JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS DRIVER HANDBOOK Laura McCool Director Dr. Barry Amacker Superintendent D:\116099974.doc Last printed 2/12/2016 6:00:00 AM Page 1 of 15 DISCLAIMER This handbook is not a contract of employment. Employment is at-will. Any individual may voluntarily leave employment or may be terminated by the employer at any time and for any reason. Any oral or written statements or promises to the contrary are hereby expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any prospective or existing employee. The contents of this handbook are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer. TABLE OF CONTENTS DISCLAIMER............................................................................................................................... 2 AT-WILL ....................................................................................................................................... 2 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 3 PUBLIC RELATIONS ................................................................................................................. 3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS......................................... 3 JOB DESCRIPTION FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS POLICY GCBAC ....................... 4 DAILY BUS INSPECTIONS ....................................................................................................... 5 SCHOOL VEHICLE POLICY ................................................................................................... 7 TOBACCO FREE ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................... 7 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY .............................................................................................................. 7 ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION............................................................... 8 PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT .................................. 9 CDL LICENSE FEES FOR DRIVERS ...................................................................................... 9 DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ................................................................................................... 10 FRIEND IN YOUR POCKET ................................................................................................... 11 ABOUT THE DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT ................................................................. 12 LIABILITY INSURANCE......................................................................................................... 12 DRUG POLICY AND PROCEDURES .................................................................................... 12 WORKERS' COMPENSATION .............................................................................................. 12 MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD CHECK.................................................................................. 13 STAFF GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ...................................................................................... 13 SCHOOL BUS CELLULAR PHONE USE ............................................................................. 14 DRIVER EXPECTATIONS AND SELF EVALUATION ..................................................... 15 Page 2 of 15 INTRODUCTION Table of Contents The Jackson County School District consists of all areas not included within the boundaries of the Pascagoula, Moss Point or Ocean Springs school districts. This area reaches from the Harrison County line on the west to the Alabama state line on the east. The three municipal districts serve as the southern border while George County is the dividing line to the north. With over 7,000 students and 123 buses, the Jackson County School District is the seventh largest fleet in the state of Mississippi. Our buses drive over 663,000 miles each year. Safety records support the fact that the school bus is the safest mode of transportation today. Safety in school transportation, means perfection. If one child is injured during the course of a school year, our transportation is not only imperfect, is has failed. Because of this, the Jackson County District is constantly "Striving for Excellence." PUBLIC RELATIONS Table of Contents Pupils are under the control of the driver for an appreciable length of time each day. Students will learn from the driver and the transportation environment. The driver has the opportunity to teach valuable lessons in citizenship by being fair and firm with pupils. In some cases, especially on the secondary level, the driver may spend more time daily supervising a pupil than any one teacher. The bus driver is one of the most publicly observed of all school employees. To begin with, the school bus is as conspicuous as a fire engine and as scrutinized as a police car. It also has the school district's name written on its side. It is important that the driver does not criticize the school administration or governing board. Nor does he or she criticize members of a community or the officials whose duty it is to see that laws are properly enforced. The driver should refrain from questionable conduct and speech. The school bus driver should be courteous and tolerant toward other motorists. As a professional bus driver, we are continually ambassadors of good will and the bright beginning of a school day. A driver should control his temper and not quarrel with pupils. All employees who work around students serve as role models and that model must be projected as one that is positive in nature. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS (SDE Recommendations) The school bus driver is the most important element in the safe transportation of students. To ensure the safety of students transported on school buses, bus drivers must meet certain minimum qualifications. To qualify as a school bus driver a person must: 1. Be at least 21 years of age. 2. Have a high school diploma or GED. 3. Possess a valid Class A, B or C CDL with a "P" endorsement. 