Pupil transportation service must be provided in Ohio for students in grades K-8 who live more than two miles from their school. Many school districts also transport students in high school, as well as students who live closer than two miles from their school, but these services are optional and at the discretion of the local school district and are not required by state law.

Transportation plans are designed and implemented by each district. This plan includes the designation of walk - in areas to school, identification of hazardous areas, the location of bus stops and the actual routing and planning of routes. Other issues, such as the ability of the school district to accommodate day care arrangements, alternative bus stops and length of time a student rides on a bus are also determined by the local school district. There are no administrative regulations or laws that limit these.

School transportation is a form of public transportation that is designed to be safe and efficient while serving as many students as possible. It is not an individualized transportation service. As in other public forms of transportation, there is little opportunity to alter or change schedules and routes to meet individual family circumstances.

Safe Bus Riding Rules

(1) Pupils shall arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

(2) Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stop at the driver designated place of safety.

(3) Behavior at the school bus stop must not threaten life, limb or property of any individual.

(4) Pupils must go directly to an available or assigned seat so the bus may safely resume motion.

(5) Pupils must remain seated keeping aisles and exits clear.

(6) Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.

(7) Pupils must not use profane language.

(8) Pupils must refrain from chewing gum, eating and drinking on the bus except as required for medical reasons.

(9) Pupils must not use and/or possess tobacco products on the bus or at the bus stop.

(10) Pupils must not use and/or possess alcohol or drugs on the bus or at the bus stop.

(11) Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from or into the bus.

(12) Pupils may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps (see paragraph (J) of Rule 3301-83-20 of the Administrative Code)

(13) Pupils must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise. This must be in the form of an alternate transportation form or daily bus pass.

(14) Pupils must not put body parts or belongings out of the bus windows.

(15) Firearms, weapons, explosives, or other dangerous materials or objects are prohibited on school buses. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of those intended for special needs assistance. Glass and balloons are also prohibited on school buses.  

 (16) Guidelines will be formulated for the use and storage of equipment and other means of assistance required by preschool and special needs children.

(17) Drivers and bus aides must have access to appropriate information about the child to the degree that such information might affect safe transportation and medical well-being. This information must be available in the vehicle or readily accessible in the transportation office. All such information is strictly confidential.

(18) No electronic devices (cell phones, battery operated games, cameras, laser pointers, etc) are allowed on buses during regular routes. The only exception to this will be MP3 players for grades 5-12. Any device with a flash is considered an electronic device. These items will be removed and held by the driver. If taken away on the morning route, the device will be given to the building principal and discipline action will follow. If removed and held on the afternoon route, the device will be given back to the student before the student departs the bus and discipline action will follow. 

Safety is important when riding or driving a school bus. If a student’s behavior becomes a problem by not following the above rules, riding privileges may be revoked.

• Requests for more than one student to go home with the same student for parties, sleepovers, etc. will not be approved.
• Bus pick up at a regular stop will be permitted providing the student has a note, dated and signed by the parent or legal guardian.

Requests by phone for a transportation change for non-regular bus service (daily bus pass) will ONLY be considered in emergency situations and will be at the school’s discretion and is subject to available seating.

• A phone call must be made to the school and must be from the parent or legal guardian requesting emergency bus service and the nature of the emergency. At the time of the call, proof off identification must be provided. Parent or guardian must have necessary information from the Bus Garage as to what bus number the student will need to ride as well as bus stop location. This can be obtained by first calling the Bus Garage at 548-4464.

Requests by phone will be denied for non-emergency daily bus service for; play dates, parties, staying overnight with friends, school projects, etc. These events should be dealt with in advance and students are best served to use their regular daily bus service with parents providing transportation later in the day.