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Students using the Somersworth School District transportation services must understand that they are under the jurisdiction of the School District from the time they board at the bus stop until they exit at the bus stop.

Students transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of the School District and under the control of the bus driver. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied the privilege of transportation in accordance with the regulations of the Somersworth School Board.

The driver of the bus shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils transported. Each driver has the support of the School Board in maintaining good conduct on the bus. If a student is to lose the privilege of riding on the bus, advance warning will be given, except for extreme misconduct.

RESPONSIBILITY

1. The student must be aware that the use of the transportation system is a privilege. This privilege is extended to the students for safe transportation. The students must also be aware that with the extension of this privilege goes the responsibility of good citizenship, and that the students will be held accountable for their behavior.
2. It is the responsibility of both the parents/guardians and the students to ensure appropriate student behavior/conduct and to provide support and cooperation so that all rules are obeyed while using school transportation. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that children are safe upon disembarking from the school bus. If a parent/guardian fails to ensure this safety, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, The School Board may rescind the privilege of using the transportation service.
3. The Superintendent of Schools has complete authority over students who utilize this transportation system.
4. The responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools for the safety and discipline of students is delegated to the driver when students are loading, unloading or while in transit*.

   *The Superintendent of Schools may delegate this authority to a Transportation Supervisor in the case of student transportation being provided by an “outside” private contractor. In this case, the private contractor will be an integral part of student supervision and discipline.

5. The safety and welfare of the student riders will be the first consideration in all matters pertaining to transportation. Safety precautions will include the following as a minimum:
   
   1. Students will be instructed as to the proper procedure for boarding and exiting from a school bus and in proper and safe conduct while aboard.
   2. Emergency evacuation drills will be conducted at least two times a year to acquaint student riders with procedures in emergency situations.
   3. All vehicles used to transport students will be inspected periodically to see that they meet safety regulations.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Students who meet the following criteria will be provided transportation to the school they attend:
   
   1. All kindergarten students are eligible for transportation to and from school.
   2. Elementary school students (grades 1-4) who live greater that 1 mile from the school they attend will be transported.
   3. Secondary students (grades 5-8) who live greater than 1.5 miles from the school they attend will be transported.
   4. Secondary students (grades 9-12) who live greater than 2 miles from the school they attend will be transported.
   5. All distances are measured from the normal bus drop off point of the subject school following City streets or public walkways to the nearest property line of the student’s residence.
2. Exceptions will be made for students that a reasonable route to school does not exist to reclude a serious safety hazard such as:
   
   1. If the student would have to walk on a busy street without a sidewalk such as High Street, W. High Street, Route 108, Washington Street, Blackwater Road.
   2. If the student would have to walk on a street (non-residential) where sight distance is less than 100 feet.
   3. Medical - Any student who, by written recommendation of a doctor stating that it is in the best interest of the child that he/she be transported, will be granted a temporary exception not to exceed one year
3. At no time shall a student not assigned to ride on a transportation vehicle, ride without the authorization of the Superintendent of Schools.
4. In the event that the district has available seats on transportation vehicles, after all students eligible for transportation under the above policies are accounted for, then the Superintendent of Schools, or the person delegated, may then assign seats to other students.
   
   1. Any such arrangement is terminated at the end of the school year of which it was established.
   2. Consideration shall be given to special circumstances.
5. If there is no transportation offered by the School District, then it is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to provide transportation for students who remain after school for various activities including detention as a result of disciplinary action taken by the schools.

