Pinellas County Schools Policy Manual

(a) Shall provide transportation for each student in pre kindergarten handicapped and in kindergarten through grade 12 membership in a public school when, and only when, transportation is necessary to provide adequate educational facilities and opportunities which otherwise would not be available and to transport students whose homes are more than a reasonable walking distance, as defined by rules of the state board, from the nearest appropriate school.

1. Pursuant to State Board of Education Rule 6A-3.001, a reasonable walking distance for any student who is not physically disabled is any distance not more than two (2) miles between the home and the school or one and one-half (1 1/2) miles between the home and the assigned bus stop. Such distance shall be measured from the closest pedestrian entry point of the property where the student resides to the closest pedestrian entry point of the assigned school building or to the bus stop. The district shall determine the shortest pedestrian route whether or not it is accessible to motor vehicle traffic.

(b) Shall provide transportation for public elementary school students in membership whose grade level does not exceed grade 6, if such students are subjected to hazardous walking conditions as provided in Florida Statute 234.021 while enroute to or from school.

(c) May provide transportation for public school migrant, exceptional, nursery, and other public school students in membership below kindergarten; kindergarten through grade 12 students in membership in a public school; and adult students in membership in adult vocational, basic, and high school graduation programs when, and only when, transportation is necessary to provide adequate educational facilities and opportunities which would not otherwise be available.

(d) May provide transportation for the transportation disadvantaged as defined in Florida Statute 427.011 and for other school-age children as provided for in Florida Statute 234.211.

(e) Shall provide necessary transportation to pregnant students or student parents, and the children of those students, as part of a teenage parent program pursuant to Florida Statute 230.23166.

(f) May provide transportation for other persons to events or activities in which the school district or school has agreed to participate or cosponsor, provided such activities do not interfere with the regular school transportation program. The school district shall adopt a policy to address liability for trips pursuant to this paragraph.

(g) May provide space available bus transportation to students whose parent’s or guardian’s residence is less than two (2) miles from the student’s school, or who attend a school outside their attendance area on a Special Attendance Permit (SAP), when empty seats are available. Empty seat availability will be determined based on the student count completed in October of each year for Survey 2 of Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). Seats are assigned using existing, permanent school bus stops.

1. Parents of students who have an approved application for an empty seat shall be responsible for the student’s arrival and supervision at the assigned bus stop, and the return home after the student is dropped off.

a. Students granted space available school bus transportation will be required to board and depart the bus at permanent bus stops established prior to the October student count. No stops will be added to accommodate space available riders.

b. This service shall be provided only for schools that receive regular transportation service.

c. Any student using a stop created solely for an ESE student will lose her/his space available transportation, if the ESE student moves and the stop is no longer required.

2. When there are not enough seats available to accommodate all students who have applied for space available transportation, the principal shall assign students using the following criteria:

a. Students living within the school's attendance area:

(i) Lowest Grade Level

(ii) Youngest Age

(iii) Longest Distance

b. Students attending the school on an SAP.

3. A parent's or guardian's signature on the space available application signifies their agreement with the above priority process to assign students to space available seats.

4. The principal's assignment of space available students is final and there is no appeal beyond her/him.

5. If space available students must be removed from a bus to accommodate regular students requiring transportation by statute, the principal shall remove students using the following priority criteria:

a. Students attending the school on an SAP.

b. Students living within the school's attendance area:

(i) Highest Grade Level

(ii) Oldest Age

(iii) Shortest Distance

6. Parents or guardians of students who will have space available transportation revoked due to the space available provision shall be informed in person or via telephone at least two (2) school days prior to the revocation taking effect. In addition, the principal will provide written notice. The principal will then notify the area transportation compound of said revocation of further space available transportation.

7. The space available permit is valid only so long as the student's conduct on the bus and at the bus stop is satisfactory. The principal will have sole discretion in revoking the permit at any time and the principal's decision is final. Parents or guardians of students whose space available permit is revoked due to unsatisfactory citizenship will be given written notice including the reason for revocation. There is no right to a hearing concerning the decision to revoke.

8. Procedures to carry out this policy will be included in the Principal’s Handbook.

(2) In each case in which transportation of students is impracticable in the opinion of the School Board, the School Board is authorized to take steps for making available educational facilities as are authorized by law or rule of the state board and as, in the opinion of the School Board, are practical.

(3) Changes to this policy approved at the March 11, 2003 Public Hearing will be effective upon adoption for implementing the Choice Plan that begins with the 2003-2004 school year. However, the language of this policy in effect at the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, will remain in effect for 2002-2003.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 230.23166, 234.01, 234.021, 234.211, 427.011 F.S.; 6A-3.001 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Amended 8/25/98, 3/11/03

Note: Former (portion) 6Gx52-2.03 (changed 6/30/98)

10.02 PRINCIPLES FOR TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 6A-3.001 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Repealed 3/11/03

10.03 POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD; TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 230.23(8), Ch. 234 F.S.; 6A-3.017 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Repealed 3/11/03

10.04 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR STUDENT TRANSPORTATION; RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUPERINTENDENT

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 6A-3.071 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Repealed 3/11/03

Note: Former (portion) 6Gx52-2.03 and 6Gx52-7.08 (changed 6/30/98)

10.05 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 6A-3.071 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Repealed 3/11/03

Note: Former (portion) 6Gx52-7.08 (changed 6/30/98)

10.06 TRANSPORTATION RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented6A-3.17(1)(d)2 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Repealed 3/11/03

