BUS SAFETY PROGRAM
The superintendent shall direct the preparation of a Safe Pupil Transportation Plan that, at a minimum, shall address weapons, dangerous objects, pupil behavior, terroristic threats, severe weather, hazardous materials, medical emergencies, driver/passenger procedures in the event of mechanical breakdowns of the vehicle, and driver procedures in the event that the drop-off location is uncertain or appears unsafe to leave students. The plan shall also address general guidelines for the functional capacity of a pupil transportation driver and a process to confirm a driver’s ability to conduct daily tasks and emergency evacuations.
The superintendent shall plan and implement a safety-training program for pupil transportation vehicle operators and vehicle passengers. The superintendent shall monitor the scheduling of inservice and educational opportunities for transportation personnel to improve their awareness and skills regarding pupil transportation vehicle safety. Pupil transportation vehicle operators shall attend local workshops and all inservice meetings.
Administrative rules and regulations shall be adopted to govern the safe operation of pupil transportation vehicle. Students violating these regulations may have their riding privileges revoked or suspended. Parents will be responsible for damage done to transportation vehicles or equipment by their children.
The school district shall conduct pupil transportation vehicle safe riding practices instruction and emergency safety drills at least twice a year for students who utilize school district transportation. The emergency evacuation drill procedures should be conducted according to guidelines established by the Nebraska Department of Education.
Each pupil transportation vehicle shall have, in addition to the regular emergency safety drill, a plan for helping those students who require special assistance to safety during an emergency. This shall include, but not be limited to, students with disabilities.
Pupil transportation vehicle drivers are required to attend each safety drill.
Pupil transportation operator procedures will include a prohibition against use of a handheld wireless communication device to read a written communication, manually type a written communication, or send a written communication while operating a pupil transportation vehicle which is in motion. Handheld wireless communication device means any device that provides for written communication between two or more parties and is capable of receiving, displaying, or transmitting written communication. Written communication includes, but is not limited to, a text message, an instant message, electronic mail, and Internet web sites.
All transportation vehicles shall be acquired and maintained to meet or exceed NDE Minimum Equipment Standards for pupil transportation vehicles. The superintendent shall develop a systematic preventive maintenance program including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual schedules to insure vehicle safety and reliability. This will include a record keeping system for maintaining inspection reports along with procedures for filing reports and certifications to meet requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education.
Legal Reference:
Neb. Statute 79-601 to 610 NDE Rule 91
Cross Reference:
508.05 Emergency Plans and Drills 905 Safety Program
Approved: October 14, 2019 Revised: September 14, 2020
