709.0 Student Transportation Safety

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY POLICY

I.          PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide safe transportation for students and to educate students on safety issues and the responsibilities of school bus ridership.

II.         STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY TRAINING

1. School Bus Safety Week.
   The school district may designate a school bus safety week(s) and is announced by the district’s Transportation Department annually.  The National School Bus Safety Week is recognized during the third week in October.
2. Student School Bus Safety Training.
   1.  The school district shall provide students enrolled in grades kindergarten (K) through 10 with age-appropriate school bus safety training of the following concepts:
      1. transportation by school bus is a privilege, not a right;
      2. school district policies for student conduct and school bus safety;
      3. appropriate conduct while on the bus;
      4. the danger zones surrounding a school bus;
      5. procedures for safely boarding and leaving a school bus;
      6. procedures for safe vehicle lane crossing; and
      7. school bus evacuation and other emergency procedures.
   2. All students in grades K through 6 who are transported by school bus and are enrolled during the first or second week of school must receive the school bus safety training by the end of the third week of school. All students in grades 7 through 10 who are transported by school bus and are enrolled during the first or second week of school must receive the school bus safety training or receive bus safety instruction materials by the end of the sixth week of school, if they have not previously received school bus training. Students in grades K through 10 who enroll in a school after the second week of school, are transported by school bus, and have not received training in their previous school districts shall undergo school bus safety training or receive bus safety instructional materials within 4 weeks of their first day of attendance.
   3. The school district and a nonpublic school with students transported by school bus at public expense must provide students enrolled in grades K through 3 school bus safety training twice during the school year.
   4. Students taking driver’s training instructional classes must receive training in the laws and proper procedures for operating a motor vehicle in the vicinity of a school bus as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 169.446, subdivision 2.
   5. The school district and a nonpublic school with students transported by school bus at public expense must conduct a school bus evacuation drill at least once during the school year.
   6. The school district will make reasonable accommodations in training for students known to speak English as a second language and students with disabilities.
   7. The school district may provide kindergarten students with school bus safety training before the first day of school.
   8. The school district shall adopt and make available for public review a curriculum for transportation safety education.
   9. Nonpublic school students transported by the school district will receive school bus safety training by their nonpublic school. The nonpublic schools may use the school district’s school transportation safety education curriculum. Upon request by the school district superintendent, the nonpublic school must certify to the school district’s school transportation safety director that all students enrolled in grades K through 10 have received the appropriate training.
3. Active Transportation Safety Training.
   1. Training required.
      1.  The school district must provide public school pupils enrolled in kindergarten through grade 3 with age-appropriate active transportation safety training. At a minimum, the training must include pedestrian safety, including crossing roads.
      2. The school district must provide pupils enrolled in grades 4 through 8 with age-appropriate active transportation safety training. At a minimum, the training must include:
         1. pedestrian safety, including crossing roads safely using the searching left, right, left for vehicles in traffic technique; and
         2. bicycle safety, including relevant traffic laws, use and proper fit of protective headgear, bicycle parts and safety features, and safe biking techniques.
   2. Deadlines. 
      1. Students under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), who are enrolled during the first or second week of school and have not previously received active transportation safety training specified in that paragraph must receive the safety training by the end of the third week of school.
      2. Students under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), who are enrolled during the first or second week of school and have not previously received active transportation safety training specified in that paragraph must receive the safety training by the end of the sixth week of school.
      3. Students under subdivision 1, paragraph (a) or (b), who enroll in a school after the second week of school and have not received the appropriate active transportation safety training in their previous school district must undergo the training or receive active transportation safety instructional materials within four weeks of the first day of attendance.
      4. The school district and a nonpublic school may provide kindergarten pupils with active transportation safety training before the first day of school.
   3. Instruction.
      1. The school district may provide active transportation safety training through distance learning.
      2. The district and a nonpublic school must make reasonable accommodations for the active transportation safety training of pupils known to speak English as a second language and pupils with disabilities.

