Rule 13: School Bus Infractions

No student shall cause or attempt to cause (either directly or indirectly) a disruption or interference with a school bus by any means including, but not limited to, any of the following behaviors:

Student Infractions and Behavioral Responses

SRO Notification: Rules marked with an “X” require the local school administrator to notify the SRO. If a rule is marked with “XX,” the SRO will notify the District Attorney’s office.

Rule 13	Description of Violation	Level	Notify SRO
13A	Disruption of school bus. A student shall not in any manner use violence, force, fear, threat, or other conduct to disrupt or interfere with a bus driver’s ability to operate a bus safely;	III, IV or V
13B	Throwing objects at the driver;	IV or V
13C	Failure to follow directions, rules, or regulations;	I, II or III
13D	Use of mirrors, lasers, flash cameras or any other lights or reflective devices during the operation of a school bus without the permission of the driver;	III
13E	Posturing to fight;	III
13F	Fighting;	IV or V
13G	Diverting or distracting the driver’s attention;	III
13H	Throwing objects on the bus or out the bus window;	III
13I	Excessive noise;	I, II or III
13J	Use of any electronic device during the operation of a bus, including but not limited to cell phones, audible radios, tape, or compact disc players without headphones;	I, II or III
13Z	Other (list):	I, II or III

All other GCPS rules still apply while on the school bus or at the bus stop.

Safety is the first priority while transporting students to and from school. While on a school bus, the bus driver/manager is the school official who has supervisory responsibility of students. Drivers must be able to concentrate on their driving at all times. A momentary distraction from their concentration can lead to a serious accident resulting in injury or death. The safety and well-being of each student depend on everyone following the standards of conduct outlined in this Code. That safety is why certain infractions have a different level of consequence or are singled out as a school bus infraction.

If a student is found to have engaged in bullying or other acts of physical violence such as physical assault or battery of another person on the school bus, a meeting with the student’s parents or guardian and appropriate school officials will be required in order to develop a school bus behavioral correction plan for the student. See O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.5.

Any student who receives an in-school suspension or assignment to Opportunity Room (for elementary students) for a bus infraction may forfeit their bus-riding privileges on the day(s) of suspension.