HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BUS DRIVER SYLLABUS
POLICY #710
It is your responsibility to know what district policies are and/or what is expected of you. What follows are some of the policies/expectations of you.
1. JOB DESCRIPTION - We will review your updated job description.
2. EMERGENCY EVACUATION - Needs to be practiced in the fall and spring. Please
conduct an emergency evacuation drill during the weeks of September 20 to October 1, 2021
3. BUS LISTS - Your lists of students have been computerized and will be updated every day.
Many times you are the first school employee to know that a family has moved in or away. Please let the Transportation Supervisor know when you get that type of information. Bus drivers should either call the parents of kindergarteners/PreK or go over and visit them prior to school starting. Especially if they are new to the school district.
4. FUEL PURCHASES - Are to be done at Kurt’s Cenex. No charge slips should be signed until the vendor lists the number of gallons purchased. Any irregularities/concerns about service should be reported to the Transportation Supervisor. Bus drivers will be required to fill their own buses. The pin number is the bus you are driving for the fill up. The Transportation Supervisor will get monthly reports for accuracy.
You are required to have at least a half tank of fuel before going out on the route. When using a spare bus or type 3 vehicle do not put it away if the tank is less than half full.
Print your bus numbers (type 3 identifier) legibly on the slip each time you fill your vehicle
5. PASSES - Students should NOT be allowed on the bus without a pass. Late bus students
MUST have a pass or be on the list or they should not be transported. Students may not get
off at a different location unless they present a note. If you cannot read the teacher’s
name on the note, give the note to the Transportation Supervisor for confirmation.
6. BUSES - Except in the case of emergency, may NOT be driven without the permission of the Transportation Supervisor or Superintendent. Except in emergency (mechanical breakdowns) you are to drive your assigned bus unless the Transportation Supervisor or Superintendent give you permission otherwise.
7. DAILY INSPECTION SHEETS - You are required to complete a daily inspection sheet and turn it in MONTHLY. You are verifying that you have done the things listed on that sheet. These are required by law to be carried on the bus. You are required by law to carry your CDL and CDL physical with you when driving at all times.
8. BUS INSPECTION - You can expect state inspections: Which is some time in October. Please let the Transportation Supervisor and the mechanic know if anything is wrong, so we can get it fixed ASAP.
9. VANDALISM - Left untreated tends to multiply! You need to inspect your bus daily for cut seats, etc. If you find a problem, you need to get it repaired immediately AND report the guilty party so discipline/restitution can be arranged (please inform the transportation supervisor). Drivers that do not report vandalism (cut bus seats etc...) can expect to have a reduction in their year-end bonus pay. (Similar to backing into something.) The Transportation Supervisor will inspect every bus at least once per year. If un-reported vandalism is found it will be deducted from bonus pay immediately.
10. DIESELS - Need to be warmed up properly. (At least 20 minutes at a fast idle in the winter).
Use the pre-heater as much as possible. (for energy conservation)
11. PARKING - When loading at the various buildings park bumper to bumper so no one can
go in between the buses. All Hinckley drivers/ paras are to meet at the bus garage at 2:40 p.m.
(Finlayson idling time should not be in front of the elementary school).
12. SEAT BELT/SMOKING - Wear your seat belts and do not smoke or chew. (It is the law.)
13. EXTRA-CURRICULAR - We will plan to assign extra-curricular trips as they have been
done in the past.
If you want to drive for extra-curricular trips you need to let the Transportation Supervisor know.
We only want to “double up” when we have NO other alternative. We need to try to get a sub, if at all possible. The only time drivers have permission to “double up” is when a sub is not available and a driver is needed for a trip. Any exceptions to this must be cleared through the Transportation Supervisor or the Superintendent. Please communicate with the Transportation Supervisor when you need a sub and we will work together to find a sub driver.
14. ACCIDENTS - In case of an accident, radio the district office and if needed we will call 911. If necessary a school official will report to the scene. Do not leave your students alone on the bus in any circumstances. (Please see attached procedures.)
15. DISCIPLINE – Consequences- Riding district transportation is a privilege. Students who
do not conduct themselves appropriately and follow directions will not be allowed to use
district transportation. Parents are liable for damages to the bus done by their children.
Once students have arrived on school grounds, students are not allowed to leave without
permission of district personnel. Transportation may be denied to students who leave
school grounds without permission
We want to help and support you! We can do this best by your frequent communications with the building principals. If you feel a lack of support or inaction from the building principal, please see the Transportation Supervisor and/or Superintendent.
