Transportation Policies
The South Carolina Department of Education regulates school bus transportation, and a local school system can give service only within the limits of the resources made available by state government.
Absenteeism, discipline problems, breakdowns, inclement weather, etc. may result in second trips and routing disruptions.
ROUTES ARE SET BY THE STATE AND CANNOT BE CHANGED BY THE DISTRICT.
Regular Route Pattern
According to the department’s Regulation F, a regular route pattern is usually established by traveling along main roadways and centralized streets within a community or area.
School bus stops shall not be closer than two-tenths of a mile at safe points as defined by state traffic criteria (SC-43-80-F).
Buses shall not be permitted to leave the regular route during inclement weather. Buses may not be able to travel on some roads covered by snow, or dirt roads made impassable by heavy rains.
Buses need wide areas for maneuvering, clear of all hazards (limbs, posts, cars, etc.) with sufficient surfaces to support the heavy bus and a 60-ft radius for turn-about. The district must have signed release to operate on private roads.
Assigned Bus Stops
All students must ride specifically assigned buses and board or exit at specifically assigned bus stops.
Regularly transported students who reside within the 1.5-mile limit of their schools are deemed “courtesy riders,” whereby such privilege is temporary and contingent upon availability of seats on the existing route. As route growth occurs outside the 1.5 mile limit, courtesy riders may immediately lose their riding privilege.
Unassigned students will not be allowed on another bus without a note signed from parent and approved by principal’s signature and then, only if seating is available.
When growth results in overcrowded buses, second trips are necessary. Some students may arrive at school or at home later than usual.
One bus holds 40 to 60 students. It is common for several buses to have operational problems simultaneously. The district cannot contact parents and also efficiently manage events when breakdowns occur.
The funding for school buses is the responsibility of your elected state Legislature. Saluda County School Distict can offer services only within the limits of available resources.
No student is to cross any four-lane road at any time when engaged in school bus transportation services.
Waiting At The Bus Stop
Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety and conduct of their children going to and from, and while at, the bus stop, according to state law.
Never cross the street until the bus arrives, lights are flashing red, and the driver signals students to cross.
Buses can break down, resulting in irregular bus arrivals. This cannot be controlled by school district staff. Riders are instructed to be at their stop 5 to 10 minutes before the regular arrival time of their school bus.
Progressive Bus Discipline
School buses are classrooms in motion in traffic. Discipline violations are recorded by the driver and addressed by school official. If you have questions about a disciplinary issue involving your child, please contact the office at the school at which your child attends.
Riding the bus is a privilege and not a right. Correct behavior is the responsibility of the student, not the driver. Students will be held responsible for obeying all student transportation regulations and school district conduct code.
Bus drivers will determine who sits where and with whom on the bus. Drivers can use seating assignments to manage student behavior.
Carry-On Items
All legal carry-on items must fit within the student’s seating space. No class projects, glass, animals, insects, containers or balloons are permitted on school buses. Class projects must be transported by car. Instruments the size of a trumpet or larger will not be allowed on school buses.
The final determination of what objects may be transported on a school bus rests with the district superintendent or his designee.
Authority To Manage Bus
Drivers, by state law, have the responsibility and full authority to manage the bus. Any problems should be brought to the attention of the Transportation Director, never to a driver.
Vandalism
Parents will be charged should their child damage any bus equipment. Seat covers can cost as much as $50. The loss of riding privilege may remain until payment for damages are received.
Community Hazards
The initial responsibility for community hazards, including concerns with pets and wildlife, lies with city and county government, law enforcement and parents.
For more information, call the Saluda County School District Department of Transportation Supervisor James G Sample at (864) 445-8441, ext 208.