10.07 ROUTING GUIDELINES

(1) Pursuant to Rule 6A-3.001 of the State Board of Education, all school bus routes shall be so planned and adjusted to the capacities of available equipment and school buses should be so chosen and assigned to routes and attendance areas that insofar as practicable the full capacity of each bus will be utilized, without standees, to serve students whose homes are beyond reasonable walking distance of the assigned public school center. Routes should be planned, so far as practicable, so that no elementary student shall be on a bus more that fifty (50) minutes or secondary school student more than one (1) hour during the morning or evening, and so that no more than an hour and one-half (1 1/2) will elapse between the time the student boards the bus and the time school begins, or the time school closes and the student leaves the bus in the afternoon, and to arrange proposed routes which, insofar as possible, are free from major hazards.

(2) Routing Plans

(a) How students are routed to their school will depend on their grade and the type of program in which they are enrolled.

(b) Elementary and middle school students will either be routed directly to their school within their attendance area, or they may receive service on a bus route scheduled to take students to their school and one or more other schools of the same grade level from selected neighborhoods.

School bus stops will be established to serve neighborhoods based on the principles elaborated in paragraph (3) Routing Principles.

1. High school students living in the 2002 – 2003 school year attendance zone for their high school will be routed directly to their school, or they could receive service on a bus route scheduled to take students to their high school and one or more other high schools. School bus stops for these students will be established to serve neighborhoods based on the principles elaborated in paragraph (3) Routing Principles.

2. High school students not living within the 2002 – 2003 school year attendance zone for their high school will be routed on buses restricted to operating on main roads only, with a limited number of bus stops. The bus ride could exceed 60 minutes. Stops will be placed no further than 1.5 miles from a student’s residence.

(d) District wide magnet students, high school academy students, alternative program students, countywide fundamental school students, and students in other similar programs will be routed on an arterial basis (i.e., buses are restricted to operating on main roads only, the number of bus stops are limited, and the bus ride could exceed 60 minutes). School bus stops may be farther than 1.5 miles from the students’ residences.

(e) The following are the parent responsibilities that apply to routing as outlined in items (c) 2. and (d) above:

1. It may be necessary for parents to drive students to and from their assigned school bus stop.

2. Students are to board and disembark at the same school bus stop(s) each day.

3. School bus routes are designed to serve as many students as possible with a minimum number of stops, using the residence addresses of the students eligible for transportation. Students should use the school bus stop closest to their residence and should not switch between different routes serving their school/program.

4. Parents are responsible for supervising their children at the school bus stop, and for providing any necessary assistance for their children while enroute to/from the school bus stop.

5. Students with special needs attending these programs will be reviewed on an individual basis to determine the most appropriate location for the bus stop.

(3) Routing Principles

(a) Basic criteria for determining the eligibility of a student for school bus transportation is set forth in Florida Statute 1006.21(3)(a) and State Board of Education Rule 6A-3.001. With certain exceptions, student transportation is the responsibility of the parent for those students living within two miles of the school they attend.

(b) All school bus riders must be assigned to a school bus route. Students eligible for school bus transportation as determined by the requirements of Florida Statutes, Rules of the State Board of Education, and the policies of the Pinellas County School Board shall be assigned to the proper bus stop and bus route by the staff of the transportation department’s school bus routing section. When principals change a student’s assigned stop for any reason, the transportation’s school bus routing section must be notified.

(c) Special education students with special transportation needs may be transported when the need is documented in the student’s individualized education program (IEP).

(d) School bus stops shall be placed at locations based on safety, convenience, and efficiency considerations for the majority of the students living in the immediate area. Stops will generally not be placed any closer than one quarter (1/4) of a mile apart, unless there is a legitimate safety concern. The total number of stops serving a neighborhood or area will be kept to a minimum to develop the most efficient routes possible, without sacrificing safety.

(e) Gated Communities

1. School buses will not travel within private gated communities (i.e., those communities that have not deeded roads within the community to the county or municipality in which they are located), unless the following conditions are met:

a. There is a legitimate safety concern (e.g., no safe place for students to wait for bus) related to the existing stop located outside of the community.

b. Roads within the community meet the same design criteria for width and turning radii as used by the county or municipality in which the gated community is located.

c. The homeowner’s association or other governing body for the gated community gives express, written permission for school buses to travel within the community.

d. The access and egress points for the community are manned during the hours when buses must enter and exit the gated community.

e. The width and height of access and egress points for the community must allow adequate room for buses to enter and exit safely.

f. There is a means and location to turn the bus around within the community that does not require the bus to back up.

g. Having the bus pick-up within the community will not unduly delay the run making it late into the students’ assigned school, or the next run on the route late into the next school.

h. Returning to the public way from the access road serving the gated community will not pose a safety hazard to the school bus and its passengers.

2. There will be times when a bus must enter a gated community to meet a student’s IEP requirements, not withstanding the above guidelines. When this occurs, entering that gated community must be conditional upon the parent/guardian of that student obtaining and presenting to the Board permission from the homeowner’s association or other governing body for the gated community for buses to travel within the community.

3. Any gated community receiving school bus service prior to the implementation of this policy (October 22, 2002) will be grandfathered, but the scope of service (i.e., number of stops) will not be expanded within those communities.

(f) A school bus route shall not be altered or a school bus stop relocated until the route alteration and/or stop relocation can be thoroughly investigated and approved by the school bus routing section.