4. Have at least 20/40 corrected or uncorrected visual acuity in each eye. 5. Demonstrate sufficient strength, agility, hearing and visual acuity to exercise safe control over the school bus and passengers at all times. All bus drivers must pass a pre-employment agility test administered as part of the SDE bus driver certification process. The agility test requirements are as follows: a. The student driver did climb and descend the front steps of a passenger bus without pausing b. The student driver did open and close a manually operated full size bus entrance door without difficulty while seated in the driver's seat Page 3 of 15 c. d. e. f. g. The student driver did activate the brake pedal with the right foot in 3/4 of a second or less after removing the right foot from the throttle pedal The student driver did move from a seated position in the driver's seat of a full size bus to the rear of the bus, open the emergency door and exit the bus all within 20 seconds. The student driver did operate the driving controls using both arms simultaneously and quickly. For example, activate master panel switches or shift gears while keeping one hand on the steering wheel of a full size bus traveling twenty-five (25) miles per hour. The student driver demonstrates ability to perform steering, shifting. o - Ninety-degree (90 ) left hand turns o - Ninety degree (90 ) right hand turns - Straight ahead - Irregular surface maneuverability at appropriate speeds - Backing ability using mirrors only - Spatial awareness The driver must be able to perform preventative maintenance checks NOTE: Full size bus for ability testing purposes means a 59, 65 or 71 passenger school bus. Activities (e.) and (f.) are completed only after (a. - d.) are successfully completed. 6. Have hearing that shall not be impaired to the extent that it would interfere with the safe operation of the bus. 7. Have no known medical history or clinical diagnosis of any condition that could be detrimental to the safety of the student who will be transported. 8. Have an acceptable driving record with no convictions deemed disqualifying under the Mississippi Commercial Drivers License Law, Sections 63-1-73 through 63-1-90, Mississippi Code as amended. (MVR check). 9. Must be insurable by the current insurance carrier. 10. Receive SDE bus driver certification during a one-day training course, which includes classroom instruction, agility testing and behind-the-wheel driving. 11. Not currently use illegal controlled substances or engage in the illegal use of prescription drugs. 12. Have a satisfactory employment record. 13. Pass a fingerprint background check. 14. Pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random testing. 15. The local school board may require additional qualifications, such as drug testing or a physical examination following an offer of employment. Table of Contents JOB DESCRIPTION FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS POLICY GCBAC It is the responsibility of the school bus driver to operate the school bus in a safe and efficient manner and to abide by all state traffic laws, State Board of Education regulations and local school board regulations. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES Page 4 of 15 Job functions shall include but not be limited to the following: 1. Conduct a thorough pre-trip (using the district's Daily Bus Inspection form) and post trip inspection of the school bus. 2. Keep exterior mirrors clean and adjusted at all times. 3. Perform a minimum of two school bus evacuation drills each school year utilizing appropriate emergency procedures per semester. 4. Know, recognize and obey road signs and signals by meanings, shapes, sounds, and colors. 5. Keep interior of the bus clean. 6. Maintain routes and schedules as planned by the local school board. 7. Report any hazards along the existing route to appropriate school officials. 8. Exercise the effective defensive driving skills of self-control, alertness, foresight and good judgment at all times while operating the school bus. 9. Maintain discipline on the school bus without jeopardizing safety while driving. 10. Remain alert at all times to hazards, including but not limited to poor weather conditions, other vehicles, road conditions and trains at railroad crossings. 11. Complete all reports on bus discipline, bus maintenance and any other reports required by the local school board. 12. The driver shall not, at any time, permit pupils to stand in the stepwell or loading area or where the pupil would likely fall out of the bus, if the rear emergency door was opened, or where the driver's view is obscured. 13. At such time, as required by law and/or the school district, the employee agrees to one mandatory drug test as part of the hiring process. In addition to the mandatory test, the employee agrees to random test(s) and post accident testing and to be tested if recommended by the driver's supervisor. 14. Follow instructions of the local supervisor for the use of cameras and other surveillance equipment. Local school boards may supplement the minimum bus driver job description and responsibilities as deemed necessary for safe and efficient student transportation. Table of Contents DAILY BUS INSPECTIONS POLICY GCBAC Table of Contents In bus driver training school you were given instruction on how to conduct a morning check of your bus before starting the engine. This inspection also included checking several items while the bus was warming up. Those items have been prepared as a checklist for you to indicate that this is done on a daily basis. In the space next to each item, initial each day that you check each item. Your transportation supervisor will check this form periodically. For any days that you do not initial in the appropriate place, it will be assumed that you did not check the item on that day. Continued failure to conduct the inspection could result in termination. Failure to maintain proper fluid levels which results in engine failure, could also be reason for termination. This form will be turned in Page 5 of 15 at the end of the month prior to receiving a