TRANSPORTATION
DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
8-21-16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT EXPECTATIONS
CONFIDENTIALITY
STUDENTS
EMPLOYEES
DAILY EXPECTATIONS
EMERGENCY/ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
Student Injury - Non-Vehicle Related
Employee Injury Accident
Motor Vehicle Accident
When in personal vehicle or on personal time
Funeral Processions
EMERGENCY AND BREAKDOWN PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY VEHICLE
FIRE
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
CHAIN UP PROCEDURES
SCHOOL BUS STOPS
Overview of the law
Bus Driver’s Responsibility
Motorist Responsibility
PROHIBITED ITEMS
INDIVIDUALIZED STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS
SEATING
DRESS CODE
PERSONAL CONDUCT
EMPLOYEE ABSENCES/TARDINESS
TOBACCO USE
DISTRICT VEHICLE USE
TRIPS
Trip Requests
Directions/Navigation Devices
Trip Bidding Process
Trip Bidding/Bumping
Meal Allowance
Bridge Toll/Tolls
1
Activity Trips
ROUTES
ROUTE BIDDING
EXTRA WORK
CELL PHONES
SUPERVISED/UNSUPERVISED STUDENT DROP OFF
LOST AND FOUND
CHILDREN AT THE BUS SHOP
IMPEDING TRAFFIC
LICENSING
FIVE MINUTE PROCEDURE
EMPTY PLACARD SIGNS
BUS CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Warm-Up
Fueling of Vehicles
Daily Maintenance
Vandalism
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Appendix
Signature Page
2
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this handbook is to provide clear and consistent information to the transportation
department. The handbook has been developed in collaboration with OSEA representation,
drivers, and the Operations Director. The handbook is designed to help employees:
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Understand department rules, standards, and expectations;
Find information on training and other employee resources;
Perform as a professional;
Facilitate teamwork within the department.
We are committed to making continuous improvement. Please feel free to give suggestions to
the transportation office staff. This manual is to be considered a “living document” and will
evolve as bargaining agreement provisions, district policies, and the needs of HRCSD and/or
the needs of the HRCSD Transportation Department change. Updates and changes are made
by the Labor Management Committee. Employees having questions or reservations
concerning the contents or interpretation of the manual are encouraged to seek clarification with
the supervisor and/or the union representatives.
School bus drivers should be proud of their profession and of their good driving habits. This
handbook should sharpen abilities, increase knowledge of basic regulations and generally help
to accomplish the work to the school district’s, the public’s, and the driver’s own advantage.
This handbook is not intended to either add to or diminish any board policy, administrative
regulation or collective bargaining agreement. Material contained within may therefore be
superseded by such board policy, administrative regulation, collective bargaining agreement or
changes in state or federal law.
In addition, equal employment opportunity and treatment shall be practiced by the district
regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status and/or disability if the
employee, with or without reasonable accommodation, is able to perform the essential functions
of the position. The following have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal
requirements, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and other civil rights or discrimination issues,
the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and may
be contacted at the Hood River County School District office for additional information and/or
compliance issues.
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TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT EXPECTATIONS
The transportation department is a group of professional drivers. The drivers keep
student and staff safety as their top priority. They also comply with federal, state, and
district rules and regulations.
● All licensed bus drivers are to read and comply with the Oregon Department of
Education (ODE) ​Pupil Transportation Manual
(​http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=182​). Paper copies are also
available in the transportation office or break room.
● All licensed bus drivers are to understand and comply with the Oregon
Commercial Motor Vehicle​ (​http://www.odot.state.or.us/forms/dmv/36.pdf​)
● guide from the ​Department of Motor Vehicles
(​http://www.odot.state.or.us/forms/dmv/37.pdf​).
● Paper copies are available in the transportation office.
● All licensed bus drivers should review ​board policy
(​http://www.hoodriver.k12.or.us/Page/5744​) related to pupil transportation.
Paper copies are available in the transportation office or break room.
