Transportation and Bus Rules

Transportation to and from School
Transportation will be provided at the expense of the school district for those pupils living outside the municipality of Indianola whose parents or guardians are residents of the Indianola School District and to those residences that are more than one mile from the school to which the pupil is assigned.

Bus Conduct
It shall be the duty of passengers transported in school buses owned or operated by public school districts to conduct themselves in an orderly manner. The passenger shall abide by rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and rules and regulations adopted by the boards of the respective school districts.

Instructions to Pupils Who Ride School Buses

Pupils while riding a school bus shall not:
  1. Smoke or use intoxicants
  2. Strike or threaten bus driver
  3. Use profane language or make vulgar gestures
  4. Carry deadly weapons
  5. Make excessive noise
  6. Throw objects
  7. Commit any other act of improper conduct
Loading and Unloading:
  1. Be at your assigned loading zone on time
  2. Exercise extreme caution in getting to and from your assigned bus stop
  3. Look in both directions before stepping from behind parked cars
  4. Do not play on or near the road while waiting for the bus to arrive
  5. Look in both directions before crossing any roadway
  6. Never walk on the road when there is a sidewalk or pathway
  7. Always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic and step off the road when a motor vehicle approaches
  8. Use the hand rail while getting on and off the bus
  9. If possible, wear white or light colored clothing or carry a flashlight when you walk on the roadway at night in order that the motoring public might be aware of your presence
  10. When you must cross the road to enter the bus, or after leaving the bus, always cross in front of the bus and walk approximately 10 feet ahead of the bumper
While on the Bus:
  1. Do not distract the driver's attention other than when necessary
  2. Talk to your friends in a normal tone and do not shout. Do not talk or make unnecessary noise when the bus is approaching and crossing a railroad or a highway intersection
  3. Do not bring unauthorized articles on the bus (i.e., pets, combustible, large articles, weapons)
  4. Be courteous to and follow the instructions of your bus driver and safety patrol
Legal Ref.: Pupil Transportation Guide, 1988; Adopted by School Board 1/14/95

The driver of a school bus shall be responsible for the safety of the students on his bus both during the ride and while students are entering or leaving the vehicle.  The bus driver shall notify the supervisor of transportation and the principal of the school involved if any student persist in violating the established rules of conduct.
Eligible students will be given a copy of the school bus rules and regulations at the beginning of the school year.

The school principal will be responsible for disciplining students reported to him by the driver.  Questions and injuries regarding discipline should be directed to the school principal.

After due warning has been given to the student and to his parents, the principal may deny the student the privilege of riding the school bus.

Legal Ref.:  Mississippi Code, 37-7-301- (e); 37-9-71

The following disciplinary procedures will apply in cases of misconduct by students that place in jeopardy the safe operation of the school bus:

First Offense:
Warning, and/or conference with the parents or guardian, and/or punishment.

Second Offense:           
Suspension from pupil transportation services for the period of three days.   Notification must be sent to parents or guardian.

Third Offense:               
Suspension from pupil transportation for ten (10) school days and a conference with the parents or guardian.

Fourth Offense:             
Suspension from pupil transportation services for a semester or the equivalent of a semester and a conference with parents.

Fifth Offense:
Suspension from pupil transportation for the remainder of the school year.

The above procedures will be applied to less serious offenses, such as failing to remain seated on the school bus.

For more serious incidents such as fighting and directing profanity at the bus driver, students will be subject to immediate suspension because regular school policies will be applied.

The school principal will have the authority to investigate each case of misconduct and to decide appropriate action.

Parents or guardian must be advised of their right to hearing upon appeal to the Superintendent of Schools. Adopted by School Board 2/14/95