III.        CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES AND CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR

1. School Bus and Bus Stop Rules.
   The school district school bus safety rules are to be posted on every bus. If these rules are broken, the school district’s discipline procedures are to be followed. In most circumstances, consequences are progressive and may include suspension of bus privileges. It is the school bus driver’s responsibility to report unacceptable behavior to the school district’s Transportation Office/School Office.
   1. Rules at the Bus Stop
      1. Get to your bus stop 5 minutes before your scheduled pick up time. The school bus driver will not wait for late students.
      2. Respect the property of others while waiting at your bus stop.
      3. Keep your arms, legs, and belongings to yourself.
      4. Use appropriate language.
      5. Stay away from the street, road, or highway when waiting for the bus.
      6. Wait until the bus stops before approaching the bus.
      7. After getting off the bus, move away from the bus.
      8. If you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal to you before crossing the street.
      9. No fighting, harassment, intimidation, or horseplay.
      10. No use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
   2. Rules on the Bus
      1. Immediately follow the directions of the driver.
      2. Sit in your seat facing forward.
      3. Talk quietly and use appropriate language.
      4. Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
      5. Keep your arms, legs, and belongings to yourself.
      6. No fighting, harassment, intimidation, or horseplay.
      7. Do not throw any object.
      8. No eating, drinking, or use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
      9. Do not bring any weapons or dangerous objects on the school bus.
      10. Do not damage the bus.
   3. Assigned Buses Only.
      Students are assigned to buses and bus stops. No change in either bus or stop is permitted without transportation department authorization. Temporary changes may be made by school administration for emergencies only. Failure to ride the assigned bus to/from the assigned bus stop may result in disciplinary action.
   4. Unacceptable Acts.
      The following list identifies unacceptable acts subject to disciplinary action. Violation of any of these offenses on or around the school bus, or any other approved vehicle used to transport students, or the action interferes with or obstructs the safe operations of the school bus or the safety of the student, other students and staff or the aiding and abetting of such acts may lead to the implementation of a disciplinary action or consequence listed below, including permanent suspension from the school bus or expulsion:
      1. Violations of school bus procedures or acts disruptive to the safety of the school bus, including but not limited to, disruptive and disrespectful behavior, defiance of authority, failure to identify oneself, use of profane language, horseplay or distracting behavior, eating, drinking, or littering on the bus, spitting, leaving seat while bus is moving, use of laser pointers, opening window past safety line, and riding unassigned bus or using an unassigned bus stop;
      2. Violations against property including tampering with, unauthorized use of, damage to, or destruction of school bus property, property of school bus personnel and/or vandalism, arson, theft or possession of stolen property;
      3. Violations against persons communicated or attempted to be communicated by any means. Such violations include but are not limited: verbal and/or nonverbal intimidation, threats; stalking; obstruction; assault; fighting; extortion; bullying, harassment; indecent exposure; hazing;
      4. Student attire or personal grooming which creates a danger to health or safety or creates a disruption to the school bus operation, including clothing which bears a message which is lewd, vulgar, or obscene, apparel promoting products or activities that are illegal, or clothing containing objectionable emblems, signs, words, objects, or pictures communicating a message that is racist, sexist, or otherwise derogatory to a protected class or which connotes gang membership;
      5. Possession and/or use of any electronic devices including, but not limited to smartphones, cellphones, computers, tablets, etc.  in a manner, which threatens or intimidates others and/or disrupts the safety procedures of the school bus;
      6. Possession, distribution, or display of slanderous libelous, pornographic, racist, or gang affiliated material or symbols;
      7. Possession, use, and/or transmission of tobacco, nicotine products, electronic cigarettes, vape pens or look-alikes in any form;
      8. Possession, use, of any open-flame items, like matches or lighters;
      9. Possession, use (including being under the influence and look alike substances) and/or transmission of controlled substances including but not limited to any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, inhalant, toxic or mood altering substances, intoxicating beverage, any paraphernalia associated with such controlled substances or any controlled substance or the unauthorized use of prescription medications;
      10. Possession, use, and/or or transmission of weapon(s) or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon(s): weapon means knife, firearm or an item which looks like a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in working or nonworking condition; destructive explosives, any incendiary device or look alike and/or the threatened intent or intent to cause an explosion; or any other device or instrument which is utilized in such a manner so as to threaten, intimidate or produce bodily harm or the fear of such;
      11. Criminal Activity;
      12. Riding or attempting to ride any bus during a bus suspension;
      13. Violation of any school board policy
2. Code of Conduct.      
   Disciplinary action may be taken for any behavior, which is disruptive of good order or violates School Board Policy or the rights and safety of others or themselves. The school has the authority to and obligation to establish and enforce reasonable standards of conduct on the bus or any form of transportation. “Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right.”
   