4
CONFIDENTIALITY
STUDENTS
It is important to remember that confidentiality is a protected right for students. The
U.S. congress has addressed the privacy-related concerns of educators, parents, and
students by enacting the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (known more
commonly as “FERPA” or the “Buckley Amendment”). Among other provisions, FERPA
allows the government to withdraw federal funds from any educational institution,
including the Hood River County school District, which disseminates a student’s
education records without his or her parent’s consent.
Each student has the right to expect that nothing that happens to or about him or her
will be repeated to anyone other than authorized school department employees, as
designated by the operations director or administrators at the schools. Even when
discussing a student with those who are directly involved in a student’s education, such
as a teacher, principal, or guidance counselor, you may not share otherwise confidential
information with them unless it is relevant to the student’s educational growth, safety, or
well being.
Parents, friends, or community members may in good faith ask drivers questions about
a student’s problems or progress. Again, all such questions should be directed to
authorized school employees. Before you speak, always remember that violating a
student’s confidentiality isn’t just impolite, it’s against the law!
EMPLOYEES
Respect for a person’s right to privacy must be practiced in the workplace. Employee
personal information shall not be released or displayed without employee permission or
approval. This information includes phone numbers, social security numbers,
evaluations, feedback forms, grievances and complaints.
Do not gossip.
5
DAILY EXPECTATIONS
Employees on a daily basis will:
● Perform​ the duties as outlined by the​ job description
(​http://www.hoodriver.k12.or.us/cms/lib06/OR01000849/Centricity/Domain/61/cla
ssified-jd/TR-Bus-Driver.pdf​)
● Arrive​ on time and ready to work
● Perform​ a proper pre-trip inspection ​(Appendix A)
● Perform​ a proper post-trip inspection ​(Appendix B)
● Update​ Operations Director with any concerns about students, route, and/or
vehicle
● Inform​ the Transportation Office if students have not been riding from particular
stops for more than a week
● Keep​ on your route schedule. Follow your route as written. Any route changes
need to be approved by the transportation office
● Observe​ speed zones, rules, regulations, and good driving practices
○ Speed limit of 5 MPH on all district property unless otherwise posted
● Enter and Exit​ the Bus Shop via the upper gate
● Complete​ and maintain student count forms/route sheets
● Properly​ fill out your timesheet ​(Appendix C)​ with the hours worked and/or leave
taken
○ Timesheets must be turned in on the last working day of the month
● Keep​ the bus clean and trash emptied
● Secure​ bus at the end of the day
● Check​ mailbox, check email, and check the bulletin board in the breakroom
regularly
● Use​ time efficiently. Be working when on the clock
● Dress​ appropriately according to the dress code
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EMERGENCY/ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
Student Injury - Non-Vehicle Related
● If you have a student injury, provide first aid if necessary. Then contact the
Transportation Office and/or 911, if needed. Be prepared to provide the
student’s name, grade, and school.
● Complete a student Incident Report when your route is complete ​(Appendix D)​.
We must have a record of all student injuries. Often something that seems small
may have serious complications later.
Employee Injury Accident
● If an employee experiences any type of injury while working, it must be reported
to the transportation office staff immediately and the employee will be required to
fill out an incident report and 801 Form. If the injury requires professional
medical treatment, a Workers Compensation 801 Form needs to be completed
and sent to the district office. All forms can obtained from department office staff.
Motor Vehicle Accident
● Call 911 if there is an emergency and/or severe accident
● Notify the Transportation Department. Have basic information ready including
any injury details, location (street and cross street), and type of accident. After
you have help on the way, take care of the victims and your riders. It is very
important (once things are under control) that you collect information. Be sure to
get:
○ The names and phone numbers of witnesses
○ Driver’s license numbers.