(4) Changes to this policy approved at the March 11, 2003 Public Hearing will be effective upon adoption for implementing the Choice Plan that begins with the 2003-2004 school year. However, the language of this policy in effect at the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, will remain in effect for 2002-2003.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 236.083 F.S., 6A-3.001, F.S. 234.01

History: New 6/30/98; Amended 10/22/02, 3/11/03

10.08 RESPONSIBILITY OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR ESE STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 6A-3.0121 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Repealed 3/11/03

10.09 RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS

(1) Parents shall provide the necessary assistance and protection to their children while enroute to and from the school bus stop and comply with the school bus schedule. Parents shall provide the necessary supervision of their children at the bus stop in accordance with School Board policy.

(2) In cases where the physical impairment of a student renders the student unable to get on and off the bus without assistance, parents shall provide the necessary assistance for helping their child get on and off at the bus stop.

(3) Parental Responsibility with Curb-to-Curb Service

(a) The child must be at the designated pick-up point, ready to board the school bus, at least five (5) minutes before the scheduled arrival time in the morning.

(b) Parent or designee must be prepared to receive the student at least five (5) minutes before the scheduled bus arrival time at the bus stop in the afternoon.

(c) Emergency telephone numbers and instructions for handling emergencies must be on file at the child’s school. These instructions must include information on any special medication the child carries and any non-medical care the child may need while riding the bus.

(d) Parents must provide a seat belt which is attached to the wheelchair. Students will not be transported unless they are securely strapped into their wheelchairs.

(e) Student medication should be given directly to the driver or bus assistant, who will deliver it to the appropriate individual at the school. School bus drivers and bus assistants are not authorized to administer medication to students.

(f) Parent or designee must receive the student at the stop and provide assistance if necessary getting on and off the bus.

(4) Procedures when a parent or designee fails to meet the bus are as follows:

(a) First offense- Deliver other students on the bus, return to residence or school.

(b) Second offense- Deliver other students on the bus, return to residence or school, notify the ESE/Transportation liaison to have a documented telephone conference with parent.

(c) Third offense- Deliver other students on the bus, return to residence or school, notify the ESE/Transportation liaison to have a documented parent conference with parent and school officials.

(d) Subsequent offenses- Deliver student to Department of Children and Family and a mandatory parent conference with the ESE/Transportation liaison, school officials, and transportation.

(e) A waiver form (PCS Form 5-1882) may be completed for parents opting not to meet the bus.

(f) A waiver form is used to either designate a person other than the parent to receive the student or for the parent to opt not to meet the bus.

(g) A waiver form is not an option for students in grades PK- 3 or non-ambulatory elementary students.

(h) A school official must approve all waivers.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented:

History: New 6/30/98; Amended 3/11/03

10.10 PROCEDURES FOR PROVIDING ISOLATED TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

(1) The Superintendent is authorized to disburse funds for reimbursement to parents/guardians of students who are eligible for school bus transportation, but for whom bus transportation is not economically feasible due to isolation from the assigned school, and when said parents/guardians through private means provide transportation to an assigned school or bus stop. Isolation may be cause by remoteness of residence within the attendance zone of a school, or assignment because of a special program to the school other than that in the attendance zone in which the home is located. To be eligible for reimbursement, the parents/guardians shall be approved for reimbursement by the Board. Approval shall be effective through the last day of student attendance in the school year during which the approval was received, or the student changes residence and no longer requires such private means of transportation, or it becomes economically feasible to provide school bus transportation, whichever occurs first. Parents/guardians shall be approved for reimbursement only if they comply with Board policies relative to personal vehicular insurance. The names of the drivers approved for reimbursement, and the companies for with whom they are insured shall be on file in the office of risk management. Reimbursement shall be at the rate established by the Board, but shall not exceed that amount allowable under the laws of the State of Florida as an allocation to the Board for isolated transportation.

(2) Conditions. There are three conditions wherein we may choose to provide reimbursement for student transportation:

(a) The child has a medical condition for which we have no appropriate equipment to transport the child.

(b) The child is in an exceptional education program and has demonstrated behavior that is a hazard to other children on the bus and such behavior is a manifestation of his/her disabling condition.

(c) The child resides in an isolated area (i.e. access by water only) and we have no appropriate equipment to transport the child.

(3) Forms. There are four forms that must be completed by the parent and one by a physician (medical problems only).

(a) Isolated Transportation Reimbursement Application; PCS Form 1332.

(b) Insurance Information for Isolated Transportation Reimbursement; PCS Form 1513.

(d) Vendor's Federal Taxpayer Identification Number Legal Status Disclosure Certification and Contract Addendum, PCS Form 4-2607.

(e) Medical Request for Special Transportation; PCS Form 3-2650 (medical problems only).

(4) General Procedures:

(a) The parent must complete all appropriate forms and return them to the school. The school will forward them to the transportation route supervisor.

(b) Transportation will determine the mileage from home to stop or home to school.

(c) If it is determined the public transit system is an appropriate method to transport, the round trip bus fare will be reimbursed.

(d) Once approved by the Board, the isolated transportation voucher should be submitted monthly by the parent to the school principal for verification of attendance and forwarded to the route supervisor.

(e) A vendor number must be requested from purchasing.

(f) A memo must be generated to accounts payable for disbursement of funds.

(5) Medical Problems.

