SHASTA COUNTY OFFICE OF
EDUCATION
TRANSPORTATION HANDBOOK
Revised 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION I -1
II. PUBLIC RELATIONS II - 2
III. PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT OF DRIVERS III - 4
1. PERSONAL APPEARANCE III - 4
2. FOOTWEAR III - 6
3. SMOKING III - 6
4. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS III - 7
5. EMPLOYEE CONDUCT III - 7
IV. GENERAL INFORMATION IV- 10
1. ABSENCES IV- 10
2. TIME CARDS IV- 11
3. BUS STOP CHANGES IV- 12
4. ROUTE SHEETS IV- 13
5. UNAUTHORIZED BUS STOPS IV- 14
6. DEVIATING FROM ROUTE IV- 14
7. ROUTE BOOKS IV- 15
8. KEYS IV- 16
9. BULLETIN BOARD AND ROUTE BOOK BOXES IV- 16
10. INJURY ON THE JOB IV- 17
11. DAMAGE TO BUS IV- 17
12. REPORTING INCIDENCE OF CONCERN IV- 18
IV. CONTINUED
13. CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES REPORTING IV-18
1. VERIFICATION OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE
WORKERS IV-20
15. RADIO USE IV-20
16. BUS RIDE PERMISSION NOTES IV-25
17. OVERLOADING IV-25
18. USE OF SPARE BUSES IV-26
19. SPEED LIMIT IN BUS YARD IV-26
20. WAITING IV-27
21. LATE BUSES IV-27
22. LEAVING YARD IV-28
23. YARD SECURITY/EMPLOYEE SAFETY IV-28
24. EMPLOYEE PHONE USE IV-29
25. CELLULAR PHONES IV-29
26. EMPLOYEE PARKING IV-30
27. LOCKING/SECURING THE BUS IV-30
28. CURBING OF TIRES IV-31
29. TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND INFORMATION
COMMITTEE IV-31
30. SUGGESTION BOX IV -32
31. SAFETY INCENTIVE PROGRAM IV-32
V. REPORTS V -34
1. DAILY CONDITION REPORT FOR SCHOOL BUSES V-34
2. WEEKLY MILEAGE REPORT V-35
3. STUDENT COUNT/CENSUS FORM V-36
SPECIAL EDUCATION/COURT SCHOOL V-36
CONTRACTED DISTRICTS V-37
4. SPECIAL TRIP REQUEST V-38
LOCAL FIELD TRIPS V-38
OUT OF THE AREA TRIPS V-39
5. DRIVERS DAILY LOG V-40
VI. SAFETY AND PUPIL TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES VI-41
1. SEAT BELTS VI-41
2. ENTRANCE DOOR VI-41
3. EMERGENCY DOORS VI-41
4. DRINKING OR EATING VI-41
5. LOOSE ITEMS VI-42
6. HEADLIGHTS/TAILLIGHTS VI-42
7. HORN VI-42
8. BACKING VI-43
9. TRANSPORTING UNUSUAL OBJECTS VI-43
10. UNAUTHORIZED PASSENGERS VI-44
11. TREE LIMBS AND SHRUBS VI-44
12. ATTENDANTS STANDING ON SCHOOL BUSES VI-45
VI. CONTINUED
13. RAILROAD CROSSINGS VI-45
14. DRIVER OF BUS VI-45
15. CHECKING INSIDE OF BUS AFTER RUNS VI-46
16. BUS STOPS - MOTEL/TRAILER PARKS VI-47
17. SPECIAL DRIVING SITUATIONS VI-47
A. LANNING/LELAND STREETS VI-47
B. ADAMS STREET - MONTE VISTA AREA VI-47
18. FIRST AID KITS/COMMUNICABLE DISEASE KITS VI-48
19. RED LIGHT CROSSINGS VI-50
20. STUDENTS LATE TO STOPS VI-50
21. SPECIAL (FIELD) TRIPS VI-51
VII. BUS MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES VII-53
1. CLEANING THE BUS VII-53
2. AIR TANKS VII-54
3. WORK ORDERS VII-55
4. SHOP AREA VII-55
5. PARKING IN FRONT OF SHOP VII-55 6. DRIVING BUS FROM SHOP VII-56
7. FUELING VII-56
A. FUELING AT CARD LOCK STATIONS VII-57
8. ENGINE IDLING VII-58
ENGINE IDLING LAW VII-58
VII. CONTINUED
9. OIL/COOLANT VII-60
VIII. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES VIII-61
1. ACCIDENTS VIII-62
2. BREAKDOWN PROCEDURE VIII-64
3. EVACUATION REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES
FOR DRILLS VIII-65
4. FIELD TRIP EVACUATION TRAINING VIII-67
5. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES VIII-68
6. HIJACKING VIII-69
7. EMERGENCY SEARCH VIII-69 8. DISCIPLINARY EMERGENCIES VIII-70
IX. PUPIL MANAGEMENT IX-72
1. SCOE TRANSPORTATION POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES IX-73
1. STUDENTS IX-73
A. BUS CONDUCT IX-73
B. RULES FOR SAFE BUS RIDING IX-74