○ Insurance information including company name, policy number, phone
number
○ Keep students on the bus unless it is unsafe to do so
■ Complete Seating Chart of Passengers ​(Appendix E)
○ If evacuation is necessary, count the number of students and keep them
supervised, follow the evacuation procedures ​(Appendix F)
○ Wait for direction from the transportation department and/or law
enforcement before returning to driving
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● Stick to the facts of what you know when reporting incident to Transportation
Department and/or Law Enforcement. Do not make any statements to anyone
other than emergency responders and school district personnel. Do not admit
any fault to other parties. The school district HR Department may give you
approval to speak to our insurance representative. Do not talk with the media.
● You must report all accidents to the Operations Director regardless of severity or
damage
When in personal vehicle or on personal time
● OAR 581-053-0230(8) - Drivers shall report to their employers(s) within 15 days:
○ Any conviction for driving or criminal offenses specified in OAR
581-053-0050
○ Any involvement in an accident
○ If their CDL is no longer valid
Funeral Processions
● Cars in funeral processions are usually identified by “funeral” placards on the
windshield or by lighted headlights. Never cut into or interfere with a funeral
procession
8
EMERGENCY AND BREAKDOWN PROCEDURES
● Keep students on the bus unless there is danger from fire or traffic
● Do not leave students in the bus unattended
● If students elect to leave the bus against the driver’s instructions, make a note of
the student’s name, time, and place of departure. Report this information to the
Transportation Office
● Students may only be released to parents or authorized parties unless given
other approval from Transportation Office and/or law enforcement
● For more detailed instructions, refer to a certified trainers, bus mentors, the
Operations Director,​ ​or the ​Oregon Pupil Transportation Manual
(http://www.ode.state.or.us/services/transportation/pdfs/optm2012.pdf)
9
EMERGENCY VEHICLE
● When emergency vehicles are approaching, pull the bus over when it is safe to
do so. Only return to traffic once all emergency vehicles have passed.
10
FIRE
● At the first indication of fire on the bus, pull to the side of the road or curb and
stop. Try to park away from other vehicles and buildings. If there is a fire on the
bus, evacuate all students through the farthest exit from the fire. Account for all
students and move them to a safe distance from the bus. Retrieve first aid kit
when exiting the bus, if possible
● Notify 911 and the Transportation Department as soon as possible. If you are
unable to make the call, have a passing motorist and/or students call
● Set the triangle reflectors to divert traffic if possible
11
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
● Use the hazard warning lights when stopping at railroad crossings. Turn the
hazard lights off after the rear tires cross the tracks. It is illegal to use the school
bus student safety lights
● School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, even those crossings at
intersections having both traffic lights and crossing gates
● Drivers must abide by all controlled crossing signals
● Stop the vehicle not less than 15 feet or more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of
the railroad track if not marked with a stop line
● At approach to crossings, open driver’s window and turn off radio, fans, heaters,
and quiet the riders (all noise makers). Open the entrance door after coming to a
complete stop. Look and listen for approaching trains. If not train is
approaching, close the door before proceeding across the tracks.
● Please visit with a trainer or the Operations Director if you have any route
hazards at railroad crossings (e.g. parallel crossing, multiple tracks, limited
visibility, curved tracks, etc.) to get special instructions
12
WEATHER/SLIPPERY STREETS
● Should the weather make safe driving impossible (ice, freezing rain, heavy snow,
wind, etc.), pull off at the first available SAFE area and notify the Transportation
Office of your location and number of students on the bus
● Safety comes before schedules. When tires slip or slide, it is up to you to keep
the bus under control. Reduce your speed when necessary. Be particularly
cautious when streets are wet after a prolonged dry spell
● When taking off, use slight pressure on accelerator. If the rear wheels begin the
slightest spin or slip, release the pedal immediately and idle out. Repeat this
procedure until the bus moves without spin or side slip
● Use the drop down chains if your bus is equipped
● If drop down chains are not available or are not functioning, chains may need to
be used. Contact the Transportation Office with your location and information
about road conditions for assistance with chains, especially if there are students
on the bus
13
CHAIN UP PROCEDURES
● If the roads are snow/ice covered (e.g. tires not making contact with pavement),
a driver must use chains
● Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure to put on chains, and allow extra
time to get to your first stop
● If you need to install or remove chains mid-route, and there are students on your
bus, contact the Transportation Office for assistance. Do not leave your students
unattended
14
SCHOOL BUS STOPS
● Overview of the law
○ When the bus is stopped in the right hand lane of traffic on an undivided
highway or road to load or unload students, all traffic in both directions
must stop
○ When the bus is stopped off the main traveled portion of the highway or
road, traffic is not required to stop. It is unlawful to use the school bus
safety lights when stopped off the main traveled portion of the highway.