- Driver Intervention:
1. Verbal warning (friendly).
2. Private 1-1 meeting (stern).
3. Assigned seat changed.
4. Call the parents (or send a note).
5. Bus conducts - give to the Dean
6. Bus suspension or other discipline- required conference with the student,
driver, parent, and principal.
Discipline procedures
Step 1 warning and follow up with parent/guardian
Step 2 written bus report to principal. school will assign consequences.
follow up conference with school rep. and transportation rep. to address behavior.
Step 3 written bus report to principal. students will be handled by school policy or student IEP.
Severe Clause major rule infraction will immediately result in bus suspension/expulsion.
Illegal activity will be reported to law enforcement.
Drivers must still follow up with parents
- Please remember: -Parents MUST be notified - the sooner the better.
-Document (keep track of) what you have done.
-Do not touch a student.
-Bus monitors are your “eyes and ears” ONLY.
-We are limited to discipline with special ed. students by their IEP
- different/individual plans will be established.
16. ASSIGNED SEATS - Assigned seats are encouraged. I would suggest putting it mandatory here, because seating charts help greatly with contact tracing. It is the driver’s decision as to where students sit. Drivers may move student seats for any reason.
Reasons assigned seats are helpful;
a.) a seating chart can be given to substitute bus drivers (helpful when they do not know the students) -
b.) better accountability for vandalism to bus seats
c. ) moving/ assigning seats should be one of your first discipline measures
In some cases such as high vandalism, poor student behavior, or special needs students- The Transportation Supervisor reserves the right to ask that a driver assign seats.
17. VIDEOTAPES/CAMERAS – All regular route buses will have cameras on at all times. The following guidelines should be followed when using the cameras:
A) You are required to review any video with the transportation supervisor when needed.
B) You should never cover the camera.
C) Driver damage to camera or camera boxes may result in the deduction of bonus points from the driver.
18. VISION/NEW DIRECTION/ TSA- We send students to programs out of the district. Vision students should be held on your bus until the bus arrives. Vision drivers should meet with the Transportation Supervisor, or principals as needed. These students may have bus issues, report them to the Transportation office and the Vision staff to help stop the behavior.
19. ELEMENTARY LOADING - You are to be on your bus when the students load in the
Evenings. This is going well, thank you for the effort and patience.
20. ARRIVAL TIMES - Buses should not arrive in the mornings and students should NOT be
dismissed from the buses prior to these times. (all school clocks will be set to WCCO).
High School 8:10 a.m. half of the buses
Hinckley Elementary 8:10 a.m. half of the buses
Finlayson Elementary 7:40 a.m. 7:30 am
Finlayson Elementary 7:35-7:45 am
Hinckley Elementary 8:00-8:10 am
HF High School 8:10 am
These would be more accurate times at each school. 3 buses drop at FES at different times, one each at 7:35, 7:40,7:45. All buses drop off at HES and HFHS at the same time.
21. PAPERWORK - DEADLINES Drivers are doing an excellent job with paperwork.
Please double check all accuracy. Make sure that all trips, sports, extra-curriculars,
etc. are recorded each trip you take. We must all do this in a timely manner. Paperwork
needs to be dated, signed, and mileage calculated when you turn in all forms.
Bus logs collected the 2nd of each month. We are required by the state to have all logs
accurate and complete. This is how we receive funding for transportation. Thank you for
being precise.
22. GATE/BUS GARAGE KEYS - Spare buses in Hinckley will be in the bus lot and locked in. You will be given keys to the lot, if you don’t have one already. Please lock the gate when you are the last person out of the lot for the day. You have been given a key to the bus garage so you can use the break room/bathroom after office hours. Please be mindful of the mechanics area. The mechanic has things placed in certain areas for a reason.
23. MAINTENANCE - Check stickers in vehicles for oil change Be aware of your mileage and communicate with the mechanic about issues. Please fill out the blue work order forms when you need something repaired or checked out. Place it in the repair order file slot in the breakroom. Sometimes if you mention something to us we may not be able to remember. Having that paper trail will help make sure we get things done.
24. COMPENSATION - Your compensation is calculated on 4.25 hours a day. It is estimated that this is the time you actually average. Meetings with principals, meetings in the district office, viewing videos, parent communication, filling out the bus conducts maintenance/inspection of the bus, washing, sweeping the bus, and disinfecting after each trip are all part of the job and required.