BUS STOPS

1. The number and location of bus stops will be established by the Superintendent of Schools, or the person delegated. Bus stop locations will be as convenient as possible while at the same time, kept to a minimum to ensure efficiency of operation.
2. When establishing bus stop locations, specific consideration will be given to streets with high traffic counts and no sidewalks and locations where sight distances are less than 100 feet.
3. Once established, bus stops should not be changed. Temporary modifications, not to exceed one year, are allowed where deemed appropriate by the Superintendent of Schools.
4. Students will be expected to walk a distance no greater than the following to their assigned bus stop:

    

   1. Elementary students (grades 1-4) = 0.3 miles
      Secondary students (grades 5-8) = 0.5 miles
      Secondary students (grades 9-12) = 1.0 mile
   2. Distances will be measured from the nearest property line of the student’s residence, to the bus stop.
5. Any student residing in an area that is accessible by the district’s established mode of transportation shall be assigned an accessible bus stop not to exceed 1.5 miles from the student’s home. It will be the responsibility of the parent to transport the student to the assigned bus stop.

VEHICLE ROUTES

1. Transportation vehicle routes will be established by the Superintendent of Schools, or the person delegated, on the basis of the requirements above and to provide an efficient transportation system.
2. All students are expected to ride on their designated vehicles and route to which they are assigned, both to and from school. Assignments will be based on the student’s residence and will assume a student will return to the same stop which they were picked up.
3. If a student should need to take an alternative route home from school for child care purposes, a written request must be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools, or the person delegated. Requests will be granted on a space availability basis. Under no circumstances will a student be transported on a school vehicle, to a parent’s/guardian’s place of employment.
4. It is the intent that the length of time students are required to be transported, be kept to a minimum.

SCHOOL BUS CAMERA POLICY

The Somersworth School District views safety to be the most important aspect of its transportation program. To this end, cameras may be installed on the buses to promote desired student behavior and to permit the driver to concentrate more of his/ her attention on the safe operation of the school bus.

1. The following procedure shall be used regarding cameras:
   1. Each bus will have a sign posted notifying students that there are video cameras on the bus. All footage will be considered confidential and is viewed only on an “as needed” basis by the administration and parents’/guardians as an aid in determining appropriate behavior. The videotape could be used in any discipline action or in any criminal or juvenile proceeding.
   2. Tapes not necessary for ensuring appropriate discipline will be recycled.
   3. The driver is responsible for maintaining control of the bus and will continue to intervene any time a student’s behavior threatens his/her safety and/or the safety of other students.

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

The objective of student management is to secure desirable behavior on the part of all students riding the transportation system. One of the most important factors having a direct effort on student behavior and safety is the parent’s/guardian’s ability to convey this management section clearly to their children.

The safety of school transportation passengers is the most important part of our operation. Therefore, efficient and effective use of school transportation vehicles is the most important factor in achieving this purpose. In order to provide safety to passengers, effective use of vehicles, and maintain a desirable expectancy level of student behavior patterns, the following have been established:

TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE RULES

1. All students must be on time. The transportation vehicle cannot wait for you.
2. Stand back in an orderly line at pick-up points until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
3. Enter the vehicle in an orderly fashion and go directly to a seat.
4. All passengers must be seated while the vehicle is in motion. A driver may, at his/her discretion, ask students to move to a seat at the front of the vehicle, when it is stopped, in anticipation of getting off at the next stop.
5. The driver is in complete charge with regard to the operation and safety of the vehicle and must be obeyed.
6. Permission must be given by the driver to open windows. Passengers shall not extend arms, legs or heads out of windows or doors and shall not shout at pedestrians.
7. Do no talk to the driver, except in an emergency.
8. Students shall not mar or deface the transportation vehicle. Damage done must be paid for by the student or his/her parents/guardians.
9. Do not place lunch boxes, books or other objects in the aisle of the vehicle.
10. Students are prohibited from using tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any controlled substance. The police will be notified whenever a student is involved in the possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any illegal substances.
11. Normal conversation is allowed; however, loud talking, shouting and unnecessary confusion may divert the driver’s attention and a serious accident may result.
12. Students shall not eat nor consume beverages while on the transportation vehicle.
13. No student shall sit in the driver’s seat, nor shall any student sit in such a manner that he/she interferes with the driver.
14. Nothing shall be thrown in the vehicle, from the vehicle or at the vehicle.
15. Before leaving the vehicle, remain in your seat until the vehicle stops.
16. DO NOT rush or run and push to leave (or enter) the vehicle.
17. Enter the aisle slowly and go directly to the exit door.
18. When getting off the vehicle, go around the FRONT of the vehicle and wait until the driver directs you to cross the road.
19. Students should cross the street toward or away from the transportation vehicle only while the red flashing lights are in operation.
20. Students shall not carry hazardous material, nuisance items or animals onto the bus.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

