See Portland Public Schools model website: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/student-transportation/index.htm

Large Capacity Vehicles- Unapproved for Student Transportation

In accordance with Utah Code 53-8-211.5, the school shall not use a vehicle with a seating

capacity of 11 or more, including the driver, for the transportation of its students unless the vehicle meets federal school bus safety standards under 49 U.S.C. Sec. 30101, et seq.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a vehicle operated by a common carrier, as defined in Section 59-12-102, if the common carrier is not exclusively engaged in the transportation of students.

Field Trips

Field trips must be approved for both content and expense.  The Director approves for content and the CFO or Operations Manager approves the expenditure (consulting with the Director if needed).  After approval the classroom teacher, with the assistance of instructors and volunteers, is responsible to arrange the details and itinerary of the field trip.  Teachers coordinate transportation using parent volunteer drivers (coordinated by teachers), school-owned buses (coordinated by Operations) or contracted transportation (coordinated by Operations).  The teacher shall not allow inadequate supervision at any time during the field trip and will comply with the Safe School Environment policy.

All student participants must have submitted signed Activity Permission Forms for the event.

Booster Seats

The school shall comply with the State of Utah's Boost Til' 8 law.  (41-6a-1403)

Utah Laws

The Assistant Operations Manager (AOM), under the direction of the Operations Manager, shall maintain written reference materials (electronically and printed) to CURRENT Utah student transportation, Criminal and Traffic law and code applicable to K-12 student transportation.  The AOM shall provide a written Student Transportation Guide to all drivers upon employment and at least annually thereafter, or as needed to maintain the integrity of student transportation safety.

Driver Certification

All school bus drivers shall maintain (at their own expense) a current Commercial Driver's License (with appropriate endorsements), school bus driver certification, medical physical, etc.  and personal automobile insurance and shall provide copies for verification and retention by the school upon employment, recertification or upon request.  All transportation employees shall be subject to criminal background checks, drug testing and other safety or security related screening or testing as deemed appropriate by school administration and the Governing Board. All transportation employees shall pass a Defensive Driving course.

Auto Accident

It is the policy of the School to file a police report for every vehicle accident off campus, including pedestrian accidents and file an Accident Report within 24 hours of the accident, sooner if possible.  The bus driver may not admit fault on scene or at any time except as authorized by school officials, attorneys or a court of law.  The bus driver must obtain a copy of the police report and the insurance information of other driver(s).  The bus driver is required to contact their immediate supervisor without delay, or ask authorities to do so.

Transportation Procedures

The Assistant Operations Manager, under the direction and approval of the Operations Manager, develops and maintains Pre-trip, Trip and Post-trip procedures as required by law, to preserve the assets procured for transportation AND to ensure the safe operation of all transportation plans, activities and procedures.  The AOM shall maintain a comprehensive Student Transportation Guide as approved by the Operations Manager.

Pre-Trip Requirements

Pre-Trip Plan- PTP

Vehicle Condition Report- VCR

Emergency Response Plan-

Monthly Drills- Breakdown, Accident, Illness/injury, Student violence, Intruder, Fire, Lost/missing student, Evacuation, Severe weather, etc.

Develop a plan involving students to respond and communicate with the school if the driver becomes incapacitated in some way

Trip

Mechanical Failure or Breakdown

Involving safety- STOP, CALL, RESOLVE

Ensure student and property safety (keep students on bus unless threat is greater on the bus)

Cosmetic or non-safety related- Stop, Call (if unsure), Resolve (immediately or schedule repair)

Post-Trip

Supplemental Materials: OF K-3.0 Student Driver Transportation Release Form