or do anything the might disturb him/her, especially loud or boisterous talking.

• Never stick hands, arms, head or feet out of the windows of the bus.

• Do not throw anything within the bus or out of a window.

• Do not open windows without the driver’s permission.

• Do not touch any of the emergency or safety equipment of the bus without the bus driver’s permission.

• No eating on the bus.

• Promptly obey the directions and instructions of the bus driver.

• Remain seated until the bus has reached its destination and has come to a complete stop.

• Do not push or crowd when leaving the bus.

• After you leave the bus, go directly to your assigned destination.

• If you must cross the road, walk about ten (10) feet in front of the bus when driver has indicated it is safe to do so.

• Look to the right and left.

• Walk briskly across the road, but do not run.

• Never cross behind the bus

• In case of an accident or emergency, students should help the driver to maintain order and assist others.

• Stay in the bus unless otherwise directed by the driver.

• If you have to leave the bus, stay in a group and obey the driver’s instructions.

• When a student misbehaves on a bus for the first time, the driver will explain to the offender the necessity for good behavior.

• If, after talks and warning, the rider continues to violate the rules, the driver will inform the student that the rule violation will be reported to the District Administrator.

• This report will include the use of a written form that lists the offense and the action taken by the District Administrator.

• Upon receiving the complaint and discussing it with the driver, the District Administrator will then call the student to the office and warn the student that the parents must be notified that the student will be put off the bus if misbehavior reoccurs.

• If poor conduct continues, the driver will again report the incident to the District Administrator. After discussion it will be decided whether to take the bus-riding privilege away from the student, and, if so, for how long.

• When a student is not allowed transportation by a school bus, the District Administrator will inform the parents of the penalty, the reason for it, and how long the penalty will last. In such cases, the parents become responsible for seeing that their child gets to and from school safely.

• A student is who is put off one (1) bus will be refused transportation by all drivers for the specified period of time.

R17-9-104 states, with respect to the authority of bus drivers, “Passengers shall comply with all instructions given to them by a school bus driver. A passenger or non-passenger who has boarded the school bus and refuses to comply with the school bus driver’s instructions may be surrendered into the custody of a person who is authorized by the school to assume responsibility for the passenger or non-passenger.” Student behavior on a school bus should be the same as that in a well-ordered classroom with the exception that students are free to talk, but with no screaming or shouting.

Students are required to conduct themselves in the bus, prior to boarding the bus, and subsequent to leaving the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior.

When a student fails to practice proper conduct, the bus drive will inform the District Administrator of the misconduct, which may then be brought to the attention of the parents.

Students who become serious disciplinary problems related to school transportation may have their riding privileges suspended. In such cases, the parents of the students involved become responsible for seeing that their children get to and from school safely.

Students riding on special-activity buses are under the direct supervision of the bus driver in cooperation with sponsor(s). Students who do not conduct themselves properly will be denied the privilege of riding on special-activity buses.

Each student is expected to take pride in the physical appearance of the school. Teachers and students should be observant at all times to prevent damage or destruction of school property. Any marking or marring of school property should be reported to the District office at once.

No student shall damage or deface any property belonging to the District. The type of discipline that may be imposed for damage to school property by students depends upon the circumstances. Students may be subject to discipline for willful damage or destruction of school property.

If any minors engage in conduct that results in damage to District property, the District may institute formal charges for the purpose of having the court order the minors, or their parents, to make full or partial restitution to the District in accordance with law.