paycheck. A sample is included at the end of this handbook. Additional copies are available from your local supervisor. Page 6 of 15 SCHOOL VEHICLE POLICY POLICY EDG Table of Contents Use of School Vehicles All vehicles owned by the Jackson County School District shall be used for school related business only. No vehicle shall be authorized for personal use of any employee. TOBACCO FREE ENVIRONMENT POLICY GAHD Table of Contents It is the philosophy of the Board of Education of the Jackson County School District that the use of tobacco, because it threatens the physical well-being of students and employees in the environment, diminishes time on task, is addictive, results in increased maintenance for facilities and grounds, and is not in the best interest of students or employees of the school system. Therefore, it shall be the policy of this board to create a tobacco free environment in the Jackson County School District. To accomplish this end, the following conditions shall be met: 1. The use or display of tobacco in any form, including smokeless tobacco products, by employees and/or visitors shall be prohibited while such employees and/or visitors are on or in property, facilities, and vehicles. 2. This prohibition includes any school function or extracurricular activity with the following exception, - fans and visitors, except for under aged students, at outdoor athletic events and programs shall be allowed non-restricted use of tobacco. However, the use or display of tobacco in any form at indoor athletic events and programs be prohibited. Penalties for violations of this board policy shall be the following: 1. An oral reminder will be given the first time an employee violates the regulations. 2. Upon the second violation, the employee will be given a written letter stating the date and the place of the violation and warning the employee that further violations shall be considered an act of insubordination. 3. The third violation shall result in the employee's suspension without pay for ten working days and shall require that the employee enroll in an approved tobacco cessation program prior to reinstatement. 4. A fourth violation shall result in the initiation of dismissal procedures, subject to appropriate procedural requirements. SCHOOL BUS SAFETY POLICY EDFA Table of Contents Safety in all activities is foremost in providing educational opportunity for our students. It is the intent of the Board of Education, the Administration, as well as the staff of the Jackson County School District, to provide a safe environment and insure the well being of all the students prior to, during, and following any school activity. Toward this end the Board gives due concern to school bus safety. Safe boarding, riding, and departure of the bus shall be emphasized at every opportunity to all students of the schools by the administration, teaching staff, as well as school bus drivers. The district shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of Education that govern pupil transportation. The following guidelines shall be adhered to in relation to activities of the transportation department: Page 7 of 15 1. All buses meet the minimum specifications approved by the State Board of Education and are well maintained and clean. 2. Each bus driver has a valid bus driver's certificate. Each driver operates the bus according to all specified safety procedures to ensure optimal safety of passengers. 3. A district staff member is designated to supervise and evaluate all aspects of the transportation program, with emphasis on safety, bus driver performance, preventive maintenance, and efficient purchasing. 4. Basic safety rules for boarding, riding, and departure of the school bus shall be taught all riders at the beginning of the school year. Administrators, teaching staff, transportation supervisors, bus drivers, or any other qualified staff member or consultant shall conduct this. 5. The bus drivers and transportation supervisor(s) will be responsible for training Bus Safety Patrol for each bus. This training will be at the beginning of the school year with review, as needed, during the school year. 6. The bus driver, under the supervision of the local transportation supervisor, will conduct a bus evacuation drill each semester. 7. The transportation supervisor and/or principal will inspect each bus weekly for cleanliness, safety, and operational needs. 7. It is the responsibility of the local transportation supervisor and the principal to require that the buses be kept in a safe, clean, and operable condition at all times. 9. Maintenance of optimum efficiency and safe conditions for each vehicle of school transportation will be an on-going process, of which all staff shall be aware and make contribution. 10. Vehicles, which are utilized on field trips, athletic trips, etc. and are left unattended by the driver shall have ignition keys removed to a safe place. 11. Safety equipment required on all school buses shall be operable and shall equal state regulations for such vehicle. ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION Table of Contents The Director of Insurance and Transportation will investigate all accidents. Accident report forms will be sent to State Department of Education, insurance company, and other agencies as required by law. Page 8 of 15 PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT Table of Contents 1. Notify law enforcement, 911, and emergency response teams (ambulance, fire, etc.) 2. Notify attendance center a Supervisor b. Assistant Superintendent c. Building Principal 3. Notify County Office a. Director of Transportation/Insurance Office phone 826-1757, ext. 306, or 219-4568 b. Assistant Superintendent c. Superintendent Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than Law Enforcement personnel. Do not admit blame or accuse the other driver of guilt. Your priority is the safety of your passengers. Do not release students into care of anyone without permission from a School Administrator. CDL LICENSE FEES FOR DRIVERS POLICY EDFA Table of Contents Federal and state regulations mandate that drivers if vehicles transporting school children be