The bus must be either completely in or completely out of the traffic lane
○ When the bus is stopped in the right hand lane of traffic on a highway
divided by a barrier or unpaved median, only traffic going the same
direction as the bus must stop. Approaching traffic may proceed
● Bus Driver’s Responsibility
○ The school bus driver must be alert and prepared for any emergency. The
driver must anticipate all road conditions to avoid accident-producing
situations. The following suggestions will help the driver make the stop
law effective:
■ When practical, avoid loading and unloading students at
intersections. Stops should be made at least 100 feet from an
intersection. The driver should teach the students how to cross the
road safely
■ The school bus driver should load or discharge students on the
same side of the highway as their residence whenever practical.
Then the students do not have to cross the highway
■ On roads with multiple, same direction lanes, use the farthest right
lane for loading and unloading students
■ The school bus driver must use ingenuity and good judgment to
keep traffic moving and still protect the students. This can be
accomplished by:
● Properly executing both on-road and off-road stops
● Turning off the school bus safety lights only after the
students are safely across the road or are safely loaded and
unloaded
15
● Students should not be dropped off at a stop where they are
expected to cross a highway.
● Strictly adhering to the provisions of the law and regulations
governing the use of the school bus student safety lights
● Motorist Responsibility
○ If a motorist violates the school bus stop law, the bus driver needs to try to
make positive identification of the vehicle. The bus driver must fill out the
appropriate Failure to Stop for Bus Safety Lights form ​(Appendix G)​ in the
Transportation office. The information is forwarded and reported to law
enforcement.
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PROHIBITED ITEMS
● Animals, weapons, insects, glass of any kind including bottles and jars or any
other potentially hazardous items will not be permitted on the bus (guide or
service animals are accepted)
● While baggage, musical instruments, some athletic equipment, etc. are allowed,
the items must not obstruct the aisles or block emergency exits. The items must
be stowed under or on the seats, and secured if necessary to avoid injuries
● Some specialized equipment must be loaded in the cargo bay. When loading
and unloading these items, the bus must be at an off-road location
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INDIVIDUALIZED STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS
● Bus drivers who transport students with specific needs will receive appropriate
training and information related to medical and/or behavior protocols.
● Procedures for student management will be provided through the Transportation
Office and/or the Special Education & Student Services Director
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SEATING
● By law, all students must be seated when riding in the bus
● The driver will assign seats, when necessary, to achieve efficient and safe
loading or as disciplinary action for safety
● Student capacity must be in compliance with OAR 581-023-0040
○ No more than three elementary students per seat
○ Buses transporting only elementary students will have a passenger
capacity as stated on the manufacturer's identification plate
○ Buses transporting only high school students, grades 9-12, will have a
passenger capacity based on two students for each 39-inch bus seat
○ Buses transporting mixed groups from K-12 (in any combination), or
groups of only middle school students will have a passenger capacity
based on 2.5 students for each 39-inch bus seat.
○ Example​ - A bus with a manufacturer’s passenger capacity stated on the
identification plate of 72 would have the following ratings: elementary - 72
students, high school only - 48 students, mixed groups - 60 students,
middle school - 60 students.
● Overloaded buses are to be reported to the Transportation Office before
proceeding on any route
● Aisles must be clear of any obstructions at all times
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DRESS CODE
● Every employee is expected to be dressed appropriately. Drivers represent the
Hood River County School District with professionalism, pride, and dignity
● Dress must be free of references to tobacco, drug, alcohol, and/or firearms.
