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Ensuring Safe Transportation for Every Student

Kent School District’s school-bus-conduct policy and rules are in accordance with Washington State WAC’s and RCW’s, all of which will be enforced whether or not they are included in the following regulations. These regulations are designed to assure every student safe transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities. Violation of these rules may be sufficient reason to discontinue bus transportation privileges for the student involved.

1. The driver is in full charge of the bus and students must obey the bus driver’s instructions. Disrespect, defiant conduct, obscene language or gestures directed toward the driver may result in the student’s suspension or expulsion from the bus.
   
   
2. When a certificated staff member or volunteer is assigned to accompany students on a bus, that person shall be primarily responsible for the behavior of the students. However, the bus driver shall have final authority and responsibility.
   
   
3. A student may be assigned a seat permanently or temporarily at the driver’s discretion.
   
   
4. Students shall ride their regularly assigned bus.
   • Elementary principals may grant permission for a student to ride a different bus, or use a different stop, or allow a temporary bus assignment for a non-rider as long as it will not cause standees on the bus. The permission slip must be stamped with the school stamp.
   • Secondary students will not be allowed to ride a bus other than their assigned bus nor get off at a different stop unless authorized by transportation.
     
     
5. When requested by the driver, students must identify themselves. Grade 7-12 students may be refused service if they do not show their bus pass or ID card upon request.
   
   
6. Students must arrive at the bus stop five minutes prior to bus arrival time and wait in a safe and orderly manner out of the roadway and off private property. They must not approach the bus until it has come to a full stop.
   
   
7. Students must enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner in view of the driver. If they must cross the road, they must do so in front of the bus, NEVER behind it, after the driver has indicated that it is safe to proceed.
   
   
8. Emergency regulations are mandated by the state and must be strictly adhered to:
   • In the event of an emergency, students must follow emergency exit procedures as established by the emergency exit drills.
   • When the bus stops at a railroad crossing, there must be absolutely no noise or talking.
     
     
9. Students are to remain seated facing the front of the bus while it is in motion. They may talk in a low, conversational tone.
   
   
10. No student shall at any time extend head, hands, or arms out of the windows whether the school bus is in motion or standing still.
    
    
11. Students will reimburse the school district for damage to school buses resulting from student misconduct and may be subject to loss of riding privileges and suspension or expulsion from school.
    
    
12. Students will refrain from using excessive noise, boisterous behavior, fighting, or vulgar or obscene language or gestures, racial or sexual harassment, and bullying.
    
    
13. Students must not have anything in their possession that might cause injury to another (e.g. sticks, breakable containers, knives, laser pointer, scooters, skateboards, large musical instruments, or any type of firearms or fireworks). No animal, reptile, fish, or fowl is permitted on the bus, except service dogs with prior authorization.
    
    
14. Smoking, chewing, spitting of tobacco, vaping, or use of any type of flame or sparking device on the school bus is prohibited. No illegal substances or alcoholic materials or their paraphernalia are allowed on school buses.
    
    
15. Students must maintain clean bus interiors by keeping trash off the floor. Students will not throw objects out the windows. Eating on a school bus is not permissible except when specifically authorized and supervised by school district personnel.
    
    
16. Aisles must be kept clear. Personal belongings, books, instruments, projects, etc. must be held on a student’s lap. Large items, which cannot be held in the student’s lap, will not be transported on the school bus.
    
    
17. Per state regulations, no student shall sit in the driver's seat nor activate any control or safety device.

Violation of these rules may be sufficient reason to discontinue bus-transportation privileges to the student involved and to cause suspension or expulsion from school.