Bus Drivers/Type 3 drivers will be compensated for the cost of a necessary physical examination to renew drivers licenses (bus drivers only) and the cost of the driver's license after 90 days of successful employment.
25. DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING - Is required by law and the Transportation Supervisor will be communicating with you when you need testing. Our policy is being reviewed and will be discussed with you in more detail in the near future.
Drug Testing Requirements
Employers are required to conduct pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, random,
post-accident, and return to duty/follow-up testing for safety-sensitive employees:
Safety-sensitive employees include all school bus drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics.
For more information contact MN/DOT office of Motor Carrier Services at (651)405-6060 or FHWA/Office of Motor Carriers at (651)291-6150.
Zero Tolerance Law
It is a crime for anyone to drive, operate, or be in physical control of any school bus or Head Start bus when there is physical evidence present in the person’s body of the consumption of any alcohol. Upon a first conviction, a person will lose his or her privilege to drive any commercial motor vehicles for one year. A second conviction will result in the loss of commercial driving privileges for ten years.
26. HALF - WINDOW POLICY - Bus windows may not be more than half-way down. Please enforce this policy consistently. Also leave them down while disinfecting the bus/vehicle you are using. Weather permitting. This will help with ventilation. This is done after each trip/route
27. TURN-AROUND PROBLEMS - If you are having turn -round problems, safety issues or are concerned about possibly getting stuck, please contact the transportation supervisor. No turnarounds should ever be made on major roadways - examples = #23, #48, #18, #61, #3. Do NOT alter your routes when someone does not ride IF it will necessitate a turn-around on a major roadway.
28. LINE-UP - Buses are to stay in line at all schools in the morning.
29. APPEARANCE - You must appear presentable. Parents should not be alarmed at your appearance when they put their children on the bus. Areas of concern in the past have included body odor, cleanliness, alcohol tobacco advertising on clothing or messages with sexual overtones, or clothing that is too revealing. (No sandals allowed.) Always strive to look and act like a professional. Thanks to all drivers- our appearance is excellent. Also masks/face shields are required. Please make sure they do not in any way interfere with your ability to drive the bus/vehicle in a safe manner.
This same expectation would also apply before and after EVERY trip you take (including field trips and extra-curriculars). All drivers are to look for damaged bus seats and forgotten items on the bus after every trip.
This also will help protect you from personal liability issues.
31. BUS STOP POLICY - Drivers are NOT to make any changes to your route or bus stop location without the permission of the bus supervisor or superintendent.
32. BUS WASHING - To be done at the bus garage (outside) or at home a MINIMUM of once a month. You are reminded that your back window must be kept clean at all times. (Please clean buses before out-of-town trips) We need to keep the inside of the buses clean.
33. SWEEPING - You are required to sweep your bus daily. (No pails are allowed in the back of the bus) Pails are allowed in the front but they must be secure.
34. RESPONSIBILITY - One new bus cost over $103,000.
We will continue to monitor the repair costs (brake jobs etc. . .) on your bus. Many or most of the repairs come from routine wear and tear; when the repairs become excessive we will be discussing this with you. Bonus pay, step advancement and bus assignments may be affected if you do not take proper care of your equipment.
35. VIOLATIONS -
Federal regulations also require a commercial driver’s license holder who is convicted of a traffic violation (other than for parking) to notify both the state and that person’s employer, such as a school district or busing contractor. 49 C.F.R. § 383.31. The notification must be made within 30 days of the conviction. If a commercial driver’s license is suspended, the license holder must notify any employer of the suspension. 49 C.F.R. § 383.33.
If a type III vehicle driver is convicted of various offenses (outlined below), the person must notify the employer within ten days of the conviction. Minn. Stat. § 171.02, subd. 2b (k). (This notification requirement applies to type III drivers but not type A-I drivers operating without an endorsement.) Also, a type III vehicle driver must inform an employer of loss of driving privileges (such as license suspension, cancellation, or revocation) by the day after receiving notice of the loss of privileges. Minn. Stat. § 171.02, subd. 2b (l).
36. BONUS PAY - Will be paid after your Bus/Type 3 is cleaned and turned in at the end of the school year. Drivers have 7 calendar days after your summer assignments are finished. Please make arrangements if for some reason you can’t do it in the 7 day period. do not miss out on your bonus.