certified under the Commercial Driver's License, commonly known as "CDL Licensing." This program is administered by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and includes testing, receipt of fees, and issuance of the license upon successful completion of the program requirements. The payment of the fee(s) is necessary prior to the issuance of the license. The Jackson County School District will pay a part of the fee for a commercial license that restricts the individual to driving school buses only. If the individual wishes to obtain a commercial license that entitles him/her to operate commercial vehicles, in addition to school buses he/she must pay the additional cost for the extra entitlements. Whenever an individual is being considered for employment as a bus driver, the district will pay for the commercial license (with the school bus restriction) with the understanding that the individual for who the fee is paid must remain in the employ of the district for a minimum of nine (9) months immediately following payment of such fee by the district. Otherwise, upon resignation or termination of said person, the initial fee(s) paid by the district for the CDL license will be withheld from his/her remaining salary as repayment to the district for such expenditure. Effective July 1, 1996, the Jackson County School Board will compensated school bus drivers for the actual expense for renewing a Commercial Driver’s License to drive a school bus. Documentation of renewal must be presented to the District Transportation Director before payment will be submitted to the Board for approval. Exception(s) to this policy may be made by the Board of Education as warranted. Employees wishing to utilize this program will be issued a copy of this policy, will sign it in the presence of a witness, and will return it to the District Transportation Department for recording. Page 9 of 15 DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY GBR Table of Contents The Jackson County School District will maintain a drug-free workplace. This will be assured by the following: 1. The district will publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the schools and buildings, on campus, or on any property otherwise under the control of the Jackson County School District, with the penalty of taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination and referral for prosecution; or, requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. 2. The district will establish a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about - - a. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, (1 hour training). b. The district's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace. c. Available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and other assistance programs. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug use violations occurring in the workplace. d. 3. Each present employee and each newly employed employee engaged by the Jackson County School District will be given a copy of this document, especially Section 1. 4. The district will notify each employee and each newly employed employee that, as a condition of employment, the employee will - - a. Abide by the terms of this policy. b. Notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work-place as identified in Section 1, no later than five (5) days after such conviction. 5. The school district shall notify such agencies as require this certificate within ten (10) days after receiving such notice in Section 4.b. from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. 6. The district will take one of the following actions within thirty (30) days of receiving notice under Section 4.b. with respect to any employee who is so convicted - - a. Take appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination. b. Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. 7. Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of Sections 1 through 6. Page 10 of 15 FRIEND IN YOUR POCKET ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROBLEMS Charter Hospital Gulf Oaks Hospital Sand Hill Hospital 24 Hour Crisis Hotline Chemical Abuse Termination Hotline Singing River Hospital Chemical Dependency Unit Mississippi Teen Challenge CHILD ABUSE Jackson County Youth Court Jackson County Department of Human Resources Table of Contents 1-800-634-0113 388-0600 1-800-843-7550 831-1700 1-800-831-1700 769-1793 374-HELP 769-BUST 938-5002 769-8332 762-7370 769-3275 EMERGENCIES Police, Fire, Rescue 911 SUPPORT GROUPS Al-Anon Ala-Teen Alcoholics Anonymous Eating Disorders . . Emotions Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Overeaters Anonymous Phobias, Agoraphobia & Anxiety Pregnancy Crisis Center Runaway Hotline Tough Love (For Parents) 875-1161 864-4248 865-0156 374-5017 432-8625 875-1161 875-2976 875-2393 769-8151 1-800-231-6946 762-5855 Page 11 of 15 1-800-423-5805 762-3021 875-4645 875-9303 896-7327 865-0699 497-2094 388-0886 762-3021 864-3644 588-6608 1-868-8595 831-2646 435-2673 ABOUT THE DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT Table of Contents Included with this handbook is a separate booklet entitled About the Drug Free Workplace Act. responsibility to read this booklet and be familiar with the information it contains. LIABILITY INSURANCE It is your Table of Contents The Jackson County School District carries insurance on all school vehicles. Some limited protection is included for the driver. Additionally, certain insurance coverages are provided which include some limited protection for the driver who is acting within the normal scope of his or her responsibilities. It is suggested that you contact your homeowner's insurance carrier. It is possible that you are eligible for professional insurance that would increase your coverage. You may also want to contact one or more professional organizations for additional information. Names and contacts are available through the Superintendent's Office. DRUG POLICY AND PROCEDURES The Jackson County School District is in compliance with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. All drivers will be given two separate documents that contain