   Students who have the opportunity to ride district school buses may do so as long as they conform to reasonable standards of conduct. The bus driver, bus paraprofessional or any school official supporting the bus driver is responsible for the safety and discipline of students while on the school bus. The building principal or their designee will determine the consequences for violating the school bus code of conduct. The responsibility for student supervision by the district shall begin when the student boards the bus and is retained until the student exits the bus. The bus and the bus stop are extensions of the school day. Bus and bus stop consequences may be superseded by district policy. The bus driver has the authority to assign seats and direct students to ensure safety on the bus. The school district's harassment policy, weapons policy, and bullying policy will be strictly enforced on the school bus. Video surveillance may be used on school buses.
   
   Under the Laws and Rules for Operation of School Buses in the State of Minnesota, it is stated that “... no materials, including guns, loaded or unloaded; gasoline cans, empty or full; animals or any other object of dangerous or objectionable nature are transported in the school bus when children are being transported.” Band instruments are allowed on the bus if they can be held in the student’s lap. Instruments may not be in the aisle or take the space of another student. Other prohibited equipment: Hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, and golf clubs. Sleds, ice skates, inline skates, skateboards, baseball and softball bats are not permitted unless enclosed in an athletic bag or are otherwise inaccessible. Damage to personal property is not covered by the bus contractor’s/district’s insurance coverage.
3. Consequences.
   Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will be imposed by the school district under adopted administrative discipline procedures. In addition, all school bus/bus stop misconduct will be reported to the school district’s transportation safety director.  Serious misconduct may be reported to local law enforcement.
   
   Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will apply to all routes and trips. Decisions regarding a student’s ability to ride the bus in connection with extracurricular and co-curricular events (for example, field trips or competitions) will be in the sole discretion of the school district. Parents or guardians will be notified of any suspension of bus privileges.
   
   Disciplinary action or consequences for these acts may include but are not limited to the following:
   1. Student Conference (Warning)
   2. Assigned Seat
   3. Parent Contact
   4. Parent Conference
   5. 1-10 day Bus Suspension
   6. Transfer to new bus route
   7. Alternative Transportation Assigned
   8. Permanent Loss of Transportation Services
   9. Suspension from School
   10. Expulsion from school
   11. Referral to law enforcement
       
       When determining an appropriate action, the school administrator will consider the extent of the disruption to the safety of the school bus operation, or safety of other students or staff on the bus. The school administrator will consider the student’s age, development, ability, special education status, EL status, language, and mental health status that impact student’s action when considering interventions and discipline.
       
       The bus and the bus stop are extensions of the school day. Bus and bus stop consequences may be superseded by District #11 policy. The bus driver has the authority to assign seats. The sexual/racial/religious harassment policy, the weapons policy, and bullying policy of District #11 will be strictly enforced on the school bus as well as at school. Video cameras will be used on all school buses.       
4. Records.
   Records of school bus/bus stop misconduct will be forwarded to the individual school building and will be retained in the same manner as other student discipline records. Reports of student misbehavior on a school bus or in a bus-loading or unloading area that are reasonably believed to cause an immediate and substantial danger to the student or surrounding persons or property shall be provided by the school district to local law enforcement and the Department of Public Safety in accordance with state and federal law.
5. Vandalism/Bus Damage.
   Students damaging school buses will be responsible for the damages. Failure to pay such damages (or make arrangements to pay) within 2 weeks may result in the loss of bus privileges until damages are paid.
6. Notice.
   School bus and bus stop rules and consequences for violations of these rules will be reviewed with students annually and copies of these rules will be made available to students. School bus rules are to be posted on each school bus.