2. BUS DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES IX-76
3. PRINCIPAL PROGRAM MANAGER IX-79
4. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES IX-79
IX. CONTINUED
SPECIAL EDUCATION AND COURT SCHOOL
STUDENT DISCIPLINE IX-81
2. CONTRACTED DISTRICT POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES IX-82
RSD BUS RULES IX-82
CONSEQUENCES IX-83
POSITIVE REWARDS – INDIVIDUALS IX-84
POSITIVE REWARDS – GROUP IX-84
COUNTY PROCEDURES FOR RSD ROUTES IX-85
CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILING TO FOLLOW RULES IX-85
AUHSD BUS RULES IX-88
USE OF VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT IX-90
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PUPIL MANAGEMENT IX-91
STUDENT REWARDS IX-92
X. SPECIAL PROCEDURES X-93
1. SPECIAL LOADING AND UNLOADING INFORMATION X-93
A. TRANSFER AREAS X-93
B. OASIS COMMUNITY SCHOOL X-94
C. NORTH VALLEY CANYON SITE X-95
D. SEQUOIA X-95
2. WHEELCHAIR EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES X-96
A. LOADING X-97
X. CONTINUED
B. UNLOADING X-99
3. AMBULATORY STUDENTS X-101
A. LOADING X-101
B. UNLOADING X-102
4. LIFTING X-102
5. STUDENT MEDICATIONS X-103
6. STUDENT PICK UP X-104
SPECIAL EDUCATION/COURT SCHOOL X-104
CONTRACTED DISTRICTS X-105
7. STUDENT DROP OFF X-106
SPECIAL EDUCATION X-106
CONTRACTED DISTRICTS X-107
8. SEAT BELTS, HARNESSES AND RESTRAINTS X-108
9. STUDENT SEATING LOCATIONS X-109
10. SEIZURE PROCEDURES X-109
11. OTHER MEDICAL EMERGENCIES X-111
12. STUDENT MEDICAL OBSERVATIONS X-111
13. HEAD LICE X-112
14. SPECIAL STUDENT CONSIDERATIONS X-113
XI. FORMS XI-115
1. DAILY CONDITION REPORT
2. WEEKLY MILEAGE REPORT
XI. CONTINUED
3. SCOE STUDENT CENSUS FORM
4. CONTRACTED DISTRICT CENCUS FORMS
5. FIELD TRIP ASSIGNMENT SHEET
6. WORK ORDERS
7. ACCIDENT PROCEDURES FORM
8. SEATING CHART
9. SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT REPORTING FORMS
10. BREAKDOWN PROCEDURES FORM
11. HOURS OF SERVICE RECORD
12. NOTICE OF UNSATISFACTORY CONDUCT
13. SPECIAL EDUCATION
14. COURT SCHOOL
15. REDDING SCHOOL DISTRICT
16. ANDERSON UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
17. REDDING SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTE HOME
18. REDDING SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS PASSES
19. RSD STUDENT BEHAVIOR LOG
20. RSD STUDENT RETURNED TO SCHOOL FORM
21. INCIDENT REPORT
22. EVACUATION DRILL FORMS
23. REDDING SCHOOL DISTRICT EVACUATION HELPER AWARD
XI. CONTINUED
24. REPORT OF STUDENT INJURY
25. EXEMPLARY CONDUCT AWARD-(RSD)
26. ROUTE BID REQUEST FORM
27. TIME CARD - REGULAR EMPLOYEE
28. TIME CARD - SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYEE
29. ABSENCE AFFIDAVIT
30. EXTRA DUTY FORM
31. OVERTIME/EXTRA TIME LOG
32. SUBSTITUTE TIME LOG
33. EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENT FORM
34. SPECIAL INTERVENTION FORM
35. HARNESS RETURN AGREEMENT
36. SPECIALIZED INFORMATION DIRECTION CARD (RED)
37. WHITE DIRECTIONAL CARD
38. RED LIGHT VIOALTION FORM
39. TREE TRIMMING REQUEST
XII. JOB DESCRIPTIONS
1. LEAD SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
2. SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
3. SCHOOL BUS ATTENDENT
4. LEAD MECHANIC
5. VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT MECHANIC
XIII. SCOE BOARD POLICY ON CHILD ABUSE REPORTING
I. INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Shasta County Office of Education Transportation Department. We appreciate your being a member of our staff and wish you endless miles of safe driving.