(a) In addition to item (3), a copy of the medical request for special transportation should be forwarded to the ESE/transportation liaison for review and approval (medical problems only).

(6) Behavior Problem for ESE Student.

(a) In addition to item (3) above, a discipline review hearing should be attended by a transportation staff member and a ESE staff member.

(b) A copy of the conference summary indicating the recommendation for isolated reimbursement, signed by those present, must be submitted to the transportation staff member and forwarded to the route supervisor.

(7) Isolated Area.

(a) In addition to item (3) above, a transportation staff member determines the residence is inaccessible.

(8) Annual Process.

(a) This process is valid for one school year only.

(9) Board Approval.

(a) Isolated transportation is not reimbursed until the School Board has approved the initial isolated request. Parents should be aware there is no guarantee reimbursement is forthcoming, however, should the Board approve the expenditure, it can be reimbursed retroactive to the date of the discipline review hearing.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 230.23(8). 230.33(10), 236.083(6) F.S.; 6A-3-018(11) SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98

Note: Former (portion) 6Gx52-2.03 (changed 6/30/98)

10.11 MEDICAL REQUEST FOR SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION

(1) Initial Request

(a) A Medical Request for Special Transportation form is available at all schools. Parents are required to have their physician complete the form and submit it to the school.

(b) The schools should forward the form to the ESE transportation liaison, who will determine if the request should be accommodated.

(c) The ESE transportation liaison submits the request to the district's physician for review. If the district's physician approves the request the ESE transportation liaison will submit a request to the route Coordinator for the school. The school and the parent will be notified when transportation is setup.

(d) If the request is denied by the district's physician, parents will be notified in writing by the ESE transportation liaison. The letter will include information as to how the parent may appeal.

(2) Medical request for Special Transportation for students with disabilities will be handled by the IEP team.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented:

History: New 6/30/98; Amended 3/11/03

10.12 HAZARDOUS WALKING CRITERIA

(1) The Board will follow Florida Statute 1006.23 Hazardous Walking Conditions.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 1006.23 F.S.

History: New 6/30/98; Amended 3/11/03

10.13 SAFE DRIVER PLAN

(1) The purpose of the Safe Driver Plan is to establish a policy that promotes safe driving practices and specifies:

(a) Which infractions of the traffic code shall deem an applicant for a school bus driver position to be unqualified for hire, and

(b) Which infractions of the traffic code shall deem employees covered under this Safe Driver Plan to be subject to prescribed disciplinary actions in accordance with the Pinellas County School Board’s Progressive Discipline Plan.

(2) The objectives of the Safe Driver Plan are to:

(a) Establish hiring guidelines for school bus drivers to ensure only qualified applicants are accepted.

(b) Recommend disciplinary actions in accordance with the Pinellas County School Board’s Progressive Discipline Plan and the guidelines and criteria established in this Safe Driver Plan.

(d) Recognize drivers who maintain an exemplary driving record.

(3) Applicant Eligibility

(a) The driving history of all applicants for a school bus driver position shall be reviewed through a check of driving records with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to verify a satisfactory driving history. Driving records shall be forwarded to the Director of Transportation, or his/her designee, for review.

(b) Each applicant’s Transcript of Driver Record shall be screened in accordance with the guidelines and criteria established by this document. The entire driving record shall be checked for the purpose of determining an individual’s acceptability to drive a school bus for Pinellas County Schools, with particular emphasis placed on entries for five (5) years preceding the date of the records check.

(c) Screening of applicants: “Safe Driver Points” shall be assigned for each entry on the applicant’s Transcript of Driver Record, in accordance with Section 10.13(13) of this policy.

1. Applicants shall not be approved to drive a school bus for Pinellas County Schools if they have:

a. More than three (3) “Safe Driver Points” during the past twelve (12) months/one (1) year, or

b. More than six (6) “Safe Driver Points” during the past thirty-six (36) months/three (3) years, or

c. More than nine (9) “Safe Driver Points” during the past sixty (60) months/five (5) years, or

d. More than twenty-five (25) “Safe Driver Points,” total, on the entire driving record

2. In addition to the “Safe Driver Points” criteria stated above, applicants for a position as a school bus driver shall not be approved for hiring if:

a. The applicant has been cited for reckless driving at any time during the past ten (10) years, or

b. The applicant has been cited for driving while impaired due to unlawful use of alcohol or drugs at any time during the past ten (10) years.

3. Applicants who have been cited for reckless driving or driving while impaired due to unlawful use of alcohol or drugs more than ten years ago must have a completely clean driving record (no citations for moving violations) for the past ten years in order to be considered for hiring and must meet all other “Safe Driver Point” criteria and Pinellas County Schools hiring guidelines.

(4) Current Employee Requirements. All Transportation Department employees who hold a position which requires them to transport students on a school bus shall be expected to be in compliance with the provisions of this Safe Driver Plan at all times. All other Transportation Department employees who choose to maintain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and complete the necessary requirements to transport students on a school bus shall also be required to comply with all requirements set forth in this Safe Driver Plan. The employees described in this paragraph shall be referred to and considered as “covered” employees under this Safe Driver Plan and School Board Policy 8.23.

(5) Florida Department Of Education Requirements

(a) All employees covered under this Safe Driver Plan shall be entered into the Florida Department of Education School Bus Driver Records Check System database.

(b) The Transportation Department shall accomplish a complete check of driving records of all covered employees before the start of the school year in August of each year.