Dress must be free of offensive slang or foul language. Clothing that can be
affiliated with “gang” attire is not permitted
● Footwear: Drivers must not wear shoes with heels/wedges higher than two
inches; or shoes with small heels (spike-type, regardless of height). Flip flops
are not permitted. Any sandals/shoes must be secured to the foot. The shoe
must have a heel strap and be secured to the heel
● Clothing is not to be suggestive or low cut
● Clothing is clean, and free of rips or tears
● Shorts must be walking length and extend to at least mid-thigh
● Spaghetti strap tank tops or halter tops are not allowed
● Final approval of appropriate dress is up to the discretion of supervisory
personnel
20
PERSONAL CONDUCT
● Treat others how you would like to be treated. Use respectful language when
talking with co-workers, students, and the community.
● Use social media responsibly. HRCSD employees must comply with the
Personal Communication Devices and Social Media - Staff
(​http://www.hoodriver.k12.or.us/cms/lib06/OR01000849/Centricity/Domain/40/bo
ardpolicies/section-g/GCAB%20G1.pdf​) policy
● Do not gossip
21
EMPLOYEE ABSENCES/TARDINESS
● In the event of an absence, the driver must contact the Transportation Office at
least 1 hour before his or her scheduled pre-trip so that a substitute driver can be
called. The office is to be notified of any absence as soon as possible. It is the
driver’s responsibility to notify the office if the absence will continue for more than
one day
● If you are emailing, texting or leaving a message in an absence, you must
receive verification of receipt. If you do not receive confirmation, you are
expected to show up for work. When reporting an absence, it is best to speak to
office personnel
● If a driver anticipates arriving late for a route departure time, notify the
Transportation Office as soon as possible. Explain the situation and when you
are expected to arrive
● Absences shall be in compliance with the negotiated ​OSEA Collective Bargaining
agreement
(http://www.hoodriver.k12.or.us/cms/lib06/OR01000849/Centricity/Domain/26/OS
EA%20CBA%202015-2017.pdf)
● Drivers must show up by the pre-trip time listed on their route sheet
● Please try to make appointments between your AM and PM routes
● Any absence request must be turned into the office in person ​(Appendix H)
22
TOBACCO USE
● It is unlawful to use tobacco products on all district property, including vehicles
sitting on district property, or while driving district owned vehicles
● Employees are allowed to leave district property to use tobacco during approved
breaks and/or lunch periods. Employees may also elect to divide up their breaks
to leave the premises more often with supervisor approval. However, these
periods are not to exceed the time allowed
23
DISTRICT VEHICLE USE
● Drivers are not to use their buses for any purpose other than transporting
students unless authorized to do so by the Transportation Office
● In the event of a layover between assignments, drivers should park in a safe,
legal, and appropriate area
● Buses are not to be parked at a driver’s residence without prior approval from the
Operations Director
● District vehicles left unattended away from the bus shop should be locked and
secured at all times
24
TRIPS
Trip Requests
● Schools/Teams/Organizations will complete a trip request form ​(Appendix I)​ with
a signed student management agreement, and submit it to the transportation
department. A copy of the trip sheet is provided to the driver.
Directions/Navigation Devices
● Printed directions to the trip location will be provided by the transportation
department to the driver upon request.
● Drivers going on trips to unfamiliar destinations will use a pre-approved
navigation device.
Trip Bidding Process
The driver selection process for activity and all other trips, above and beyond daily route
assignments is as follows;
The supervisor will make the ultimate decision and can refuse to award trips for reasons
of regular route conflicts, avoiding overtime, driver ability, experience, or any reason
related to the job at the supervisor’s discretion. Regular drivers may be asked to
shadow with more experienced drivers until the supervisor deems them eligible trip
drivers*. All regular drivers will be listed on the bid sheet by order of seniority. All trips
will be assigned a number and posted with a short description/destination along with the
activity date. All trips for a given week will be posted the week prior to occurrence for
the duration of five business days, unless the work week is less. Postings are pulled at
the beginning of the last day of the work week and drivers being awarded with trips will
be notified by the end of this day.