IV.        PARENT AND GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

1. Parent and Guardian Notification.
   The school district school bus and bus stop rules will be provided to each family. Parents and guardians are asked to review the rules with their children.
2. Parents/Guardians Responsibilities for Transportation Safety.
   Parents/Guardians are responsible to:
   1. Become familiar with school district rules, policies, regulations, and the principles of school bus safety, and thoroughly review them with their children;
   2. Support safe riding and walking practices, and recognize that students are responsible for their actions;
   3. Communicate safety concerns to their school administrators;
   4. Monitor bus stops, if possible;
   5. Have their children to the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus arrives;
   6. Have their children properly dressed for the weather; and
   7. Have a plan in case the bus is late.
3. Trespass on school bus.
   As defined in Minnesota Statute 609.605, Subd. 4a C, Trespass on school bus, A person who boards a school bus when the bus is on its route or otherwise in operation, or while it has pupils on it, and who refuses to leave the bus on demand of the bus operator, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

V.         SCHOOL BUS DRIVER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. School bus drivers shall have a valid Class A, B, or C Minnesota driver’s license with a school bus endorsement. A person possessing a valid driver’s license, without a school bus endorsement, may drive a type III vehicle set forth in Sections VII.B. and VII.C., below. Drivers with a valid Class D driver’s license, without a school bus endorsement, may operate a “type A-I” school bus as set forth in Section VII.D., below.
2. The school district shall conduct mandatory drug and alcohol testing of all school district bus drivers and bus driver applicants in accordance with state and federal law and school district policy.
3. A school bus driver, with the exception of a driver operating a type A-I school bus or type III vehicle, who has a commercial driver’s license and who is convicted of a criminal offense, a serious traffic violation, or of violating any other state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation, in any type of motor vehicle in a state or jurisdiction other than Minnesota, shall notify the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services (Division) of the conviction within 30 days of the conviction. For purposes of this paragraph, a “serious traffic violation” means a conviction of any of the following offenses:
   1. excessive speeding, involving any single offense for any speed of 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit;
   2. reckless driving;
   3. improper or erratic traffic lane changes;
   4. following the vehicle ahead too closely;
   5. a violation of state or local law, relating to motor vehicle traffic control, arising in connection with a fatal accident;
   6. driving a commercial vehicle without obtaining a commercial driver’s license or without having a commercial driver’s license in the driver’s possession;
   7. driving a commercial vehicle without the proper class of commercial driver’s license and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported;
   8. a violation of a state or local law prohibiting texting while driving a commercial vehicle; and
   9. a violation of a state or local law prohibiting the use of a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a commercial vehicle.
4. A school bus driver, with the exception of a driver operating a type A-I school bus or type III vehicle, who has a commercial driver’s license and who is convicted of violating, in any type of motor vehicle, a Minnesota state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation, shall notify the person’s employer of the conviction within 30 days of conviction. The notification shall be in writing and shall contain all the information set forth in Attachment A accompanying this policy.
5. A school bus driver, with the exception of a driver operating a type A-I school bus or type III vehicle, who has a Minnesota commercial driver’s license suspended, revoked, or canceled by the state of Minnesota or any other state or jurisdiction and who loses the right to operate a commercial vehicle for any period or who is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for any period  shall notify the person’s employer of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege, or disqualification. Such notification shall be made before the end of the business day following the day the employee received notice of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege, or disqualification. The notification shall be in writing and shall contain all the information set forth in Attachment B accompanying this policy.
6. A person who operates a type III vehicle and who sustains a conviction as described in Section VII.C.1.g. (i.e., driving while impaired offenses), VII.C.1.h. (i.e., felony, controlled substance, criminal sexual conduct offenses, or offenses for surreptitious observation, indecent exposure, use of minor in a sexual performance, or possession of child pornography or display of pornography to a minor), or VII.C.1.i. (multiple moving violations) while employed by the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus, shall report the conviction to the person’s employer within 10 days of the date of the conviction. The notification shall be in writing and shall contain all the information set forth in Attachment C accompanying this policy