(c) The Transportation Department shall also obtain a weekly update of new activity posted to covered employees’ driving records via the Weekly Exception Report from the Florida Department of Education School Bus Driver Records Check System.

(d) If the Weekly Exception Report indicates a covered employee’s driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled, the Director of Transportation (or designee) shall ensure immediate action is taken to prohibit such driver from operating a school bus or any other School Board owned/leased vehicle.

(6) Incident Reporting Procedure:

(a) While it is absolutely essential that all damage to a bus be reported, there are some very minor incidents that do not warrant the attention of the Accident Review Committee or the awarding of points unless, of course, an individual demonstrates a continuing problem with such incidents. Therefore, incidents that meet all of the following criteria will no longer be considered “accidents” for the purposes of this plan:

1. The damage must occur between two buses.

2. The damage must have occurred while on school board property (i.e., in a compound or at a school site).

3. The amount of damage must not exceed $50.00.

(b) Incidents meeting the above criteria will not require an accident report, but must be reported immediately using an incident report. In addition, if the damage could cause a safety problem when doing a route (e.g., cross-over mirror glass broken and out), then the repair must be made prior to using the damaged bus. Any incident reported that does not meet the above criteria will be considered an accident and will be handled in that manner.

(c) If data analysis on data generated from the incident reports shows any abuse of this policy, or if vehicle maintenance starts seeing a marked increase in unreported damage to buses, then this clause will be removed from the plan.

(7) Employee Responsibility

(a) Driver’s license: All employees covered under this Safe Driver Plan shall be required to possess the appropriate Commercial Driver License (CDL) at all times while employed with Pinellas County Schools and to maintain their license in good standing. Covered employees shall make sure information on their driver’s license pertaining to their address is kept current at all times.

(b) Reporting of vehicle accidents/crashes: Covered employees shall report all vehicle accidents/crashes in which they were the vehicle operator, regardless of who is deemed to be at fault. All accidents/crashes shall be reported, regardless of the amount of resulting damage to vehicles or property, and/or injuries. All accidents/crashes shall be reported, regardless of the ownership of the vehicle being driven by the covered employee. All accidents/crashes shall be reported, regardless of the location where the accident/crash occurred.

1. School bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle: Covered employees shall immediately report any accident/crash involving a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle to the Transportation Department. If the accident occurs after normal working hours, or at any other time the offices of the Transportation Department are closed, the employee shall immediately notify the Pinellas County School Police Department.

2. Other vehicles (not owned/leased by School Board): Covered employees shall also be responsible to report any accident/crash in which the employee was the vehicle operator, regardless of ownership of the vehicle, to their immediate supervisor by 12 p.m. (noon) on the next work day.

(c) Reporting of citations for moving violations (traffic tickets): All citations for moving violations issued to covered employees shall be reported, regardless of the ownership of the vehicle being driven by the covered employee. All citations for moving violations shall be reported, regardless of the location where the citation was issued. Covered employees shall be responsible to report the receipt of any citation for a moving violation to their immediate supervisor by 12 p.m. (noon) on the next work day.

(8) “Safe Driver Points”

(a) “Safe Driver Points” shall be assessed by the Transportation Safe Driver Committee for all preventable vehicle accidents/crashes involving covered employees driving School Board owned/leased vehicles, in accordance with the guidelines established in Section (14)(a) of this Safe Driver Plan.

(b) “Safe Driver Points” shall also be assessed for all moving violations appearing on a covered employee’s Transcript of Driver Record, as obtained through the Florida Department of Education School Bus Driver Records Check System. The Director of Transportation, or his/her designee, shall assess “Safe Driver Points” for entries on a covered employee’s Transcript of Driver Record in accordance with the criteria established in Sections (14)(b) and (14)(c) of this Safe Driver Plan.

1. If an employee decides to go to Court on a traffic citation, he/she shall have the right to request the assessment of “Safe Driver Points” be held in abeyance until the Court renders a judgment. Such request must be made, in writing, to the Director of Transportation. The employee’s letter making the request must contain the following information:

a. Name of employee, bus compound to which assigned and bus route number

b. Date of the citation and citation control number

c. Nature of the citation

d. Court date

e. Statement describing the reason why the employee feels he/she should not have been given the citation

(c) Safe Driver Points” shall not be assessed for moving or non-moving violations appearing on a covered employee’s Transcript of Driver Record, while operating their personal vehicle as obtained through the Florida Department of Education School Bus Driver Records Check System except as noted in section (14)(c). The Director of Transportation, or his/her designee, shall review the record for indications of driving behavior that could affect a covered employee’s driving license (Suspension/Revocation/Cancellation). When a driver’s Transcript of Driver Record shows a deterioration of driving performance on their personal vehicle that could jeopardize their ability to continue driving a school bus for the district, management will have documented conferences with that driver according to the following schedule:

1. Within Any Twelve (12) Month Period:

a. If a driver receives six (6) points, a documented conference will be held with the driver to make sure they understand that any future citations/violations could jeopardize their continued employment.

b. If a driver received nine (9) points, a documented conference will be held with the driver emphasizing how close they are to having their license suspended and the need to drive with extreme caution or they could be jeopardizing their continued employment.

2. Within Any Eighteen (18) Month Period:

a. If a driver receives nine (9) points, a documented conference will be held with the driver to make sure they understand that any future citations/violations could jeopardize their continued employment.

b. If a driver receives fourteen (14) points, a documented conference will be held with the driver emphasizing how close they are having their license suspended and the need to drive with extreme caution or they could be jeopardizing their continued employment.