37. REQUIRED SAFETY/TRAINING MEETING: These meetings will be called as needed.
38. CELL PHONES/RADIO: No cell phones may be used by bus drivers while the bus is moving. State Statute Section 67, 169-472. Cell phones are required, you are compensated for having a phone that you would use for calling parents/guardians about any route/time changes, and disciplinary issues you may have.
Use the radio to communicate but remember everything is broadcast to the district office,
all buses, and many children/ parents hear the radio. Remember to limit details on the radio.
Please call/text the Transportation Supervisor on the cell phone or use your radio when you are done with out of the district trips. We appreciate knowing everyone is home safe.
39. REMINDER: You are reminded that you need to let the Transportation Supervisor know your whereabouts during the day in case we need to call the buses early. (power outages, broken water main, snowstorm) You are required to have a telephone.
45. Use Remind- we no longer use celly. You will get the most current updates if you use Remind. Hinckley Finlayson code: @b49c6
** PLEASE KEEP THIS IN YOUR BUS TO REFER TO DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.
Community Ed
******************************************************************************
Yes, I have received a copy of the expectations that the school district has for me as a bus driver. These were reviewed in the opening year meeting with the Transportation Supervisor.
DATE:_______________________________
____________________________________
(signature of driver)
Reapproved August 14, 2017
Reapproved 6/11/2018
Reapproved 8/10/2020
Re-approved 8/9/2021
BUS DRIVER SYLLABUS
POLICY #710
It is your responsibility to know what district policies are and/or what is expected of you. What follows are some of the policies/expectations of you.
1. JOB DESCRIPTION - We will review your updated job description.
2. EMERGENCY EVACUATION - Needs to be practiced in the fall and spring. Please
conduct an emergency evacuation drill during the weeks of September 20 to October 1, 2021
3. BUS LISTS - Your lists of students have been computerized and will be updated every day.
Many times you are the first school employee to know that a family has moved in or away. Please let the Transportation Supervisor know when you get that type of information. Bus drivers should either call the parents of kindergarteners/PreK or go over and visit them prior to school starting. Especially if they are new to the school district.
4. FUEL PURCHASES - Are to be done at Kurt’s Cenex. No charge slips should be signed until the vendor lists the number of gallons purchased. Any irregularities/concerns about service should be reported to the Transportation Supervisor. Bus drivers will be required to fill their own buses. The pin number is the bus you are driving for the fill up. The Transportation Supervisor will get monthly reports for accuracy.
You are required to have at least a half tank of fuel before going out on the route. When using a spare bus or type 3 vehicle do not put it away if the tank is less than half full.
Print your bus numbers (type 3 identifier) legibly on the slip each time you fill your vehicle
5. PASSES - Students should NOT be allowed on the bus without a pass. Late bus students
MUST have a pass or be on the list or they should not be transported. Students may not get
off at a different location unless they present a note. If you cannot read the teacher’s
name on the note, give the note to the Transportation Supervisor for confirmation.
6. BUSES - Except in the case of emergency, may NOT be driven without the permission of the Transportation Supervisor or Superintendent. Except in emergency (mechanical breakdowns) you are to drive your assigned bus unless the Transportation Supervisor or Superintendent give you permission otherwise.
7. DAILY INSPECTION SHEETS - You are required to complete a daily inspection sheet and turn it in MONTHLY. You are verifying that you have done the things listed on that sheet. These are required by law to be carried on the bus. You are required by law to carry your CDL and CDL physical with you when driving at all times.
8. BUS INSPECTION - You can expect state inspections: Which is some time in October. Please let the Transportation Supervisor and the mechanic know if anything is wrong, so we can get it fixed ASAP.
9. VANDALISM - Left untreated tends to multiply! You need to inspect your bus daily for cut seats, etc. If you find a problem, you need to get it repaired immediately AND report the guilty party so discipline/restitution can be arranged (please inform the transportation supervisor). Drivers that do not report vandalism (cut bus seats etc...) can expect to have a reduction in their year-end bonus pay. (Similar to backing into something.) The Transportation Supervisor will inspect every bus at least once per year. If un-reported vandalism is found it will be deducted from bonus pay immediately.
10. DIESELS - Need to be warmed up properly. (At least 20 minutes at a fast idle in the winter).
Use the pre-heater as much as possible. (for energy conservation)
11. PARKING - When loading at the various buildings park bumper to bumper so no one can
go in between the buses. All Hinckley drivers/ paras are to meet at the bus garage at 2:40 p.m.