the Drug Testing Policies and the Drug Testing Procedures of the Jackson County School District. SCHOOL BUS DRIVER COMPENSATION POLICY GCAA Table of Contents School bus drivers will be paid on the basis of 183 days each school year. Salary for bus drivers can be reviewed in policy GCAA. Policy manuals are available in principals’ offices, office of assistant superintendents and at the central office in Vancleave. WORKERS' COMPENSATION Table of Contents All employees of the Jackson County School District are protected by the Workman’s' Compensation laws of the state of Mississippi. This policy provides for payment of medical bills and monetary compensation for wages lost as a result of a covered accident. For an accident to be covered it must occur at work while performing duties within the scope of employment. Wage compensation is equal to a maximum of 66 2/3% of the average weekly salary for the previous four weeks. There is a maximum payment of $252.59 per week. All job related accidents should be reported immediately to the building administrator. Required forms are located in the office at each school. Contact Jim Lucas, 826-1757, ext. 306, for additional information or questions. Page 12 of 15 MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD CHECK Table of Contents The MVR for all new drivers will be verified prior to employment. Thereafter, the record will be evaluated on an annual or as needed basis. The MVR will be evaluated on a five-point scale. The following point system will be used to evaluate each citation or incident listed on the MVR. Incident Incident Value 1. 2. 3. 4. Moving violation Accident involvement Speed (less than 20 mph over speed limit) Any combination of two accident involvements or moving violations in a twelve (12) month period 5. DUI or other alcohol or drug related violation 6. Reckless vehicle operation 7 . Driving under suspension or revocation 8. Excessive speed (20 mph over limit) 9. Leaving the scene of an accident 10. Assault with a motor vehicle 1 1 1 1 5 5 5 5 5 5 Any driver with four or more points during a 36-month period will not be considered for employment or continued employment. Our insurance carrier may also complete an evaluation. Failure to meet their standards for a safe driving record will disqualify a driver for employment. Staff Grievance Procedure Policy GAE Table of Contents Grievances of staff shall be processed according to the following procedures: 1. The grievant must inform orally his/her immediate supervisor of the grievance. The grievant and immediate supervisor will attempt to resolve the grievance informally. 2. If the grievance is not resolved and the grievant elects to pursue the issue, he/she within five (5) days after meeting with the immediate supervisor, must file a written statement with the Assistant Superintendent for the attendance center or with the Assistant Superintendent at the Central Office for certified staff of the Vo-Tech Center or the Alternative School. In the case of sites other than the attendance centers, the grievant must file a written statement with the Superintendent. This statement shall contain the time, place, and nature of the alleged violation of the grievant's rights and shall be signed and dated by the grievant. 3. Within five days, the Assistant Superintendent or the Superintendent (depending on the site from which the grievance originated) shall provide his/her decision in writing with supporting evidence and reasons. 4. If the grievant chooses to appeal the decision of the Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent, he/she shall submit, within five (5) days of the Assistant Superintendent's/Superintendent' s decision, a written request to the Superintendent's office to present his/her grievance before the Board of Education at the next regular meeting or at a special meeting set by the Superintendent. 5. The Board shall render its decision within seven (7) days of the grievant's hearing. The Superintendent shall provide copies of the decision to any parties involved. A grievance may be withdrawn at any time without prejudice or record. Page 13 of 15 The following definitions shall apply in this grievance procedure: 1. A "grievance" is a complaint by an individual based upon an alleged violation of a person's rights under state or federal law or board policy. 2. A "grievant" is a person or persons making the complaint. 3. The term "days" shall mean working school days and shall exclude weekends or vacation days. In the adoption and implementation of this grievance procedure, it shall be understood that the Board of Education is not a court of law and that rules of jurisprudence shall not apply. School Bus Cellular Phone Use Table of Contents Familiarize yourself with all of the operations of your cellular phone. Pull off the road to dial. Be careful where you stop to make calls. If it is impossible to pull off the road ask a passenger to dial for you. When calling to report an emergency, be prepared to provide the closest major cross streets or off-ramps, and know your cellular phone number. Disconnect your cellular phone when using jumper cables - the power surge could burn out your phone. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. Use your phone to call for help or report emergencies. Phones provided by the district are not for personal use. You are responsible for extra charges. Page 14 of 15 DRIVER EXPECTATIONS AND SELF EVALUATION Excellent 5 Maintain current CDL Maintain current SDE card, attend school every other summer Cooperate with random drug test policy Uphold good name and reputation of the school district Follow chain of command: Supervisor, Asst. Supt., District Director Do not speak for the district (to newspapers, radio/tv) Be on time Call in early if absent Accept reassignment Don’t miss work without a good reason Don’t argue with students or parents Follow procedures; seating chart, mileage, daily checklist, report accidents Treat others as you want to be treated Maintain confidentiality. Do not discuss family or medical problems TOTALS (60) Page 15 of 15 Above Average 4 Average 3 Below Average 2 Not Meeting Expectations 1