3. Within Any Thirty Six (36) Month Period:

a. If a driver receives twelve (12) points, a documented conference will be held with the driver to make sure they understand that any future citations/violations could jeopardize their continued employment.

b. If a driver receives eighteen (18) points, a documented conference will be held with the driver emphasizing how close they are to having their license suspended and the need to drive with extreme caution or they could be jeopardizing their continued employment.

(d) “Safe Driver Points” assessed under this Safe Driver Plan shall be deleted three (3) years following the date they were originally assessed.

(9) Suspension/Revocation/Cancellation Of Driver’s License

(a) Any covered employee who receives notification of a driver’s license suspension, revocation, or cancellation shall be required to immediately notify the Transportation Department upon receiving such notification. After normal working hours, or any other time the offices of the Transportation Department are closed, the employee shall immediately notify Pinellas County School Police Department. Upon notification that a covered employee’s driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled, the Director of Transportation (or designee) shall take appropriate action to ensure the employee does not drive a school bus or any other School Board owned/leased vehicle.

(b) The Director of Transportation, or his/her designee, shall hold a conference with the driver to determine the circumstances of the license suspension/revocation/cancellation and if the driver knowingly operated a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle with a suspended/revoked/canceled driver’s license. If it is determined a driver has knowingly operated a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or canceled driver’s license, such driver shall be recommended to the School Board for dismissal. Otherwise, “Safe Driver Points” shall be assessed and disciplinary action taken in accordance with the guidelines and procedures included in this policy.

(c) Any driver who fails to get their suspended/revoked/canceled driver’s license reinstated within ten (10) working days shall be recommended to the School Board for dismissal.

(d) Repeat offenses. The procedures detailed above shall apply only to the first time a school bus driver’s license is suspended/revoked/canceled. Additional occurrences shall result in the following:

1. Second occurrence within a three-year period: So long as the driver has not knowingly operated a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle with a suspended/revoked/canceled driver’s license, “Safe Driver Points” shall be assessed and disciplinary action taken in accordance with the guidelines and procedures included in this document. However, any driver who fails to get their suspended/revoked/canceled driver’s license reinstated within ten (10) working days shall be recommended to the School Board for dismissal.

2. Third occurrence within a three year period: All such drivers shall be recommended to the School Board for dismissal.

(10) Disciplinary Action

(a) Covered employees who are assessed “Safe Driver Points” assigned in accordance with the guidelines and criteria established in this document shall be recommended for disciplinary action as detailed below:

“Safe Driver Points” Assessed	Time Period	Disciplinary Action
1 - 4 points	One Year	Documented Warning
5 - 7 points	One Year	Letter of Reprimand
8 - 11 points	One Year	Three (3) day Suspension Without Pay
12 or more points	One Year	Dismissal
15 or more points	Two Years	Dismissal
18 or more points	Three Years	Dismissal

NOTE: A year is defined as twelve (12) consecutive calendar months.

(b) Retraining: All covered employees who have been determined to have had a preventable accident/crash while driving a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle shall be required to successfully complete refresher training under the direction of the Transportation Department’s Driver Training & Safety Specialist.

(c) Re-employment: Dismissal as a school bus driver under this policy shall permanently disqualify that individual for re-employment as a school bus driver.

(11) Transportation Accident Review Committee (ARC)

(a) Objectives of the Transportation ARC:

1. Review all vehicle accidents/crashes (preventable and non-preventable) involving covered employees driving a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle, in accordance with the guidelines and criteria set forth in this document and standards promulgated by the National Safety Council and the National Association for Pupil Transportation.

2. Recommend assessment of “Safe Driver Points” based on a review of all available information regarding accidents.

3. Analyze accident trends and make recommendations about accident prevention.

4. Review the Safe Driver Plan and make recommendations for revisions.

(b) Committee Membership: The Transportation ARC shall be composed of the following representatives:

1. Voting

a. Manager – Transportation Services (committee chairperson, votes only as tie-breaker).

b. Transportation Driver Training & Safety Specialist.

c. Central, North & South Area Managers or their designee (Designee must be a Supervisor -Transportation Field Operations).

d. Representative of Risk Management.

e. At large representative appointed by Director of Transportation.

f. School bus driver representatives will be appointed by Certified Bargaining Agent. Two drivers will be appointed from each school bus compound. One driver shall be designated as the primary representative to the ARC, and the second driver shall be designated as the alternative member. The appointed driver representatives must be equally divided between Certified Bargaining Agent and non-member. Only one driver representative from each compound shall attend each meeting of the ARC. It shall be Certified Bargaining Agent’s responsibility to ensure that both Certified Bargaining Agent and the non-member drivers are properly represented at each ACR meeting based on compound representatives attending.

2. Non-Voting

a. Representative of the School Employees' union (Local 1220, Service Employees International Union).

(c) Term of office for school bus driver representatives: School bus driver representatives to the Transportation ARC shall be rotated for a period of two (2) school years.

(d) Meetings. Meetings will be scheduled on a biweekly basis throughout the regular school year. If there is insufficient work for the ARC to review, the meeting will be cancelled. No meeting shall be held unless there is an equal number of driver and management representatives present to make decisions on crash preventability. The Certified Bargaining Agent representative is not an active participant in the discussions/decisions of the ARC. The Certified Bargaining Agent representative’s role is to ensure that the deliberations of and decisions made by the ARC are fair and impartial from an employee perspective.