(Finlayson idling time should not be in front of the elementary school).
12. SEAT BELT/SMOKING - Wear your seat belts and do not smoke or chew. (It is the law.)
13. EXTRA-CURRICULAR - We will plan to assign extra-curricular trips as they have been
done in the past.
If you want to drive for extra-curricular trips you need to let the Transportation Supervisor know.
We only want to “double up” when we have NO other alternative. We need to try to get a sub, if at all possible. The only time drivers have permission to “double up” is when a sub is not available and a driver is needed for a trip. Any exceptions to this must be cleared through the Transportation Supervisor or the Superintendent. Please communicate with the Transportation Supervisor when you need a sub and we will work together to find a sub driver.
14. ACCIDENTS - In case of an accident, radio the district office and if needed we will call 911. If necessary a school official will report to the scene. Do not leave your students alone on the bus in any circumstances. (Please see attached procedures.)
15. DISCIPLINE – Consequences- Riding district transportation is a privilege. Students who
do not conduct themselves appropriately and follow directions will not be allowed to use
district transportation. Parents are liable for damages to the bus done by their children.
Once students have arrived on school grounds, students are not allowed to leave without
permission of district personnel. Transportation may be denied to students who leave
school grounds without permission
We want to help and support you! We can do this best by your frequent communications with the building principals. If you feel a lack of support or inaction from the building principal, please see the Transportation Supervisor and/or Superintendent.
- Driver Intervention:
1. Verbal warning (friendly).
2. Private 1-1 meeting (stern).
3. Assigned seat changed.
4. Call the parents (or send a note).
5. Bus conducts - give to the Dean
6. Bus suspension or other discipline- required conference with the student,
driver, parent, and principal.
Discipline procedures
Step 1 warning and follow up with parent/guardian
Step 2 written bus report to principal. school will assign consequences.
follow up conference with school rep. and transportation rep. to address behavior.
Step 3 written bus report to principal. students will be handled by school policy or student IEP.
Severe Clause major rule infraction will immediately result in bus suspension/expulsion.
Illegal activity will be reported to law enforcement.
Drivers must still follow up with parents
- Please remember: -Parents MUST be notified - the sooner the better.
-Document (keep track of) what you have done.
-Do not touch a student.
-Bus monitors are your “eyes and ears” ONLY.
-We are limited to discipline with special ed. students by their IEP
- different/individual plans will be established.
16. ASSIGNED SEATS - Assigned seats are encouraged. I would suggest putting it mandatory here, because seating charts help greatly with contact tracing. It is the driver’s decision as to where students sit. Drivers may move student seats for any reason.
Reasons assigned seats are helpful;
a.) a seating chart can be given to substitute bus drivers (helpful when they do not know the students) -
b.) better accountability for vandalism to bus seats
c. ) moving/ assigning seats should be one of your first discipline measures
In some cases such as high vandalism, poor student behavior, or special needs students- The Transportation Supervisor reserves the right to ask that a driver assign seats.
17. VIDEOTAPES/CAMERAS – All regular route buses will have cameras on at all times. The following guidelines should be followed when using the cameras:
A) You are required to review any video with the transportation supervisor when needed.
B) You should never cover the camera.
C) Driver damage to camera or camera boxes may result in the deduction of bonus points from the driver.
18. VISION/NEW DIRECTION/ TSA- We send students to programs out of the district. Vision students should be held on your bus until the bus arrives. Vision drivers should meet with the Transportation Supervisor, or principals as needed. These students may have bus issues, report them to the Transportation office and the Vision staff to help stop the behavior.
19. ELEMENTARY LOADING - You are to be on your bus when the students load in the
Evenings. This is going well, thank you for the effort and patience.
20. ARRIVAL TIMES - Buses should not arrive in the mornings and students should NOT be
dismissed from the buses prior to these times. (all school clocks will be set to WCCO).
High School 8:10 a.m. half of the buses
Hinckley Elementary 8:10 a.m. half of the buses
Finlayson Elementary 7:40 a.m. 7:30 am
Finlayson Elementary 7:35-7:45 am
Hinckley Elementary 8:00-8:10 am
HF High School 8:10 am
These would be more accurate times at each school. 3 buses drop at FES at different times, one each at 7:35, 7:40,7:45. All buses drop off at HES and HFHS at the same time.