This handbook has been prepared to provide uniform operating procedures for our professional transportation staff. The information presented is intended for use by ALL transportation staff, regular year, extended year, and substitute school bus drivers and attendants.
The procedures contained in this handbook are the standards for accomplishing assigned duties efficiently and in accordance with administrative requirements. This is a supplement to the rules and regulations set forth by the Shasta County Office of Education governing board policies, the California Vehicle Code and the Passenger Transportation Safety Handbook (HPH 82.7) regarding pupil transportation. Adherence to the rules, regulations, and procedures contained herein and the application of good judgement by drivers and attendants are expected.
Each employee should become thoroughly acquainted with this handbook. The contents of this publication will be kept as current as possible. In cases where immediate or temporary changes are necessary, instructions will be issued verbally or in a memorandum.
II. PUBLIC RELATIONS
As professional school bus drivers, you must be able to do more than drive your vehicles safely. You must be able to work effectively with children, parents, teachers, and administrators. You must accept the fact that you are a public employee and maintain work standards that are acceptable to everyone with and for whom you work. The attitude exhibited by drivers, their personal grooming habits, and the care they give their equipment are factors that make the driver a key person with respect to good public relations.
Practically everything you do in performing your job and the manner in which you conduct yourself while performing it contribute to the community's image of you, the transportation department and the entire school system.
Students make quick decisions about their drivers from the ride they receive. Parents make quick decisions from their observations of your driving in and around their neighborhood. A poor performance will quickly bring unfavorable remarks that will probably be distorted as they are repeated throughout the community. Professionalism, therefore, on the driver's part is a must.
If a driver or attendant has any questions or concerns pertaining to student discipline, procedures to follow or training on the equipment or student needs they should direct their concern to the appropriate Lead Driver. If a driver or attendant has any questions or concerns pertaining to routes, schedules, stops or field trips, they should direct those concerns to the Dispatcher/Scheduler or the Transportation Operations Technician. All concerns relating to policies, laws, personnel issues or any issue relating to actions of other drivers or attendants will be addressed with the Transportation Supervisor or Transportation Director.
We are sure you can see the important role you have as school bus drivers and school bus attendants. Not only do you have the responsibility of controlling several tons of metal down the road without error and controlling the students on board, but you also have the responsibility of promoting good public relations.
III. PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT OF DRIVERS/ATTENDANTS
1. PERSONAL APPEARANCE
School bus drivers and attendants are role models for the students they transport. They must project an image to the public of reliability and trust and be a positive reflection of the County Office of Education. Dress and grooming standards are set as guidelines to present an image consistent to job responsibilities.
