Discipline on Buses

1. The Boards consider that transportation to be a privilege, not a right. Breaches of conduct detrimental to the safe operation of the bus or to other students riding on the bus will not be tolerated.

2. The driver of the bus, by law, is in charge of the safe operation of the bus and the safety and welfare of all students.

3. Where students do not observe the rules of conduct, the bus drivers must notify the principal or designate of the school concerned as soon as possible after the completion of the route. The driver must complete a Student Behaviour Report and submit it to the Principal.

4. The principal or designate shall determine in consultation with the driver the circumstances surrounding a reported breach of conduct by a student on a school bus, and shall determine the form and extent of discipline. The Principal will initiate a discussion with the drivers to form a basis for behaviour of students while riding the school bus.

5. If it is determined that the student's bus riding privileges are to be suspended, the Principal or designate shall advise in writing the student, the student's parents, the bus operator, and the Transportation Department, before such suspension comes into effect.

6. In the interest of safety and in an effort to reduce student discipline problems and vandalism on school buses, video camera surveillance systems have been placed on school buses under contract to the Board.