21. PAPERWORK - DEADLINES Drivers are doing an excellent job with paperwork.
Please double check all accuracy. Make sure that all trips, sports, extra-curriculars,
etc. are recorded each trip you take. We must all do this in a timely manner. Paperwork
needs to be dated, signed, and mileage calculated when you turn in all forms.
Bus logs collected the 2nd of each month. We are required by the state to have all logs
accurate and complete. This is how we receive funding for transportation. Thank you for
being precise.
22. GATE/BUS GARAGE KEYS - Spare buses in Hinckley will be in the bus lot and locked in. You will be given keys to the lot, if you don’t have one already. Please lock the gate when you are the last person out of the lot for the day. You have been given a key to the bus garage so you can use the break room/bathroom after office hours. Please be mindful of the mechanics area. The mechanic has things placed in certain areas for a reason.
23. MAINTENANCE - Check stickers in vehicles for oil change Be aware of your mileage and communicate with the mechanic about issues. Please fill out the blue work order forms when you need something repaired or checked out. Place it in the repair order file slot in the breakroom. Sometimes if you mention something to us we may not be able to remember. Having that paper trail will help make sure we get things done.
24. COMPENSATION - Your compensation is calculated on 4.25 hours a day. It is estimated that this is the time you actually average. Meetings with principals, meetings in the district office, viewing videos, parent communication, filling out the bus conducts maintenance/inspection of the bus, washing, sweeping the bus, and disinfecting after each trip are all part of the job and required.
Bus Drivers/Type 3 drivers will be compensated for the cost of a necessary physical examination to renew drivers licenses (bus drivers only) and the cost of the driver's license after 90 days of successful employment.
25. DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING - Is required by law and the Transportation Supervisor will be communicating with you when you need testing. Our policy is being reviewed and will be discussed with you in more detail in the near future.
Drug Testing Requirements
Employers are required to conduct pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, random,
post-accident, and return to duty/follow-up testing for safety-sensitive employees:
Safety-sensitive employees include all school bus drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics.
For more information contact MN/DOT office of Motor Carrier Services at (651)405-6060 or FHWA/Office of Motor Carriers at (651)291-6150.
Zero Tolerance Law
It is a crime for anyone to drive, operate, or be in physical control of any school bus or Head Start bus when there is physical evidence present in the person’s body of the consumption of any alcohol. Upon a first conviction, a person will lose his or her privilege to drive any commercial motor vehicles for one year. A second conviction will result in the loss of commercial driving privileges for ten years.
26. HALF - WINDOW POLICY - Bus windows may not be more than half-way down. Please enforce this policy consistently. Also leave them down while disinfecting the bus/vehicle you are using. Weather permitting. This will help with ventilation. This is done after each trip/route
27. TURN-AROUND PROBLEMS - If you are having turn -round problems, safety issues or are concerned about possibly getting stuck, please contact the transportation supervisor. No turnarounds should ever be made on major roadways - examples = #23, #48, #18, #61, #3. Do NOT alter your routes when someone does not ride IF it will necessitate a turn-around on a major roadway.
28. LINE-UP - Buses are to stay in line at all schools in the morning.
29. APPEARANCE - You must appear presentable. Parents should not be alarmed at your appearance when they put their children on the bus. Areas of concern in the past have included body odor, cleanliness, alcohol tobacco advertising on clothing or messages with sexual overtones, or clothing that is too revealing. (No sandals allowed.) Always strive to look and act like a professional. Thanks to all drivers- our appearance is excellent. Also masks/face shields are required. Please make sure they do not in any way interfere with your ability to drive the bus/vehicle in a safe manner.
- STUDENT SAFETY - All bus drivers are to walk to the back of their bus every morning and every evening to either add or remove the “Empty” sign, verifying that there are no students left on the bus. Also before you load, when a bus sits anywhere empty.
This same expectation would also apply before and after EVERY trip you take (including field trips and extra-curriculars). All drivers are to look for damaged bus seats and forgotten items on the bus after every trip.
This also will help protect you from personal liability issues.
31. BUS STOP POLICY - Drivers are NOT to make any changes to your route or bus stop location without the permission of the bus supervisor or superintendent.
32. BUS WASHING - To be done at the bus garage (outside) or at home a MINIMUM of once a month. You are reminded that your back window must be kept clean at all times. (Please clean buses before out-of-town trips) We need to keep the inside of the buses clean.