Guidelines for warm weather:
Shorts may be worn if they are worn in good taste and are appropriate for the working environment. Anything shorter than mid thigh is unacceptable. Shorts should not be worn too tight. Spandex material will not be allowed.
Some tank tops may not be appropriate. Tight, form fitting tank tops, tank tops with large armholes that expose chest and back or tank tops with small (spaghetti) straps are inappropriate. Any top that exposes the midriff or undergarments will not be allowed.
Guidelines for cold weather:
Sweats and sweatsuits, spandex type tights or leggings that are form fitting are not appropriate for the workplace and do not reflect a professional image. Clothing of any type that is ill fitting, torn, dirty, or stained will not be worn.
T-shirts or hats advertising alcohol, tobacco, drugs, satanic symbols, or other inappropriate advertising will not be allowed. Common sense must be used to determine if advertising is appropriate. If there is a question about the appropriateness of an article of clothing, please address this concern to the Transportation Supervisor or Transportation Director. Consideration must be given to baggy clothes which can get caught on things resulting in injury or accident.
Ball caps worn by the driver are not permitted on any Redding School District bus.
Drivers and attendants choosing to do so may wear something special on special occasions like Halloween, keeping in mind large hats, masks, etc., may block your vision and loose or baggy clothing can be a hazard. You always need to use good taste and good judgement and keep it safe.
Transportation staff wearing inappropriate attire may be sent home on administrative leave and may return to work only when appropriate attire is worn.
2. FOOTWEAR
Drivers and Attendants (regular year and extended year staff) shall wear appropriate shoes that are slip and skid resistant and in good repair. All shoes worn by drivers and attendants shall be closed toed and closed heeled and shall completely encase the foot. No shoes with heels over 2" high will be worn. Slip resistant shoes should have soft rubber soles with grooves that prevent water from being trapped underfoot. Drivers or attendants found to be wearing non-conforming shoes may be sent home on administrative leave and may return only when the correct shoes are worn. Employees injured as a result of wearing non-conforming shoes may be disciplined according to the contract as a result of violating Shasta County Office of Education policy.
3. SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited on the school bus at all times. The use of ANY tobacco product (this includes chewing tobacco) is prohibited at all school sites and on all property owned and operated by Shasta County Office of Education. This includes the transportation office, bus yard, bus shop and in all vehicles owned by SCOE. All employees must leave the premises to use tobacco products.
4. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
The use of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances either before reporting for duty or while on duty is strictly prohibited. Shasta County Office of Education school bus drivers will comply with federal drug testing requirements outlined in 49 CFR 382. Drug and alcohol testing shall be random, post accident, reasonable suspicion, and pre employment. All testing will be done according to board policy 4112.42, 4212.42, 4312.42. All school bus drivers will be trained in the implementation of the board policies relating to alcohol and controlled substances.
Also prohibited are any medications or drugs prescribed by a physician or purchased "over the counter" that might tend to reduce alertness, cause drowsiness or slow reaction time. If you have any doubts about the medications, get a note from your doctor and submit it to the transportation office staff.
5. EMPLOYEE CONDUCT
· Employees are expected to have the ability to perform duties and responsibilities assigned to them in an accurate and professional manner.
· Employees are expected to perform assigned work and follow the directions of their supervisor.
· Employees are expected to respect public property and operate equipment in a careful and prudent manner.
· Employees are expected to refrain from using discourteous, offensive, or abusive conduct or language toward other employees, pupils, or the public.
· Employees are expected to be honest.
· Employees are expected not to drink alcoholic beverages on the job, during lunch or breaks, or to report for work while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
· Employees are expected not to be addicted to or use any illegal or non-prescription drugs or narcotics, or any drug or narcotic offense as defined in Ed Code Sections 44009 and 44011.
· Employees are expected to adhere to all board policies and federal laws pertaining to 49 CFR 382.
· Employees are expected to be of good moral character without any convictions of any crime involving moral turpitude, conviction of a felony or of a misdemeanor which is of such a nature as to adversely affect the employee's ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.