Stevensville School District

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS                     

Driver Training and Responsibility

Bus drivers shall observe all state statutes and administrative rules governing traffic safety and school bus operation.  At the beginning of each school year, the District will provide each driver with a copy of the District’s written rules for bus drivers and for student conduct on buses.

School bus drivers must hold a valid Montana school bus certificate for a district to receive state reimbursement for that driver’s bus routes.  Qualifications for bus drivers are prescribed by 20-10.103, MCA, and by the board of Public Education in Arm 10.64.201. The first aid certificate required by ARM 10.64.201 must include instruction in adult and pediatric CPR, be signed by a certified instructor, and be received after an initial in-person training of at least four hours.  The certificate must be renewed every two years.

A school bus driver is prohibited from operating a school bus while using a cellular phone, including hands free cellular phone devices, except:

(1) During an emergency situation;

(2) To call for assistance if there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem;

(3) When the school bus is parked.

A driver may not operate a school bus without a valid, current certificate.

A teacher, coach, or other certified staff member assigned to accompany students on a bus will have primary responsibility for behavior of students in his or her charge.  The bus driver has final authority and responsibility for the bus.  The Superintendent will establish written procedures for bus drivers.

Maximum Driving Time

The district recognizes from a risk management and student safety standard the importance of driver safety while transporting students.  Therefore, the district will meet the federal standard on maximum driving time.

Cross Reference:
2018 Montana School Bus Standards, Page 138, Bus use for School Activity Trips

Legal Reference:
§ 20-10-103, MCA School bus driver qualifications
10.7.111, ARM Bus Drivers Certification Requirement for Reimbursement
10.64.201, ARM School Bus Driver Qualifications National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
CFR 49, Part 395 Transportation – Hours of Service for Drivers

Policy History:
Adopted on: Feb. 12, 2002
Reviewed on: April 14, 2015; October 11, 2016; October 9, 2018
Revised on: November 8, 2016; November 13, 2018