1. All passengers shall conduct themselves as “ladies and gentlemen” at all times.
2. Students are expected to be courteous and accept the responsibility that accompanies the privilege of transportation extended by the citizens of Somersworth.
3. The cooperation of parents/guardians and students is needed to maintain proper conduct while awaiting and riding on transportation vehicles.
4. Fighting (verbal or physical) or threatening behavior is not acceptable while loading, riding or unloading the transportation vehicle.
5. Students shall refrain from the use of profane language, obscene gestures, excessive noise, fighting, wrestling or acts of physical aggression on the transportation vehicle.
6. While riding on the transportation vehicle, use “inside” voices.
7. Treat all transportation vehicles with care and respect.
8. Follow the directions of your authorized bus monitors (or other supervisors) until you are loaded onto the transportation vehicle.
9. Follow the directions of the driver while loading, riding and unloading the transportation vehicle.
10. Be courteous toward your fellow riders as well as the driver.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

If any student is to be reported, the driver of the bus on which the incident occurs will fill out the School Bus Incident Report from and give it to the Transportation Coordinator of the private contractor. The parents/guardians will be informed via telephone. A copy of the form will also be mailed to the parents. A second copy will be sent to the Building Principal. The third copy will be sent to the Superintendent’s office.

If a student is reported, the Transportation Coordinator of the private contractor will take the following disciplinary action. Special circumstances may warrant a variance from the procedure:

1. The first report is a written warning that an incident occurred. The report will be mailed (certified) to the parent/guardian by the transportation provider; and a copy will be submitted to the Building Principal, or designated person, and to the Superintendent of schools. Telephone contact with the parent/guardian will also be attempted.
2. A second offense will bring disciplinary action and possible suspension of transportation vehicle riding privileges for five (5) days. A telephone call and letter will be sent to the parent/guardian, and a copy will be submitted to the Building Principal, or designated person, and to the Superintendent of Schools.
3. A third offense will bring a 10 (ten) day suspension from riding the transportation vehicle. Notices shall be sent to the parent/guardian, Building Administrator, and the Transportation Committee of the Somersworth School Board. The Transportation Committee will meet and may recommend revocation of transportation privileges on the next offense.
4. The fourth offense will result in suspension of transportation privileges for the remainder of the school year.
5. Transportation suspension begins with the morning route pick-ups. A student suspended may be transported home in the afternoon. With due notice given to the student’s parents/guardians, the students’ suspension would then begin the next morning. Exception to this rule may be made if the situation warrants. The Building Principal, designated person, or Superintendent of Schools shall decide.

APPEAL PROCESS

1. If student has been denied the right to ride the transportation vehicle for disciplinary reasons, the parent/guardian of the student has the right of appeal within ten (10) days of the suspension to the authority who suspended this student’s right. Should the parent feel that his grievance is not satisfied, he may appeal in writing within five (5) days to the School Board, through the Superintendent of Schools. The hearing before the School Board normally will be conducted at the next regular meeting unless called sooner at the discretion of the Board.
2. Until the appeal is heard, or if the suspension of the student’s right to ride the transportation vehicle is upheld, it shall be the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to provide transportation to and from school for that student for the period of suspension.
3. Depending upon the seriousness of the offense, steps 1, 2, or 3 of the aforementioned may be “skipped”. Before a child is denied transportation privileges, the parents/guardians must be notified.