VI.        SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TRAINING

1. Training.
   1. All new school bus drivers shall be provided with pre-service training, including in-vehicle (actual driving) instruction, before transporting students and shall meet the competency testing specified in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Model School Bus Driver Training Manual. All school bus drivers shall receive in-service training annually. For purposes of this section, “annually” means at least once every 380 days from the initial or previous evaluation and at least once every 380 days from the initial or previous license verification. The school district shall retain on file an annual individual school bus driver “evaluation certification” form for each school district driver as contained in the Model School Bus Driver Training Manual.
   2. All bus drivers operating a type III vehicle will be provided with annual training and certification as set forth in Section VII.C.1.b., below, by either the school district or the entity from whom such services are contracted by the school district.
2. Evaluation.
   School bus drivers with a Class D license will be evaluated annually and all other bus drivers will be assessed periodically for the following competencies:
   1. Safely operate the type of school bus the driver will be driving;
   2. Understand student behavior, including issues relating to students with      disabilities;
   3. Ensure orderly conduct of students on the bus and handling incidents of misconduct appropriately;
   4. Know and understand relevant laws, rules of the road, and local school bus safety policies;
   5. Handle emergency situations; and
   6. Safely load and unload students.
      
      The evaluation must include completion of an individual “school bus driver evaluation form” (road test evaluation) as contained in the Model School Bus Driver Training Manual.