(e) Training: At the beginning of each school year before any meetings occur, all ARC members shall be thoroughly trained in the criteria promulgated by the NSC to determine crash preventability. No one may serve as a voting member of the ARC without this training.

(f) ARC Review Process & Appeals of Decisions

1. All covered employees shall have the right to appeal “Safe Driver Point” assessment recommendations of the Transportation ARC. However, in order to be eligible to appeal, the employee must have appeared before the ARC.

2. The employee must submit his/her request, in writing, for a review of the Transportation Safe Driver Committee’s recommendations to the Director of Transportation within ten (10) working days of receiving notification of the Committee’s recommendations. The Director of Transportation shall review the appeal request form and schedule a meeting with the employee to hear the appeal. During the appeal process, assessment of “Safe Driver Points” shall be held in abeyance until such time as the appeal ruling has been made by the Director of Transportation.

(g) Audit Process: The importance of operating a school bus fleet safely cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, the integrity of the processes and outcomes of the ARC are of paramount importance to the students, parents, district and public at large to ensure such safety.

1. On an annual basis at the conclusion of the regular school year, the Supervisor, Transportation Process and Quality Control will arrange for a statistical analysis and audit of ARC decisions for the past school year. The work will at a minimum include a review by an independent group of safety experts who will review statistics and a random sample of decisions reached by the ARC to determine if decisions are consistent with the National Safety Council Guidelines. Feedback and recommendations for process improvement will be given to ARC members at the annual training discussed in (e).

2. In addition, if during the course of the school year a pattern of ARC decisions emerges that cause the Director of Transportation to question the workings of the ARC, he may at his sole discretion ask the Supervisor, Transportation Process & Quality Control to have such decisions audited to ensure they meet NSC Guidelines.

(12) Safe Driver Awards

(a) Purpose: Safe Driver Awards are designed to recognize those drivers who have maintained an exemplary driving record. There shall be an annual award and also separate awards for multiple years of continuous safe driving.

(b) Criteria for Annual Safe Driver Award: To receive this award a covered employee must:

1. Have no citations, during the year, on his/her DHSMV Transcript of Driver Record, and

2. Have maintained his/her driver’s license in good standing, and

3. Have no preventable accidents/crashes, and

4. Have been employed with Pinellas County Schools in a covered employee position for the preceding twelve months (August through July). A covered employee who is absent from work for any cause for more than thirty (30) working days shall not be eligible to receive a Safe Driver Award for the school year.

1. Drivers who met the criteria to receive the Annual Safe Driver Award for two (2) or more consecutive years shall receive a Multiple Year Safe Driver Award in recognition of their accomplishment.

2. Drivers who meet the criteria to receive a Multiple Year Safe Driver Award for ten (10) or more consecutive years of safe driving shall be specially recognized by the School Board of Pinellas County during the annual National School Bus Safety Week in October.

(13) Distribution Of The Safe Driver Plan. Each year the Safe Driver Plan shall be printed and distributed to all employees which it covers either at the beginning of the school year (annual workshop), or upon initial employment (upon successful completion of the driver training class), or after any changes in the plan have been approved by the School Board.

(14) “Safe Driver Point” Assessment Schedule

(a) The Transportation ARC shall review the circumstances of all accidents/crashes involving a covered employee operating a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle. If the Committee’s review determines that an accident/crash was preventable then “Safe Driver Points” shall be assessed. The Committee shall assess up to three (3) “Safe Driver Points” but not less than one (1) “Safe Driver Point,” depending on the circumstances of the preventable accident/crash.

(b) “Safe Driver Points” shall also be assessed for moving violations appearing on a covered employee’s Transcript of Driver Record, as obtained through the Florida Department of Education School Bus Driver Records Check System, as set forth in Section (8)(c) of this Safe Driver Plan.

“Safe Driver Points”

Moving violation

1. Speeding:
a. 15 mph or less over posted speed limit	3	0
b. 16 mph or more over posted speed limit	4	0
c. Speeding in a school zone more than 5 mph over the posted speed limit in a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle.	9	0
2. Driving too fast for conditions	3	0
3. Following too close	3	0
4. Failed to comply with traffic control device/sign	3	0
5. Failed to yield	3	0
a. To emergency/authorized vehicles	4	0
6. Improper lane change/turning/passing	3	0
7. Passing a stopped school bus loading/unloading students	9	4
8. Improper backing	3	0
9. Careless or improper driving – in a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle	4	0
10. Reckless driving	12	4
11. Failed to stop before crossing railroad tracks (in a school bus)	9	0
12. Driving around/through railroad crossing gate or barrier without proper authorization in a school bus	9	0
13. Seat belt violation – driver in a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle	0	3
14. Special Hazard – failure to use due care – in a school bus or other School Board owned/leased vehicle	6	0
15. Driving a CMV without a CDL in the driver’s possession (FMVCR 383.51)	3	0
16. Driving while impaired due to unlawful use of alcohol or drugs	12	12
17. Driving with open container of alcoholic beverage (operator)	12	3
18. Fleeing or attempting to elude a police/highway patrol officer	12	6
19. At-fault accident – not involving school buses or other School Board vehicle	1*	0
* “Safer driver points” for accidents/crashes involving school buses or other School Board vehicles shall be reviewed and assessed by the Accident Review Committee in according with paragraph (a), above
20. Failed to report/file report of moving violation/accident	4	0
21. Failed to report/file report of moving violation/accident – school bus or other School Board owned vehicle	9	0
22. Left scene of accident before police/highway patrol arrived (driver involved)	4	0

23. Citations for vehicle defects, vehicle not properly equipped, vehicle not properly registered or insured: One (1) “Safe Driver Point” shall be assessed for these citations, when reviewing driving records of applicants for a position as a school bus driver.

