Bus Conduct

The following information regarding transportation of students is taken directly from the MCSD Policy Manual.  For more information of this topic, please refer to Section JCDA of the MCSD Policy Manual or the Behavior Code and Discipline Policy Handbook.

Under the laws of our State, the Muscogee County School District has the authority to make reasonable regulations governing bus conduct.  The walking distance to schools shall be one and one-half miles.  The walking distance to a bus stop shall not exceed one-half mile.  To provide for a safe and comfortable trip to and from school, students are required to observe the following rules:

²     Parents are responsible for getting their children to and from the bus stop.  Buses run on schedule and CANNOT WAIT for passengers.

²     Misbehavior at the bus stop could result in refusal of transportation by the principal.

²     Keep your bus pass with you at all times in case the driver needs to check your eligibility.  (This does not apply to Mathews students).

²     The driver has the right to assign students to certain seats to promote order on the bus.  ALL STUDENTS WILL REMAIN SEATED WHILE BUS IS IN MOTION.

²     Drivers will only let students off at their designated stop.

²     Students are expected to sit three to a seat.  A standing load of 20% over the seated capacity is permitted, per state mandate.

²     Do not use profane or vulgar language while waiting for the bus.

²     Stand off the roadway while awaiting the bus.

²     Keep arms and head inside windows.

²     Be quiet and orderly on the bus; talk in a low tone; ABSOLUTE SILENCE is required at railroad crossings.

²     Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited.

²     No eating or drinking allowed on the bus.

²     Objectionable or dangerous objects are not permitted on the bus.

²     Fighting or physical play is prohibited.

²     No knives or other weapons allowed on the bus.

²     When crossing street is necessary, students will immediately cross in front of the bus in full view of the driver.

²     Students may transport band instruments on the bus if space is available.

²     The driver is in full charge of bus and students.

²     Riding the bus is a privilege.  Do not abuse it.

²     Some buses will be monitored by surveillance cameras.

If problems arise, parents are not to confront the bus driver at the bus stop.  Make an appointment with the Transportation Department at 706-748-2876 to discuss the matter.

Punishment for violation of any of the above rules will result in your student being removed from the bus. 

²     First offense - parent conference, development of a student bus behavior contract and one day suspension from the bus.

²     Second offense - parent conference, development of a student bus behavior contract and one week suspension from the bus.

²     Third offense - parent conference and expulsion from the bus. 

Students who fail to respond to the direction of the bus driver shall be reported to the school principal who may deny the student bus transportation.  Any bus driver who feels that the principal's failure to deny bus transportation to a student will imperil other students in the driver's charge may appeal through his supervisor and ultimately to the school board, by notice given to the superintendent or designee, such notice shall be given reasonably after the principal's failure to act.

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