VII.      OPERATING RULES AND PROCEDURES

1. General Operating Rules.
   1. School buses shall be operated in accordance with state traffic and school bus safety laws and the procedures contained in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Model School Bus Driver Training Manual.
   2. Only students assigned to the school bus by the school district shall be transported. The number of students or other authorized passengers transported in a school bus shall not be more than the legal capacity for the bus.  No person shall be allowed to stand when the bus is in motion.
   3. The parent/guardian may designate, pursuant to school district policy, a day care facility, respite care facility, the residence of a relative, or the residence of a person chosen by the parent or guardian as the address of the student for transportation purposes. The address must be in the attendance area of the assigned school and meet all other eligibility requirements.
   4. A bus driver may not operate a school bus while communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular phone for personal reasons, whether hand-held or hands free, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. For purposes of this paragraph, “school bus” has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 169.011, subdivision 71. In addition, “school bus” also includes type III vehicles when driven by employees or agents of the school district. “Cellular phone” means a cellular, analog, wireless, or digital telephone capable of sending or receiving telephone or text messages without an access line for service.
2. Type III vehicles.
   1. Type III vehicles are restricted to passenger cars, station wagons, vans, and buses having a maximum manufacturer’s rated seating capacity of 10 or fewer people including the driver and a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.  A van or bus converted to a seating capacity of 10 or fewer and placed in service on or after August 1, 1999, must have been originally manufactured to comply with the passenger safety standards.
   2. Type III vehicles must be painted a color other than national school bus yellow.
   3.  Type III vehicles shall be state inspected in accordance with legal requirements.
   4. Vehicles model year 2007 or older must not be used as type III vehicles to transport school children, except those vehicles that are manufactured to meet the structural requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 222, Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571.
   5.  If a type III vehicle is school district owned, the school district name will be clearly marked on the side of the vehicle. The type III vehicle must not have the words “school bus” in any location on the exterior of the vehicle or in any interior location visible to a motorist.
   6. A “type III vehicle” must not be outwardly equipped and identified as a type A, B, C, or D bus.
   7. Eight-lamp warning systems and stop arms must not be installed or used on type III vehicles.
   8. Type III vehicles must be equipped with mirrors as required by law.
   9. Any type III vehicle may not stop traffic and may not load or unload before making a complete stop and disengaging gears by shifting into neutral or park. Any type III vehicle used to transport students must not load or unload so that a student has to cross the road, except where not possible or impractical, then the driver or assistant must escort a student across the road. If the driver escorts the student across the road, then the motor must be stopped, the ignition key removed, the brakes set, and the vehicle otherwise rendered immobile.
   10. Any type III vehicle used to transport students must carry emergency equipment including:
       1. Fire extinguisher. A minimum of one 10BC rated dry chemical type fire extinguisher is required. The extinguisher must be mounted in a bracket and must be located in the driver’s compartment and be readily accessible to the driver and passengers. A pressure indicator is required and must be easily read without removing the extinguisher from its mounted position.
       2. First aid kit and body fluids cleanup kit. A minimum of a 10-unit first aid kit and a body fluids cleanup kit is required. They must be contained in removable, moisture- and dust-proof containers mounted in an accessible place within the driver’s compartment and must be marked to indicate their identity and location.
       3. Passenger cars and station wagons may carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and warning triangles in the trunk or trunk area of the vehicle if a label in the driver and front passenger area clearly indicates the location of these items.
   11. Students will not be regularly transported in private vehicles that are not state inspected as type III vehicles. Only emergency, unscheduled transportation may be conducted in vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or fewer without meeting the requirements for a type III vehicle. Also, parents may use a private vehicle to transport their own children under a contract with the district. The school district has no system of inspection for private vehicles.
   12. All drivers of type III vehicles will be licensed drivers and will be familiar with the use of required emergency equipment. The school district will not knowingly allow a person to operate a type III vehicle if the person has been convicted of an offense that disqualifies the person from operating a school bus.
   13. Type III vehicles will be equipped with child passenger restraints, and child passenger restraints will be utilized to the extent required by law.
   14. Drivers shall register and obtain certification with the transportation office and meet requirements prior to driving any students. The bus companies must be notified prior to use of the vehicle and will not allow vehicles to leave their lot unless the employee is active with their certification.
   15. Staff who drive a type III vehicle must carry and display their district staff identification badge.
3. Type III Vehicle Driven by Employees with a Driver’s License Without a School Bus Endorsement.
   1. The holder of a Class A, B, C, or D driver’s license, without a school bus endorsement, may operate a type III vehicle, described above, under the following conditions:
      1. The operator is an employee of the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus, which may include the school district.
      2. The operator’s employer, which may include the school district, has adopted and implemented a policy that provides for annual training and certification of the operator in:
         1. safe operation of a type III vehicle;
         2.  understanding student behavior, including issues relating to students with disabilities;
         3. encouraging orderly conduct of students on the bus and handling incidents of misconduct appropriately;
         4. knowing and understanding relevant laws, rules of the road, and local school bus safety policies;
         5. handling emergency situations;
         6. proper use of seat belts and child safety restraints;