Any driver listed on the bid sheet will have an opportunity to sign up for a trip. By writing
the trip number next to his or her name, a driver is making an official “bid” for the
chosen trip number. If a driver is interested in more than one trip, that person can write
down as many trips as desired. Trips will be awarded to drivers on a first choice basis. If
a driver has more than one choice, he or she will be awarded their first choice if it is
available when we reach their name on the list.
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Starting with the first name on the list, he or she will be awarded their first choice, then
moving down the list to the next driver with a posted choice. If at any time we get to a
driver whose first choice has been taken, we would then go through their second, third
and so on until a trip was selected or there are no available trips based on the person’s
choices. After all trips have been assigned, we will mark the drivers list under the last
driver to receive a trip, and start the process again the following week at this point.
Substitute drivers will be posted on a separate list in random order and follow the same
rotation guidelines as stated. The substitute rotation will only be used after the regular
driver list is exhausted and trips remain available. Eligible substitute drivers* will be
allowed to drive trips unsupervised, all other subs will be asked to shadow with more
experienced drivers per the supervisor’s discretion.
*Eligible trip driver is any regular or substitute driver who has trip experience, or has
gone through the department shadowing program and has been approved for out of
town travel by the supervisor.
Trip shadowing consists of a non-eligible driver riding along on trips, and or driving trips
with a more experienced drive onboard as a mentor. The duration of this process will be
determined by the supervisor on a case-to-case basis.
Trip Bidding/Bumping
● Trip Drivers are the only ones that can bump regular drivers in the event a trip is
canceled. If a regular driver is bumped, he or she will maintain priority status for
the next week.
● If a regular driver signs up for a trip and does not fulfill the obligation, that person
will be suspended from bidding trips.
○ First Offense - Two week suspension
○ Second Offense - One month suspension
○ Third Offense - Suspension for the remainder of the school year
Meal Allowance
● Allowances will be provided under the following circumstances:
○ When activity/athletics trips keep the driver out of town for a duration of 5
hours or more, drivers will receive one meal allowance for each 5 hours
worked (not to exceed 3 meal allowances per day)
26
○ The rate per meal allowance is calculated by using the Oregon state
per-diem daily rate divided by 3
○ When the above criteria isn’t met, a driver may get a meal allowance(s)
with pre-approval from the supervisor
Bridge Toll/Tolls
● Drivers will be provided money for bridge tolls and/or roadways or a “fast pass”
prior to leaving for a trip
Activity Trips
● Baggage and other equipment are to be stowed in the cargo compartments,
under, or on the bus seats. Such items must not block the aisles or the
emergency exits
● Overloaded buses are to be reported to the Transportation Office before
proceeding
● When the activity bus arrives at the designated destination, the driver needs to
communicate with the activity supervisor to determine departure times and any
other special arrangements
● When loading and unloading cargo compartments, the bus must be at an off-road
location
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ROUTES
Regular Route​ - This is a daily route that is awarded to a driver based on seniority.
Night Activity Route​ - Part of a driver’s annualized base hours and benefits, funded through
HRCSD general fund.
Grant Funded Route (e.g. Excel, Project PM)​ - These routes are regularly scheduled and
awarded to a regular driver. The hours are not a part of the annualized rate of pay, but an
estimate of annual hours worked are pro-rated for insurance benefits.
Job Bus Route​ - This is a regularly scheduled, annualized route for high school transition
students who travel to various locations to gain job experience.
SPED (Special Education) Route​ - This is a regularly scheduled daily route that is awarded
to a driver based on seniority.
Summer School Route​ - These routes are awarded to a regular driver based on seniority.
