Bus Discipline Guidelines
In order to ensure safe operation of the bus, students are responsible for their behavior while riding the bus. Behavior infractions will be reported, and disciplinary action taken in accordance with the guidelines set forth by USD 231.
Parents are requested to explain the importance of proper behavior on the bus. They are also expected to support disciplinary actions that are necessary to help their child modify his/her behavior.
The primary responsibility of the bus driver is to safely transport students to and from school. While transporting students, the driver is responsible for maintaining discipline on the bus. The driver will report behavior infractions to the proper school administrator using the District approved referral forms.
The school administrator will determine at what level an offense has occurred, based on any prior referral forms and/or disciplinary action. If the infraction is a violation of the law, the proper authorities will be notified. If the infraction results in property damage, restitution must be paid or a plan for restitution must be agreed upon before riding privileges will be reinstated.
Behavior Guidelines and Consequences
The following behaviors will not be permitted on the bus. The behaviors are grouped according to the seriousness of the offense. More serious misbehaviors will result in harsher consequences. The behavior consequences will escalate if the child insists on repeating the unacceptable behavior. This list is a sample of unacceptable behaviors and is not meant to be exhaustive.
Behavior *
| Minor Infractions |
Major Infractions |
| Hitting |
Assault |
| Spitting |
Fighting |
| Profanity |
Vandalism |
| Out of Seat - Standing Up |
Insubordination(Open defiance) |
| Throwing Objects |
Possession of a Weapon |
| Obstructing Aisles |
Possession or use of Drugs, Alcohol, or Tobacco |
| Making Loud Noises |
|
| Hanging Out Window |
|
| Insubordination (Failure to comply with reasonable request) |
|
| Other |
Other |
Minimum Consequences for Minor Infractions
Warning: Following an initial warning, a student will often modify their behavior, rendering a referral unnecessary. Re-assignment of assigned seats is often necessary. Initial warnings will be noted on any subsequent referral forms.
First Offense: Driver conferences with the student, identifies the infraction, writes up a behavior referral, and provides copies to the appropriate school administrator. The administrator contacts the parent and assigns appropriate discipline.
Second Offense: In addition to the procedure outlined for a First Offense, the parents are informed a bus suspension will occur in the event of a third offense.
Third Offense: In addition to the procedures outlined in the First and Second Offenses above, the administrator reviews the child’s behavior record, contacts the parent, and suspends the bus riding privileges for 1-5 days. All subsequent offenses in the minor category will be treated as a Major Infraction, in order as a first, second and third offense, resulting in corresponding disciplinary action.
Minimum Consequences for Major Infractions
First Offense: Driver conferences with the student, identifies the infraction and writes up a behavior referral with copies to the appropriate school administrator. The Administrator reviews the behavior incident, contacts the parent, and suspends the student’s riding privileges for 3-5 days.
Second Offense: In addition to the procedure outlined for the First Offense, riding privileges may be suspended for an extended period of time as determined by the school administrator.
Third Offense: In addition to the procedures outlined for the First and Second Offenses above, an administrative hearing to consider long-term suspension may also be requested by the school administrator.