Cleburne ISD

Student Bus Rider Information

The district will only transport students that are eligible for state funding or required by law. Free transportation is provided for students living more than two (2) miles from their individual campus by the nearest “practical route” as defined by State statute. The nearest practical route is the nearest traveled “public road” which may or may not be the road used by the school bus. The District does not operate buses on private roads or drives. Public roads that are soft surface, in disrepair or obstructed will not be accessed.

A student must reside in the attendance zone of the school they attend. Eligibility is determined by the student’s legal address. The exception would be certain elementary students required by the District to attend a specific program at another campus or students transferred because of class size restrictions at the home campus. The transferred student must still meet the distance requirement and reside 2 or miles from the campus of attendance to be eligible for transportation.

Service is provided from “authorized stops on a segment of an authorized route”. Bus students are to board and exit only at their authorized stop based on their legal address. A student can only be assigned to one bus and one bus stop. The drop-off is to be the same as the pick-up location. Eligibility is continually audited year round. When a student is found to be ineligible, notification will be made as soon as possible. A grace period will be allowed for parents to locate alternate arrangements.

Open-enrollment students are not eligible for transportation services and shall not be transported. An open-enrollment student is one residing outside of the district or a student that is voluntarily attending a campus other than the campus designated for the attendance zone for where the student legally resides.

All eligible students for transportation services must be pre-registered and approved through the Transportation Department and have on file with the driver a properly completed bus card. A student will not be allowed to board a bus without providing a properly filled out card. The driver will provide a card the first time a student rides a bus. New students are to be pre-registered through the Transportation Department before service can begin.

Registration or route information may be obtained by calling the Cleburne ISD Transportation Department at 817-202-2190. If you contact the Transportation Department by phone, please request the name of the person with whom you speak. This will help to expedite follow-up contacts, if necessary.

New Service or Change in Service

Request for bus service is handled through the transportation department. New students will not be allowed to ride a bus until they have registered and have been approved through the transportation department. Request for service will take 2 school days after approval.  Request for same day service will not be accommodated.       

Parents will need to make arrangements to transport their child until service can start. If a student has moved, a request for a change in service will be handled like a new service. Proof of residency for the new address will need to be provided to the school for any student that has moved. The address in skyward must match the student’s address.

Special Request

The District cannot accommodate transportation request for personal desires, custody agreement or convenience of parents or students. We cannot transport students to job sites, special locations, a friend’s home or accommodate spending the night. Service for eligible students is limited to one (1) address and the bus that provides service for that address.

Only students who are eligible to ride a specific bus will be transported on that bus. Request for non-eligible students to ride the bus with an eligible student will not be accepted.  Request for eligible students to ride on a different bus will not be accepted. 

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Due to the age of these students, every effort is made to provide additional safeguards.  Parents, older siblings or a designee must be at the bus stop to receive PK and K students. If a driver is not able to deliver a student that student will be returned back to their campus. If the student is not able to be returned to their campus they will be turned over to Child Protective Services or law enforcement.

A Student that cannot be delivered at mid-day will be taken back to their campus.  Repeated or serious incidents of a driver having difficulty delivering a student will result in the District discontinuing service for that student.

Because of different maturity levels, not all students can be transported safely. Service for students that cannot be transported safely will be discontinued.

Special Needs Students

Some students may require specialized bus transportation, this is to be a related service as the means to fulfill their IEP. An ARD Committee will determine if special transportation is needed for the student to be able to attend school. Only by ARD is a student transported on a special needs bus. Service is not door to door but from curb to curb only. As with all bus service buses are not to access private roads or drives. Some location may prohibit the bus from being able to access the residence. In this event, the parent may be required to meet the bus at the closest point the bus can access.

 Once the request for service is sent to Transportation, it will be assigned to a driver.  The driver will call the parent at the number provided to inform them of the pick-up and drop-off times and discuss any other related or needed matter.

Service provided for these students will not be based on sporadic needs. Service must be consistent as to the same days of the week. 

Students will only receive service to and from their legal residence. The only exception will be to and from the residence of a grandparent or an appropriate location determined by an ARD committee. 

            New service or changes in service will take place on the 3rd day after the day Transportation receives notification. All new service request or changes in service must come to Transportation through the Special Education department.

In most cases, an adult is required to receive these students. The driver will not deliver the student until contact is made with an adult at the residence.

If the driver is not able to deliver the student the driver will generally attempt to continue on a route and will reattempt delivery later in the route.

If the driver is still unable to deliver the student on the next attempt the student will be returned to their campus. If the child is not able to be delivered at their campus the child will be turned over to Child Protective Services or law enforcement.

A Student that cannot be delivered at mid-day will be taken back to their campus.  Repeated or serious incidents of a driver having difficulty delivering a student may result in the District discontinuing service for that student.

A student transported in a wheelchair will not be transported if the chair is deemed to be unsafe. Service will continue when it is deemed safe to do so.

ACCIDENTS OR EMERGENCIES

The safety factor of a school bus is far superior to any other form of transportation. Students are significantly safer on a school bus than in any other vehicle on the road. Serious incidents or injuries are rare.