         7. performance of pre-trip vehicle inspections;
         8. safe loading and unloading of students, including, but not limited to:
            1. utilizing a safe location for loading and unloading students at the curb, on the nontraffic side of the roadway, or at off-street loading areas, driveways, yards, and other areas to enable the student to avoid hazardous conditions;
            2. refraining from loading and unloading students in a vehicular traffic lane, on the shoulder, in a designated turn lane, or a lane adjacent to a designated turn lane;
            3. avoiding a loading or unloading location that would require a student to cross a road, or ensuring that the driver or an aide personally escort the student across the road if it is not reasonably feasible to avoid such a location;
            4. placing the type III vehicle in “park” during loading and unloading;
            5. escorting a student across the road under clause (c) only after the motor is stopped, the ignition key is removed, the brakes are set, and the vehicle is otherwise rendered immobile; and
         9. compliance with paragraph V.F. concerning reporting convictions to the employer within 10 days of the date of conviction.
      3.  A background check or background investigation of the operator has been conducted that meets the requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.18, subdivision 8, or Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.03 for school district employees; Minnesota Statutes, section 144.057 or Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245C for day care employees; or Minnesota Statutes, section 171.321, subdivision 3, for all other persons operating a type III vehicle under this section.
      4. Operators shall submit to a physical examination as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 171.321, subdivision 2.
      5. The operator’s employer requires pre-employment drug testing of applicants for operator positions. Current operators must comply with the employer’s policy under Minnesota Statutes, section 181.951, subdivisions 2, 4, and 5. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the operator’s employer may use a breathalyzer or similar device to fulfill random alcohol testing requirements.
      6. The operator’s driver’s license is verified annually by the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the type III vehicle as required by Minnesota Statutes section 171.321, subdivision 5.
      7. A person who sustains a conviction, as defined under Minnesota Statutes,
         609.02, of violating Minnesota Statutes, section 169A.25,  169A.26, 169A.27 (driving while impaired offenses), or  169A.31 (alcohol-related school bus driver offenses), or whose driver’s license is revoked under Minnesota Statutes, sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 of the implied consent law, or who is convicted of violating or whose driver’s license is revoked under a similar statute or ordinance of another state, is precluded from operating a type III vehicle for 5 years from the date of conviction.
      8. A person who has ever been convicted of a disqualifying offense as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 171.3215, subdivision1(c), (i.e., felony, controlled substance, criminal sexual conduct offenses, or offenses for surreptitious observation, indecent exposure, use of minor in a sexual performance, or possession of child pornography or display of pornography to a minor) may not operate a type III vehicle.
      9. A person who sustains a conviction, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 609.02, of a moving offense in violation of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169 within 3 years of the first of 3 other moving offenses is precluded from operating a type III vehicle for 1 year from the date of the last conviction.
      10. Students riding the type III vehicle must have training required under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.90, Subd. 2 (See Section II.B., above).
      11. Documentation of meeting the requirements listed in this section must be maintained under a separate file at the business location for each type III vehicle operator. The school district or any other entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the type III vehicle operating under this section is responsible for maintaining these files for inspection.
   2. The Type III vehicle must bear a current certificate of inspection issued under Minnesota Statutes, section 169.451.
   3. An employee of the school district who is not employed for the sole purpose of operating a type III vehicle may, in the discretion of the school district, be exempt from paragraphs VII.C.1.d. (physical examination) and VII.C.1.e. (drug testing), above.
4. Type A-I “Activity” Buses Driven by Employees with a Driver’s License Without a School Bus Endorsement.
   1. The holder of a Class D driver’s license, without a school bus endorsement, may operate a type A-I school bus or a Multifunction School Activity Bus (MFSAB) under the following conditions:
      1.  The operator is an employee of the school district or an independent contractor with whom the school district contracts for the school bus and is not solely hired to provide transportation services under this paragraph.
      2. The operator drives the school bus only from points of origin to points of destination, not including home-to-school trips to pick up or drop off students.
      3. The operator is prohibited from using the 8-light system if the vehicle is so equipped.
      4. The operator has submitted to a background check and physical examination as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 171.321, subdivision 2.
      5. The operator has a valid driver’s license and has not sustained a conviction of a disqualifying offense as set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 171.02, subdivisions 2a(h) - 2a(j).
      6. The operator has been trained in the proper use of child safety restraints as set forth in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre- school Age Children in School Buses,” if child safety restraints are used by passengers, in addition to the training required in Section VI., above.
      7.  The bus has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 pounds or less and is designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver.
   2. The school district shall maintain annual certification of the requirements listed in this section for each Class D license operator.
   3. A school bus operated under this section must bear a current certificate of inspection.
   4. The word “School” on the front and rear of the bus must be covered by a sign that reads “Activities” when the bus is being operated under authority of this section.
5. School Bus Idling.
   This policy seeks to reduce student and driver exposure to diesel exhaust particulate matter by limiting unnecessary idling of school buses pursuant to Minnesota Statute 123B.885 (Diesel school buses: operation of the engine: parking). 
   