EXEMPTION REQUESTS

A parent/guardian who wishes to request a change or exemption from any of the Student Transportation Services policies shall direct that request first to the Building Principal, or person designated. If the parent/guardian is not satisfied by the ruling of the Building Principal, he/she may appeal the ruling within five (5) days to the Superintendent of Schools. If the parent/guardian is not satisfied by the Superintendent’s ruling, as a last appeal, he/she may appeal to the School Board within the next five (5) day period. The School Board will hear the appeal at the regularly scheduled meeting.

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR DRIVERS

The following rules and regulations will apply in the absence of established rules and regulations by the private contractor:

1. Drivers are expected to operate on schedule. The first pick-up on each run should be at the same time each day and subsequent stops should be in keeping with a strict schedule.
2. No bus shall be driven at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent having due regard to weather, traffic, intersections, width and character of the road and any other conditions. Legal speed limits shall be observed at all times.
3. Never knowingly leave a child at school. If a child is consistently late for morning pickup or school pickup, a report should be made to the Building Principal or person designated. If a driver has reason to believe that a child, upon disembarking from the school bus, is entering an unsafe situation, the driver shall radio his/her dispatcher to seek assistance. If the situation cannot be resolved, the child shall be returned to his/her school.
4. Swearing, shouting or the use of other vulgar language will not be tolerated on the transportation vehicle. Students should be told in a courteous manner to stop the use of such language and if they persist, the driver will follow the steps outlined under Student Discipline.
5. Pick-ups must be at authorized points only. If a driver sees a need for additional pick-up points, or an elimination of a stop on their route, this need should be brought to the attention of the Transportation Director of the School District.
6. Be sure your flashing lights are operating when you stop to receive or discharge students. Inspect flashing lights before each morning and afternoon run.
7. Do not pull halfway off the highway to receive or discharge students.
8. Drivers shall stop not more than 50 feet and not less than 20 feet from all railroad crossings, and will not proceed until certain that no trains are approaching. Do not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks.
9. The driver and passengers shall not smoke on a school transportation vehicle.
10. No transportation vehicle shall be fueled while there are any students or passengers on the vehicle.
11. The emergency door shall not be used as an entrance or exit except in the case of an emergency or drill.
12. Doors should be open when loading and unloading only.
13. Drivers are to remain in vehicles while there are students on the vehicle. If a problem should arise, the driver is to utilize the vehicle radio to contact the dispatcher prior to taking any action. In an emergency, the driver is to use the best judgment in procuring assistance. If on a highway with moderate traffic flow, the driver may signal for assistance from a passing motorist. However, if on a road with infrequent traffic, the driver may decide to dispatch two (2) older and responsible riders to seek assistance at the nearest house.
14. All drivers, regular or substitute, are required to have an annual or biannual physical, at no expense to the School District. This information will be made available to the School District.
15. Persons other than regular students and school officials are not permitted to ride school transportation vehicles without the approval of the Superintendent of Schools or the person designated.
16. Drivers are NOT to appoint students as supervisors of other students while they are on the vehicle.
17. In the event of an accident, the driver must notify, in detail, the immediate supervisor, (private contractor), and the Superintendent of Schools, immediately. In the event that the accident was the fault of the driver, he/she must provide a detailed report and recommend preventative measures to insure that this incident is not repeated.
18. Drivers are not to put any student off of the bus while en route to school or home. Once a student is on the transportation vehicle he/she is the district’s responsibility and the district is responsible for the student’s safety.

1. When a school transportation vehicle breaks down, the driver shall see that their immediate supervisor and the Building Principal are notified immediately. Students shall remain on the vehicle until a replacement vehicle arrives, unless it is unsafe to remain on the vehicle.
2. In addition to the aforementioned, all New Hampshire statutes, rules and regulations of the New Hampshire Department of Safety shall be observed.

Legal References:
20 USC 1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
RSA 189:6, Transportation of Pupils
RSA 189:8, Limitations and Additions
RSA 189:9, Pupils in Private schools
RSA 189:9-a, Pupils prohibited for Disciplinary Reasons
RSA200:40, Emergency Care

APPROVED: AUGUST 14, 2001
Revised: March 9, 2004
Revised: October 2005