In the event of a vehicle accident or unforeseen emergency, the proper authorities and School District personnel will be notified. If it is deemed necessary to contact a parent or guardian, the school the child attends will attempt to make contact.

BUS EVACUATION

1. Remain calm and quiet so instructions from the driver can be heard.
2. Follow the driver’s instructions completely.
3. Evacuation will start with the seat closest to the door.
4. Leave the bus single file as quietly as possible.
5. Stay with the group once the exit is complete.
6. If a rear exit from the bus is required at the direction of the driver the student nearest the emergency door will open the door and hold it open. Students will exit carefully, one at a time. Those on the ground will help others step down from the back of the bus.

BUS STOPS

There are numerous bus stops throughout the district. Students will be assigned to the bus stop that is generally nearest to their residence. In most cases, this is usually no more than a few blocks. Some stops may be longer distances due to inaccessibility of the location or route efficiency.  

Students are to only board or exit at the stop assigned to them and not go to other stops for bus service.

The District does not operate a door to door bus service. All stops are group stops, providing access for multiple students at the stops. This provides for safety in numbers. Because of isolated locations, some rural stops do not allow for group stops.

Stops are designed for route efficiency, equality for current and future riders, ease of access and overall safety. In most cases, bus stops are no more than 2 or 3 blocks from any student’s residence. Stops are generally designated at intersections of streets in the residential area. This allows for the most visibility and increases the control of traffic. Bus stops may be changed at the discretion of the District.

Bus Stop Safety

There are multiple situations that are beyond the control of the district. As in all circumstance, parents should be proactive in safeguarding their children and not leave that responsibility to chance or delegate it to others.

There are several things that parents can and should do to increase the safety of their children.

• Parents are encouraged to provide supervision for their child going to and from the bus stop and at the stop, if necessary. (A substantial number of stops already have parents that wait at the stops.)
• Parents should discuss with their child about avoiding suspicious people or vehicles.
• Have a plan of action the child should take if they encounter a problem.

• Pre-k and kindergarten students are required to have an adult at the stop.

Some small children may require an adult to be present before the student will be allowed off the bus

Procedures While Waiting for the Bus---

1. Be at your bus stop five (5) minutes before scheduled pick-up and be ready to board.

    Drivers cannot wait or honk for students. (Wait 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up    

    time before reporting a late bus.)

2. Show respect for private property and be a good neighbor at the bus stop.
3. Be aware of suspicious people of vehicles.
4. Stay off the roadway while waiting for the bus. Maintain proper behavior at the bus stop. No horseplay.
5. When the bus approaches, form a line and be prepared to load immediately.
6. Do not start walking or run towards the bus as it approaches the stop.
7. Stand clear of the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the door opens.
8. Make sure the bus driver can see you at all times.
9. If an article drops or rolls near, or under the bus, do not go after it. Go to the door and ask the driver for help.
10. If a child misses the bus they are to follow the procedure that the parent has instructed them to do. A bus will not be sent back to pick up students.

Loading the Bus—

1. If you must cross the road to board the bus then wait for the driver to give a clear signal before crossing.
2. Pay attention for cars that may not be stopping.
3. Do not push or shove.
4. Load one at a time and form a single file line.
5. If you drop anything near or under the bus, do not go after it. Go to the driver and ask for help.
6. Make sure the driver can see you. If you cannot see the driver’s eyes, then he cannot see you. STAY OUT OF BLIND SPOTS. 
7. Stay ten (10) feet away from the bus.
8. Use the handrail and take one step at a time.
9. Caution should be given about wearing clothing or bags with dangling cords.
10. They can pose a safety hazard by getting caught on the handrail.
11. Go directly to your seat. The bus will not move until all students are seated.

Getting Off the Bus—

1. Stay seated until the bus is completely stopped.
2. Wait for your turn to leave the bus.
3. Use the handrail and take one step at a time when leaving the bus.
4. Caution should be given about wearing clothing or bags with dangling cords.
5.  They can pose a safety hazard by getting caught on the handrail.
6. If you drop anything near or under the bus do not go after it. Go to the driver and ask for help.
7. If you must cross the road after exiting the bus then wait for the driver to give a clear signal before crossing the road.
8. NEVER CROSS THE ROAD BEHIND THE BUS. CAUTION: Be alert for vehicles that may not stop when the bus is loading or unloading students.
9. Make sure the driver can see you. If you cannot see the driver’s eyes, then he cannot see you. STAY OUT OF BLIND SPOTS. Stay ten (10) feet away from the bus.
10. Cross all streets at intersections when possible. Obey all traffic signals and signs on your way home.
11. Do not chase or hang on to the bus.
12. Go straight home and avoid suspicious people or vehicles.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Inappropriate behavior will be documented by the driver and forwarded to the

campus of the student.

1. Minor offenses such as talking too loud or moving about more than the driver considers safe - verbal warning by the driver.

2. First Written Discipline Report – On the first report the principal decides on the discipline to be used.

3. Second Written Discipline Report - The principal will suspend the bus riding privilege for no less than five school days.

