6630 - Driver Training and Responsibility

Bus operators shall observe all state statutes and administrative rules governing traffic safety and school bus operation. The District shall provide each driver with a copy of WAC 392-145-020 through WAC 392-145-030 (State Rules for School Bus Drivers), and additional laws and/or rules which have been recently enacted and which apply to school bus drivers, and the District's written rules for student conduct on buses.

Each bus driver shall meet the qualifications established by the State Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction, including possession of any required certifications, valid and current Washington State driver’s license together with any required endorsements, and physician’s certifications for employment as a bus driver. The bus driver shall also hold a valid and current first aid card indicating completion of at least a basic first aid course within the past three years.

When a teacher, coach, or other certificated staff member is assigned to accompany students on a bus, said person shall be primarily responsible for the behavior of the students in their charge. The bus driver shall have final authority and responsibility. When the District utilizes charter buses or excursion carriers, the driver shall not have unsupervised access to children and the children shall be supervised by a responsible employee of the District. Every contract between a school District and charter bus or excursion carrier shall contain a carrier profile from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Any District employee other than a bus driver who transports students for school activities in a District or private vehicle with the seating capacity of ten or fewer must provide the following to their supervisor at least annually and prior to transporting any student:

1. Photocopy of current driver’s license.
2. Photocopy of current proof of insurance.
3. Completed assurance statement that the proposed driver:
   1. Has the physical health necessary to transport students;
   2. Has not had their driver’s license suspended or revoked in the last three years;
   3. Has not had three or more speeding tickets in excess of ten miles over the speed limit within any twelve month period in the last three years; and
4. Has not been convicted or undergone a deferred prosecution for any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony related to the duty of driving students (which includes, but is not limited to: driving with license suspended or revoked; driving while intoxicated; physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated; reckless driving; serious negligent driving; vehicular assault or homicide; felony neglect of a child; felony assault or killing of a child; sexual exploitation of a child; sexual offenses where the victim is a minor; promoting prostitution of a minor; sale or purchase of child; and crimes involving the use, sale, possession, or transportation of any controlled substance or prescription).

Failure to honestly provide this assurance is employee misconduct and subject to discipline. Employees are responsible for immediately reporting to their supervisor any accidents or traffic offenses that could be considered related to the duty of driving students.

Prior authorization is not necessary for persons transporting students in an emergency affecting health and/or safety.