(d) “Safe Driver Point” Assessment Schedule – driver license suspensions, cancellations and revocations

1. Applicants for a position as a school bus driver:

a. License suspended or canceled for any reason other than personal injury protection insurance (PIP) cancellation or financial responsibility judgment (FRJ): 3“safe driver points”

b. License suspended for PIP cancellation or FRJ: 1 “safe driver point”

c. License revoked (any reason): 12 “safe driver points”

d. Driving while license suspended/revoked/canceled: 4 “safe driver points”

2. Current employees covered under this Safe Driver Plan:

a. License suspended/canceled for any reason other than PIP cancellation

or FRJ: 4 “safe driver points”

b. License suspended for PIP cancellation or FRJ: 2 “safe driver points”

c. License revoked (any reason): 12 “safe driver points”

d. Driving while license suspended/revoked/canceled: 8 “safe driver points”

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 230.23 (4) F.S.; 6A-1.082 SBE Rules..

History: New 3/11/03; Amended 3/11/03, 11/8/05

10.14 SAFE DRIVING PRINCIPLES -- BACKING

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented:

History: New 6/30/98; Repealed 3/11/03

10.15 ASSIGNMENT OF SCHOOL BOARD OWNED VEHICLES TO CERTAIN EMPLOYEES

(1) If the Superintendent (or designee) finds it necessary for an employee to regularly or frequently utilize a School Board vehicle for School Board purposes outside of regular working hours, the Superintendent may assign to that employee a vehicle. Any employee who is assigned such a vehicle shall not use or allow others to use said vehicle for personal reasons except for minimal stops for errands and the Superintendent (or designee) shall determine the parking location of the vehicle.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 230.22(1) F.S.

History: New 1/25/89 (Emergency); Amended 2/22/89

Note: Former 6Gx52-4.12 (changed 6/30/98)

10.16 AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT

(1) Automotive equipment owned by the Board shall be assigned to the director of transportation (or designee) for proper care and maintenance.

(2) Failure of the operator to notify the vehicle maintenance supervisor (or designee) as to any safety defect of any piece of automotive equipment may be cause for disciplinary action.

(3) All mechanical defects of equipment, where repairs are needed, shall be the vehicle maintenance supervisor’s responsibility. Repair action shall be taken as soon as possible in the most appropriate manner. A faulty vehicle should be withdrawn from use until the required repairs are made.

(4) The Board shall not assume any financial responsibility for purchases or contracts for repairs unless prior approval is obtained from the Superintendent (or designee).

(5) The vehicle maintenance supervisor shall determine that all equipment is inspected at regular intervals. The equipment shall be placed in the district’s garage for repairs or servicing.

(6) Under no conditions shall equipment be repaired by a private shop or private individual without the approval of the director of transportation (or designee).

(7) The person who is assigned a vehicle shall be responsible for delivering the vehicle to the district’s garage for inspection as prescribed by the vehicle maintenance supervisor.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 230.23(8), 231.001, 234.02 FS

History: New 6/30/98

10.17 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

(1) All transportation equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition. The director of transportation (or designee) shall be responsible for a planned program of maintenance to keep all vehicles functioning safely and efficiently. This program shall include the following.

(a) Instructing bus operators in methods of anticipating and noting maintenance problems.

(b) Inspecting and servicing all vehicles as prescribed in State Board of Education Rule 6A-3. 017 on a periodic basis.

(d) Maintaining service and repair records on each vehicle as required by State Board of Education Rule.

(e) Planning and scheduling preventive maintenance through major overhaul and repair of all equipment.

(f) Training through in-service activities for vehicle mechanics.

1. The mechanical condition of each school bus in operation shall be in compliance with State Statute and State Board of Education Rule. Any school bus which does not comply with the requirements of Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules shall be withdrawn immediately from use until such requirements are met.

2. No vehicle or equipment, other than district-owned, may be repaired or serviced in the district’s garage.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 230.23(8); 230.33(10), F.S.; 6A-3.017, 6A-3.018 SBE Rules.

History: New 11/17/71, revised 12/18/74; Amended 12/14/77, 6/30/98, 3/11/03

Note: Former 6Gx52-2.04 (changed 6/30/98)

10.18 PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUSES & REPLACEMENT CYCLE

(1) Except when specifically approved by the Board, all new school buses shall be purchased through the state pool purchase plan administered by the Department of Education. The Board shall designate the number and size of buses to be purchased each year. Within budgetary limitations and constraints the Superintendent shall annually include in the proposed district school budget, as a minimum, an amount for bus replacement sufficient to replace one fifteenth (1/15) of the existing bus fleet.

Statutory Authority: 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43 F.S.

Laws Implemented: 229.79; 230.23(4)(j)(8), (10); 230.33(12); 234.02; 234.051; 236.0835; 237.02 F.S.; 6A-1.012, 6A-3.004, 6A-3.005, 6A-3.006, 6A-3.007, 6A-3.017, 6A-3.018 SBE Rules.

History: New 6/30/98; Amended 3/11/03