4. Third Written Discipline Report- The principal will suspend bus riding privilege for no less than fifteen (15) school days and may suspend for the remainder of the semester. If fewer than fifteen (15) school days remain in a    semester, the suspension may extend to the next semester or school year.

5. Fourth Discipline Report or chronic misbehavior – The principal will suspend bus privilege for the remainder of the school year. If fewer than fifteen (15) school days remain in the school year, the suspension will stay in effect until the end of the first six-weeks of the following school year.

6. Serious offenses – The principal will suspend the bus privilege immediately. The number of days will depend on the offense. Law enforcement involvement and additional school sanctions may apply.

The school administrator has the authority to skip levels of discipline and has the authority to remove at any time a rider from the bus. Students are reminded that riding is a privilege and not a right.

Transportation services may be discontinued at any time for a student when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the District.

GENERAL PROCEDURES

Every effort is made to provide a safe and efficient riding experience. This takes cooperation from all parties involved. Students being transported in District vehicles shall comply with all general safety procedures and the Student Code of Conduct.

 Any student who fails to comply with the Conduct Code or established safety procedures may be denied transportation services and shall be subject to additional disciplinary action.

1. Obey the instructions of the driver and cooperate with any request.
2. Conduct is to follow acceptable classroom standards.
3. Staying seated in the seat compartment at all times keeps riders safe in the event of an accident or emergency maneuver.                                       
4. Body parts must remain inside the windows.
5. Windows, doors or roof hatches are to be opened only with permission of the driver. 
6. Animals or other items that may pose a risk cannot be transported on a bus.  
7. Spraying perfume or similar items on the bus may cause a medical emergency for some students. These items are not to be used on the bus. 
8. Sharp items are not to be out while on the bus.
9. The driver has the authority to take possession of items that cause a disturbance or distraction.
10. A bus driver may assign seats at any time.
11. Students are to ride only the bus they are assigned.
12. Students are to only board and exit the bus at their designated stop. 

Any articles such as projects, large band instruments (tuba, baritone, trombone, saxophone, other large instruments), etc., which are too large to be held in the student’s lap or which impose on other riders will not be allowed on the bus. 

Musical instruments are not to be played on the bus.  Book bags and backpacks must be transported in the student’s lap, not on the seat or floor or worn on the student’s back. Students will keep aisles and under the bus seats clear of any obstructions.  Loose items may not be transported on the floor of the bus. 

Distracting the driver is dangerous and places everyone at risk. The attention of the driver should be the safe operation of the vehicle. Examples of a distraction are moving around the bus, body parts out the window, standing up, horseplay, hanging out into the aisle, being too loud or yelling, throwing things, arguing with the driver, and not responding to a request the first time it is given.

Students who allow their electronic devices, including cell phones, MP3 players, I-Pods, hand-held game systems, etc., to become a distraction/disruption to the driver will be directed to put the item(s) away until they exit the bus. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Students are to have the sound “off” or use headphones that do not distract the driver. If a student cannot hear the driver because of the volume of the device, and the Driver has to repeat directions, this will be viewed as a distraction to the driver.

Once a student has boarded a bus and the bus has left the campus that the student is considered “in route”. Once a student is “in route” they may not exit a bus at any location other than their assigned bus stop. Attempts by individuals to obtain a student at a location other than that student’s assigned bus stop will be denied.

In the event that a bus unexpectedly becomes delayed students are not to call someone to come get them.

RESPONSIBILITY

Parents/Guardians

1. Review and discuss rules and procedures with your child.
2. Teach your child that the driver is the person of authority on the bus and is to be respected.  
3. Make sure that your child arrives at the bus stop five minutes before the designated time.
4. Provide supervision for your child going to and from the bus stop and at the stop, if necessary.  
5. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.
6. Have a plan for your child to follow in case he misses the bus.
7. Discuss with your child about avoiding suspicious people or vehicles. Have a plan of action the child should take if they encounter a problem.
8. Provide transportation for your child if the privilege of riding the bus is withdrawn.
9. Make a reasonable effort to understand and cooperate with those responsible for student transportation.
10. Accept responsibility for the proper conduct of your child.

Students

1. Follow the instructions from the driver.
2. Standard rules for courteous and correct classroom behavior are expected.
3. A student is to sit in their assigned seat and may not deny another student a place to sit.
4. Remain seated. Students must remain seated and out of the aisle at all times. For safety reasons, students are not considered seated if they are not facing forward or are sitting on anything, including their leg(s), books(s), etc.
5. Enter and leave the bus only through the front door except in case of an emergency, and at the direction of the driver. At no time is a student to open or exit through the emergency door except by direction of the driver.
6. Students shall never attempt to operate the driver controls except in case of an emergency and only if the driver is unable to operate them.
7. Normal conversation is permitted; any loud noise may distract the driver and create an unsafe condition. Shouting at passing persons or vehicles may startle or distract the driver.
8. Immediately report any damage or graffiti you observe to the driver.
9. Report any unsafe conditions, incident or harassment to the driver. If the situation is not resolved, contact a principal or the Transportation Department.