1.21 Procedures for Safe School Bus Behavior

Dean Transportation

Warnings and Suspensions

Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right. It is essential for students to observe a standard of safe conduct while riding a school bus. The bus driver will have the authority to issue a written conduct warning or a recommendation for suspension to any student who violates provisions of this Handbook or commits other acts of misconduct.

Issuance of Negative Behavior Warnings

The driver will issue a written conduct warning, if the offense is so severe as to cause continuing danger to the safety of the bus and its passengers. In the case of severe behavior, a request for suspension will be submitted to the principal.

Issuance of Suspension Notices

A copy of the bus conduct warning will go to the parents with the student. The form must be signed by the parent and returned to the bus driver by the student the next time he/she is to board the bus.

1. The principal is responsible for bus suspensions. 
2. A student whose riding privileges are suspended will not be able to board the bus for the term of the suspension. Drivers will be available for parent conferences at the principal’s request. A student suspended in the morning will be transported home on the bus that afternoon.
3. A student will be suspended from the bus at the end of a bus run. In extreme cases where the safety of others on the bus is in immediate jeopardy, secondary students may be suspended en route. Such en route suspensions will be communicated immediately to the school principal by the driver. In the event a student is suspended from the bus at school, it will be the principal’s responsibility to contact the parents and arrange for the student to get home after classes are dismissed. At no time will a student be sent home on foot without the knowledge and consent of the parent. A student suspended from riding a bus to and from school will still have access to regularly scheduled school district transportation arranged for field trips, extracurricular activities, and other school- sponsored functions.

Student Complaints

A student who feels a driver is executing responsibilities in an unsafe or improper manner may file a complaint with the principal, who will contact Dean Transportation. Dean Transportation will investigate the complaint and take whatever action is deemed necessary. Results of the investigation will be communicated to the parent either verbally or in writing as soon as is practical.

Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA)

Safe Use of Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) Buses 

Students who ride the CATA bus are expected to follow these safety guidelines to ensure a respectful and secure experience for everyone:

Wait Safely: Remain on the sidewalk or designated bus stop area while waiting. Do not step into the street until the bus has fully stopped and doors have opened.

Boarding and Exiting: Allow passengers to exit before boarding. Use handrails to safely get on and off the bus.

While Riding: Remain seated when possible. If standing, hold onto the handrails for safety. Keep aisles clear of backpacks and personal items, and show respect to the driver and other passengers at all times.

Crossing the Street: After exiting, wait for the bus to pull away before crossing. Never cross in front of the bus.

Student Conduct Expectations: All behavior displayed while using CATA services is subject to Lansing School District’s progressive disciplinary interventions as outlined in this handbook.

District Transportation Website