Bus Rules & Consequences

• Listen to the bus driver and follow directions.
• Always be respectful and cooperative.
• Apply your seatbelt.
• Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• Get on and off the bus only at your assigned stop.
• Ride only your assigned bus.
• If you miss the bus, a parent or guardian must take you to school.
• Do not bring unsafe or distracting items on the bus.
• Only students and approved adults may load/ride the bus.

• Arrive at your bus stop 10 minutes early and be easy for the driver to see.
• The bus will not wait, honk, or stop for late students or students running to the bus.
• The bus may arrive up to 10 minutes early or late due to traffic or weather.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from the bus until it stops (this is the Danger Zone).
• Stand where the driver and passing cars can see you.
• Do not play or run while waiting for the bus.
• Line up before the bus arrives and be ready to board.
• Move toward the bus only after the driver opens the door or signals you.
• Parents/guardians should teach students what to do if they miss the bus.

• Line up and do not push or shove.
• Use the handrail when getting on/off the bus.
• Stay out of the Danger Zone and wait until the door opens or the driver signals you.
• Students must swipe in/out with their approved district ID card.
• Go directly to his/her assigned seat.
• Apply your seatbelt. Elementary students: if needed, ask for assistance.
• The bus will not move until all students are seated.
• Seating is assigned and may be changed by the driver as needed.
• Stay clear of the bus when the engine starts.
• At campus in the afternoon, students may not board after doors close.
• Never chase, grab, or hang onto the bus.
• If there is a campus disruption, the bus will depart the campus.
• Stay seated while the bus is moving.

• Students must be picked up and dropped off at their assigned bus stop.
• Only one pickup and one drop-off location is allowed.
• Students may not ride another bus or change stops to go with friends.

The following items are not allowed on the bus:

• Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, vapes, cigarette lighters, or chemicals
• Weapons, explosives, stun guns, pepper spray, sharp objects
• Live animals or insects
• Glass containers
• Large items (e.g., musical instruments, projects, tri-fold boards)
• Balls, balloons, skateboards, scooters, toys
• Matches or lighters
• Food or drinks
• Loud or sound-producing devices (including headphones)
• Medication(s)
• Any item prohibited by the BISD Student Code of Conduct
• Items that do not fit on the student’s lap or prevent others from having a seat

• Always follow the driver’s instructions. Listen.
• If you must leave the bus, stay together and move to a safe location as directed.
• In an emergency evacuation:
  • Students nearest to an exit will open and hold the exit door for others.
  • Exit in single file, quickly and quietly.
  • Evacuation begins from the front seats unless instructed otherwise. Listen to the bus
    driver – the rear exit may have to be utilized by passengers.

Consequences for Infractions

The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and all district’s Student Code of Conduct behavior
expectation apply. Bus discipline is handled by the Transportation Behavior Administrator with support
from the bus driver and campus administrator(s).

• The driver may stop the bus to manage student behavior.
• If a student refuses to comply, the driver will document the incident and report it to the
  Transportation Behavior Administrator.
• The Transportation Behavior Administrator will investigate and notify the driver and parent of the
  action taken via verbal communication and a written ‘Bus Conduct Safety Report’ if warranted.

1. 1st report: Verbal/Written warning
2. 2nd report: 3-day bus suspension
3. 3rd report: 5-day bus suspension
4. 4th report: 10-day bus suspension
5. 5th report: 30-day bus suspension
6. 6th report: Suspension for the remainder of the school year

Riding the bus is a privilege not a right. At the discretion of the transportation department or school
administrator, a student’s bus riding privilege may be suspended/revoked to establish safety and to
maintain order in consideration of others.

Note:
For fighting or verbal/physical threats made to others including the bus driver, students may be
immediately removed from the bus by school officials or law enforcement.

Serious Violations

The Transportation Behavior and Campus Administrator(s) may skip steps or repeat a step in the
discipline process based on the severity of the behavior that disrupts/delays transportation.

Immediate Loss of Bus Privileges (Year-Long Suspension)

Immediate legal and disciplinary action may be taken, and bus privileges may be suspended or revoked
for the remainder of the school year for any of the following:

• Fighting on the bus or at any bus loading zone
• Possession of firearms, knives, or other dangerous devices
• Abusive/profane language or indecent gestures toward students or the driver
• Interfering with bus operation or blocking the roadway
• Vaping or use/possession of prohibited items
• Bullying/harassing of another student
• Inappropriate sexual conduct
• Threatening or physically contacting the bus driver

Note: The procedures and number of disciplinary steps may be altered for elementary students.

Students with Disabilities

Discipline or transportation changes for students with disabilities will follow their IEP provisions.

Other Policies - Extra-Curricular Trips

• Bus rules apply to all school-sponsored events.
• Discipline is managed by the campus principal and trip sponsor/chaperone.
• Strict loading and unloading schedules will be followed.
• The driver will notify the campus 15–20 minutes before arrival for parent/guardian pickup.
• Bus suspension applies to all routes, including extracurricular trips.

MEDICINE

• No prescribed or over-the-counter medication may be transported on the bus.
• Asthma inhalers may be carried with proper identification.

RESTITUTION 

• BISD rules apply within 300 feet of any bus stop or campus.
• Do not damage or vandalize school property or buses.
• Students responsible for damage will be required to pay for repairs and immediate loss of bus
  riding privileges.
• My School Bucks QR Code to make payments.

BAD WEATHER

• If school is in session, buses will run unless the Superintendent cancels school.
• Local radio stations will announce any changes before classes start.

Video Monitoring / Detection 

• Buses are equipped with video cameras that record student behavior and communication.

• Recordings may be used for student management and disciplinary purposes.

• Violations will be reported to the Discipline Administrator and may result in disciplinary action,
  loss of bus privileges, and/or restitution for damages.

• Video is recorded without parent/guardian consent for safety and discipline purposes (Texas
  Education Code §26.009(b)).

• Parents may view bus video only if it does not include other students, in accordance with
  FERPA and district policy.

• If bus media is inoperable, any consequences will be applied based on the report submitted by
  the bus driver.

• Bus videos may only be viewed for a student’s bus suspension that is for five or more days.

• Bus media is only available for 10 business days after a reported incident date.

Tracking Your Child(ren)'s Bus

The My Ride K-12 app is a mobile tool for parents and students to track school bus routes, get real-time
updates, and receive alerts for delays or changes, provided by Tyler Technologies at
myridek12.tylerapp.com.

Lost or damaged scan cards must be replaced. Order at the student’s assigned campus. Replacement
cost $5.00.