The hours are not part of a driver’s annualized rate of pay or calculated as part of insurance
benefits. The hours worked are paid off of an exception timesheet
28
ROUTE BIDDING
● The transportation Supervisor will post route openings on the bulletin board in the
break room
● The route openings are posted for a period of five business days
● The most senior driver will be offered the route; unless the Transportation
Supervisor deems that the operational needs are better assigned to another
driver
● During the summer months, all routes will be preliminarily examined and
adjustments could be made for the coming school year
● In the Fall, assignments may be adjusted for routes that fluctuate by 30 minutes
or more
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EXTRA WORK
● At the beginning of each school year, a list of extra work options will be posted.
Interested drivers can sign up to be considered for the assignments. Some
assignments may require additional training
● Additional driving assignments (e.g. GFR, Night activity, Job Bus, etc.) will be
posted on the break room door or announced on the radio for all eligible regular
drivers
● Summer Bus Washing - Interested drivers can sign up to be considered for the
assignment. The Summer Bus Washing will be compensated at the Bus Driver
Standby rate on the Classified Salary Schedule
● Summer Mechanic’s Assistant will assist the regular mechanic over the summer
for light maintenance, repair seats, etc. Interested drivers can sign up to be
considered for the assignment. The Summer Mechanic Assistant will be
compensated at the Transportation Service Person (1) rate on the Classified
Salary Schedule
30
CELL PHONES
● Drivers must comply with ODE regulations and OAR 581-053-0230(9)
● Other than use specified in the OAR 581-053-0239(9), cell phone use will not be
permitted in any capacity on the roadway.
● Bluetooth or other Cellular phone hands free devices are not to be worn while
driving or actively performing the duties of a School Bus Driver
● We ask that all staff family members contact the Transportation office in the
event of a family emergency. Transportation office staff will contact the driver,
and provide driver coverage should the affected driver need to leave
31
SUPERVISED/UNSUPERVISED STUDENT DROP OFF
All students will be dropped at their designated bus stops. All students will be dropped
off unsupervised unless otherwise specified by a parent or guardian by completing the
annual Supervised Drop Off Form​ (Appendix J)​. This means that a parent or adult does
need to be present at the bus stop when the child is dropped off from school as
indicated by signing the supervised drop-off form. Drivers will indicate on their route
sheet which students require supervised drops.
Elementary school students wanting to get off at a location other than their designated
stop, will need to provide the bus driver with a written permission slip from the school
32
LOST AND FOUND
● Drivers will keep lost items on the bus for two weeks before bringing lost items to
the bus shop. Lost lunchboxes should be emptied out before being put in the lost
and found container
● Items collected on a sub bus should be transferred to the appropriate route bus.
● If a driver knows that a lost item came from a particular school, the item can be
returned to that location
33
CHILDREN AT THE BUS SHOP
To ensure compliance with all safety requirements, the following conditions must be met
to maintain the privilege of bringing your child(ren) to the bus shop:
● Children are only allowed in the breakroom
● Children must be escorted to designated areas (e.g. parking lot, buses, break
room, etc.) and supervised by an adult at all times
● If your child(ren) need to ride another driver’s route to get to the appropriate
school, you need to confirm with the other driver and arrange for the child(ren) to
be supervised when you are not present.
● Children are expected to remember that the bus shop is a workplace, and
respect the other employees and their property at all times. You are expected to
clean up after your child(ren) before you leave for your route.
● Provide supplies and snacks for your own child(ren). Breakroom snacks/supplies
provided by the district are to be used only by district employees.
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IMPEDING TRAFFIC
● Drivers should determine safe turnouts on their routes and should stop the bus
out of the traffic lane when safe and practical to do so to allow vehicles behind
the bus to pass.
● Drivers are not to use hand signals, verbal commands, or any other gestures to
direct motorists in any way. DO NOT DIRECT TRAFFIC
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LICENSING
● Upon change of name or address, the driver must notify the Transportation Office
who, in turn, will notify the Oregon State Department of Education immediately.
If necessary, a duplicate license will be issued. The driver must still go to the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and put in a change of address for his or
her license
● Classes and inservice meetings will be scheduled so that requirements for
renewal will be met. It is the driver’s responsibility to attend those classes and
meetings needed before expiration of the required hours. If the driver is unable
to attend the provided classes, then it may jeopardize recertification. It is the
driver’s responsibility to make up needed hours.
