JICC - STUDENT CONDUCT ON BUSES

JICC - STUDENT CONDUCT ON BUSES
 

1. Supervisory Responsibility
   The law does not relieve parents/guardians of students from the responsibility of supervision before the child boards the bus in the morning and after the child leaves the bus at the end of the school day.
   
   Once a child boards the bus—and only at that time—does he/she/they become the responsibility of the school system. Such responsibility shall end when the child is delivered to the regular bus stop at the close of the school day.  
    
2. Behavioral Expectations
   In view of the fact that a bus is an extension of the classroom, the Board requires children to conduct themselves in the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior.
    
3. Consequences of Misconduct
   
   Students in violation of school discipline/conduct codes shall be dealt with in accordance with established board policy, administrative regulations, and established school practices.
   
   In cases when a child does not conduct himself/herself/themselves properly on a bus, such instances are to be brought to the attention of the building Principal by the bus driver. The building Principal will inform the parents/guardians as soon as possible of the misconduct and request their cooperation in improving the child’s behavior.
   
   Students who repeatedly engage in serious disciplinary issues on the school bus may have their transportation privileges suspended by the Principal. In such cases, parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their child’s safe travel to and from school.
    
4. Video Cameras on Transportation Vehicles
   
   The Board recognizes the school unit’s continuing responsibility to maintain order on school transportation vehicles to ensure the safety of staff and students.  After carefully balancing the need for discipline and safety with students’ interests in privacy, the Board supports the use of video cameras on school transportation vehicles.  In an effort to reduce student behavior violations, the cameras may be used to monitor student behavior during transport to and from school and extracurricular activities.  
   
   Notice of use of video cameras for disciplinary purposes in school transportation vehicles will be provided to all students, parents/guardians and staff in appropriate handbooks on an annual basis.  

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 5401

Cross Reference: EEA-Student Transportation

Adopted: 10/23/95

Revised: 01/22/96

Amended: 12/22/97

Amended: 01/08/07

Amended: 08/17/09

Reviewed: 10/17/11

Revised: 03/03/25