33. SWEEPING - You are required to sweep your bus daily. (No pails are allowed in the back of the bus) Pails are allowed in the front but they must be secure.
34. RESPONSIBILITY - One new bus cost over $103,000.
We will continue to monitor the repair costs (brake jobs etc. . .) on your bus. Many or most of the repairs come from routine wear and tear; when the repairs become excessive we will be discussing this with you. Bonus pay, step advancement and bus assignments may be affected if you do not take proper care of your equipment.
35. VIOLATIONS -
Federal regulations also require a commercial driver’s license holder who is convicted of a traffic violation (other than for parking) to notify both the state and that person’s employer, such as a school district or busing contractor. 49 C.F.R. § 383.31. The notification must be made within 30 days of the conviction. If a commercial driver’s license is suspended, the license holder must notify any employer of the suspension. 49 C.F.R. § 383.33.
If a type III vehicle driver is convicted of various offenses (outlined below), the person must notify the employer within ten days of the conviction. Minn. Stat. § 171.02, subd. 2b (k). (This notification requirement applies to type III drivers but not type A-I drivers operating without an endorsement.) Also, a type III vehicle driver must inform an employer of loss of driving privileges (such as license suspension, cancellation, or revocation) by the day after receiving notice of the loss of privileges. Minn. Stat. § 171.02, subd. 2b (l).
36. BONUS PAY - Will be paid after your Bus/Type 3 is cleaned and turned in at the end of the school year. Drivers have 7 calendar days after your summer assignments are finished. Please make arrangements if for some reason you can’t do it in the 7 day period. do not miss out on your bonus.
37. REQUIRED SAFETY/TRAINING MEETING: These meetings will be called as needed.
38. CELL PHONES/RADIO: No cell phones may be used by bus drivers while the bus is moving. State Statute Section 67, 169-472. Cell phones are required, you are compensated for having a phone that you would use for calling parents/guardians about any route/time changes, and disciplinary issues you may have.
Use the radio to communicate but remember everything is broadcast to the district office,
all buses, and many children/ parents hear the radio. Remember to limit details on the radio.
Please call/text the Transportation Supervisor on the cell phone or use your radio when you are done with out of the district trips. We appreciate knowing everyone is home safe.
39. REMINDER: You are reminded that you need to let the Transportation Supervisor know your whereabouts during the day in case we need to call the buses early. (power outages, broken water main, snowstorm) You are required to have a telephone.
- EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES: We need to exercise even greater caution than normal when transporting our elementary children home on an early dismissal day. The reason for this is because an early dismissal is most likely a surprise to the parents. We need to do two things to help this situation.
- Communicate with the parents that they MUST have a back-up plan for their children on these days.
- Bus drivers need to be sure that elementary-age children (especially K-3 students) can get in their house once the drop-off has been made. Ideas to help drivers accomplish this include:
- wait and watch the child go into the house. (if the house is out of view have the child come back and wave to you to go – if everything is OK)
- call the district office and we can call the parents to see if they are at home.
- talk to the student, ask if the parent is home, and get their help as to what should be done.
- STARTING FLUIDS: Ether or other starting fluids are not to be used by bus drivers at any time.
- Parents: Deal with parents and students honestly and fairly. People are passionate about their children. If a parent is overzealous or unreasonable, let them know. Remember, however, that it is difficult to be rational when thinking about your own children (put yourself in their shoes) and try not to take it personally. Try to solve the underlying problem. If you need help with a particular problem, please ask.
- Daily Check In: Because buses are kept at home, all drivers need to check in the morning after route and afternoon before the route. If possible, this should be done in person with the Transportation Supervisor. If for some reason you can’t please call or text. This is a safety sensitive job. Please check your email everyday to make sure you receive all school updates and student changes for your bus route.
45. Use Remind- we no longer use celly. You will get the most current updates if you use Remind. Hinckley Finlayson code: @b49c6
** PLEASE KEEP THIS IN YOUR BUS TO REFER TO DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.
Community Ed
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Yes, I have received a copy of the expectations that the school district has for me as a bus driver. These were reviewed in the opening year meeting with the Transportation Supervisor.
DATE:_______________________________
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(signature of driver)
Reapproved August 14, 2017
Reapproved 6/11/2018
Reapproved 8/10/2020
Re-approved 8/9/2021