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FIVE MINUTE PROCEDURE
● Drivers must let the Transportation Office know when they are running five
minutes late or more
● If the driver is ahead of schedule, pull the bus over and make stops according to
regular route times. It is important not to be early to bus stops
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EMPTY PLACARD SIGNS
● When drivers pre-trip and walk to the back of the bus, the placard is to be placed
in the back of the bus at a designated location. All drivers are to check for
items/students left on the bus after dropping students off at school. Upon return
from route (AM and PM), the placard is to be secured in the appropriate location
in the back of the bus after another walk-through. All buses parked at the bus
shop should have the “Empty Bus” placard clearly showing
● Trip and spare buses and drivers on out of town trips also use the “Empty Bus”
placard
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BUS CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Warm-Up
● Normally, buses are not to be warmed up more than five minutes and are not to
be left unattended without pre authorization from the Operations Director while
the engine is running. Special consideration will be made on days with extreme
cold temperatures
Fueling of Vehicles
● Only bus drivers (or other authorized personnel) are to refuel the buses
● When driving an activity trip outside the district, always check the fuel gauge
before leaving the bus shop
● Thoroughly sweep and clean all buses upon returning from trips. The bus it to be
left “route-ready.” This includes spare and sub buses
● Never refuel a bus while the engine is running or when students or passengers
are aboard
● Buses should never be parked with less than a half of a tank of fuel
Daily Maintenance
● Buses are to be swept/cleaned on a daily basis
● Keep dash and control panel clean, dusted, and clear of all objects
● Drivers are not to climb on the bus when performing cleaning tasks or bus
inspections
● Drivers are to ​close and secure all windows​ on all buses after parking the bus at
the end of the day
Vandalism
● After emptying the bus of all students and before other students board, the driver
will check for defects and report any damage to the Transportation Office at the
end of the route.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
● Regular Driver​ - A member of the classified bargaining unit that has a regular
route assignment
● Trainee​ - A member of the classified bargaining unit that does not have a regular
route assignment, but has been hired as a district employee
● Trip Driver​ - A member of the classified bargaining unit that may or may not have
a regular route assignment, but has annualized hours for driving field trips
● Substitute​ - A driver that fills in for a regular driver or a trip driver and is not a
member of the classified bargaining unit
● SPED Driver​ - A member of the classified bargaining unit that has a regular route
assignment specifically for special education students
● ODE​ - Oregon Department of Education
● HRCSD​ - Hood River County School District
● Seniority​ - The date an employee becomes a member of the classified bargaining
unit
● Bumping​ - When a trip driver gets to take the route or trip from another driver
● Priority Status​ - Maintain position related to seniority
● Labor Management Committee​ - A joint committee formed of the employer and
OSEA members
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Appendix
Pre-trip Inspection Form - A
Post-trip Inspection Form - B
Timesheet - C
Student Incident Report - D
Passenger Seating Chart - E
Evacuation Procedures - F
Failure to Stop for Bus Safety Lights Form - G
Trip Request Form - H
Absence Request Form - I
Supervised Drop Off Form - J
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Transportation Department Handbook
Signature Page
My signature indicates that I have received and will review the Transportation
Department Handbook. Should I have any questions about the content of the
Department Handbook, I will notify my supervisor.
The Department Handbook will be posted to the HRCSD website for reference. You
may not receive a new hard copy when updates are made. You will be informed of the
update by email and information posted in the breakroom. You can view and print the
updates online.
The Hood River County School District does not tolerate violation of district and
department policy and procedure. If you have experienced any violation against you or
witnessed any violation with regard to another staff member, you must report the
incident to your immediate supervisor. If your supervisor is the source of the problem,
condones the problem, or ignores the problem, report to the Director of Human
Resources.
___________________________________
Employee Name (please print)
_____________________
Date
____________________________________
Employee Signature
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