   This policy applies to district owned school buses and contracted school buses while being operated for the purpose of transporting the school district’s students at public expense to and from school programs.
   
   Idling Control Measures:
   1. The school district shall:
      1. Relocate school building air intake systems further than 100 feet of school bus parking areas when practical, economical, and feasible.
   2. A driver of a diesel school bus:
      1. Must turn off the bus upon reaching a school or other destination and must not turn on the engine until necessary to depart from the school or destination; and
      2. Must park the bus at least 100 feet from a known and active school air intake system, unless the school district has determined that alternative locations block traffic, impair student safety, or are not cost-effective.
   3. The employer of the school bus driver must ensure that:
      1. The bus or vehicle driver upon employment, and as necessary thereafter, is informed of the requirements of this policy and the reasons therefore; and

All complaints of noncompliance are reviewed and remedial action is taken as necessary.

Exemptions:
The requirement that a driver of a diesel school bus must turn off the bus and must refrain from idling does not apply for the period or periods during which idling is necessary under the following circumstances:

1. Turbo-diesel Engine Cool Down or Warm Up
   1. To cool down a turbocharged diesel engine for a period not to exceed 5 minutes before turning off the engine. (The cool down should be in accordance with the bus manufacturer’s specifications); or
   2. To warm up a turbocharged diesel engine for a period not to exceed 3 minutes. (The warm up should be in accordance with the bus manufacturer’s specifications).
2. Cold Weather
   1. If the outside temperature is between 32 degrees and –10 degrees, idling to operate heaters is allowed for up to 15 minutes per stop; or
   2. If the outside temperature is below –10, there is no time restriction on idling to use the heating equipment.
   3. In cold weather, if bus drivers will be at a location for more than 15 minutes, an indoor waiting area is encouraged.
3. Safety of Children and Emergencies
   1. Use of lift equipment during loading or unloading of children with one or more disabilities
   2. Use of a heater or an air conditioner of a bus during loading, unloading or transport of children with exceptional needs
   3. Use of defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment for safety or health considerations;
   4. Use of the bus headlights or four-way flasher warning lights for visibility purposes; or
   5. For other traffic, safety, or emergency situations.
   6. n any of the above cases, if equipment can be run from the battery then the drivers should refrain from idling unless there is a significant concern of draining the battery.
4. Maintenance of Operations
   1. To charge a battery of a school bus, if needed; or
   2. For testing to verify that the bus is in safe operating condition as part of the daily pre-trip inspection, or as otherwise required, including measuring of vehicle emissions.
      
      Limitations:
      This policy is subject to adjustment based upon technical improvements in engines, electronics, or exhaust systems; or for the use of biodiesel fuel in school bus diesel engines.

VIII.     EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. If possible, school bus drivers or their supervisors shall call “911” or the local emergency phone number in the event of a serious emergency.
2. School bus drivers shall meet the emergency training requirements contained in Unit III “Crash & Emergency Preparedness” of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Model School Bus Driver Training Manual. This includes procedures in the event of a crash (accident).
3. School bus drivers and bus assistants for special education students requiring special transportation service because of their handicapping condition shall be trained in basic first aid procedures, shall within one (1) month after the effective date of assignment participate in a program of in-service training on the proper methods for dealing with the specific needs and problems of students with disabilities, assist students with disabilities on and off the bus when necessary for their safe ingress and egress from the bus; and ensure that protective safety devices are in use and fastened properly.
4. Emergency Health Information shall be maintained on the school bus for students requiring special transportation service because of their handicapping condition. The information shall state:
   1. The student’s name and address;
   2. The nature of the student’s disabilities;
   3. Emergency health care information; and
   4. The names and telephone numbers of the student’s parents/guardians who can be contacted in case of an emergency.

IX.        VEHICLE MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

1. All school vehicles shall be maintained in safe operating conditions through a systematic preventive maintenance and inspection program adopted or approved by the school district.
2. All school vehicles shall be state inspected in accordance with legal requirements.
3. A copy of the current daily pre-trip inspection report must be carried in the bus. Daily pre-trip inspections shall be maintained on file in accordance with the school district’s record retention schedule. Prompt reports of defects to be immediately corrected will be submitted.
4. Daily post-trip inspections shall be performed to check for any children or lost items remaining on the bus and for vandalism.

X.         TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DIRECTOR

District administration designates an individual to serve as the school district’s school transportation safety director. The school transportation safety director shall have day-to-day responsibility for student transportation safety, including transportation of nonpublic school children when provided by the school district. The school transportation safety director will assure that this policy is periodically reviewed to ensure that it conforms to law. Any questions regarding student transportation or this policy may be addressed to the school transportation safety director.

XI.        TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMITTEE

The school district may establish a student transportation safety committee. The chair of the student transportation safety committee is the school district’s school transportation safety director or their designee. Membership may include parents, school bus drivers, representatives of school bus companies, local law enforcement officials, other school district staff, and representatives from other units of local government.