Safety is of paramount concern in providing student transportation services. Consistent with the Wilkes County Board of Education’s goals for student safety, all drivers involved in transporting students will be selected after meeting qualifications and passing exams given by the State School Bus Driver Examiner. Drivers will be employed by the Board of Education and will be responsible to principals of schools that they serve. They must comply with the following Board of Education requirements:
• will possess required licenses and all other qualifications required by law;
• will report to the principal any misconduct which is in violation of any of the student behavior policies in the 4300 series or school rules;
• will use reasonable judgment in the operation of the buses;
• will make reasonable efforts to maintain good order of the students being transported;
• will not permit any person to ride who is not assigned to the bus or who has not received express permission of the principal or other designated official;
• will promptly report to the principal or other designated official any defect or other concern regarding the safety of the school bus, activity bus or other vehicle operated by the school district; and
• will report to the principal or other designated official by the next working day any moving violation citations received while operating any motor vehicle, whether on or off duty.
Other drivers, including volunteer drivers:
• will possess required licenses and all other qualifications required by law;
• will report to the principal by the next working day any moving violation citations received while operating any motor vehicle, whether on or off duty; and
• will carry insurance if operating a privately owned vehicle.
The superintendent or designee is responsible for making copies of this policy and other related policies available to drivers.
Legal References: G.S. 20-218; 115C-241, -242, -244 to -246, -248, -251; Handbook for School Bus Drivers, Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles
Cross References: Student Behavior Policies (all of the policies in the 4300 series), Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators (policy 7241)
Adopted: January 9, 2006