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Beaverton School District
Beaverton School District

Beaverton Schools

EEAC - School Bus Safety Program

Code: EEAC
Readopted:  6/12/17
Adopted: 11/23/09
Orig. Code(s): EEAC

The administrator for transportation will ensure instruction in school bus safety and emergency evacuation procedures is provided.  Drivers shall assist in the instruction.

Students who are regularly transported by the district shall receive the following instruction within the first six weeks of each half of the school year:

  1. Safe school bus riding procedures, including but not limited to loading, unloading, crossing etc;
  2. Use of emergency exits; and
  3. Planned and orderly evacuation of the school bus in case of emergency, including participation in actual evacuation drills.

Students who are not regularly transported by the district will be given the following instruction at least once in the first half of each school year:

  1. Safe school bus riding procedures; and
  2. Use of emergency exits.

The district will document and maintain records of the content and dates of instruction.

Buses will not exceed vehicle design capacity for seating at any time unless an unforeseen or unusual circumstance arises.  Passengers will be provided a seat that fully supports them.  A seat that fully supports each person and meets the minimum standards and specifications of law will be provided at all times.

Seating is not permitted on any portion of the vehicle not designed for that purpose.  Passengers shall not be permitted to stand while the vehicle is in motion.  A person who weighs 40 pounds or less must be properly secured with a child safety system that meets the minimum standards and specifications established by the Oregon Department of Transportation under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 815.055.  A person over 40 pounds or who has reached the upper weight limit for the forward-facing car seat must use a booster seat until he/she is four feet nine inches tall or age eight and the adult belt properly fits.[1]  A person who is taller than four feet nine inches or eight years of age or older must be properly secured with a safety belt or harness that meets the requirements under ORS 815.055.  In accordance with ORS 811.210 and 811.215 vehicles used for student transportation in excess of 10,000 pounds are exempt from this requirement unless they have been equipped with lap belts.  Vehicles in excess of 10,000 pounds that have been equipped with lap belts must meet child car seat requirements as set forth in law.

During adverse weather conditions, the superintendent may alter bus schedules or temporarily suspend bus services.  The superintendent or his/her designee will advise media of any changes in bus schedules or services.

In the case of emergency or disaster, evacuation of students will be carried out according to the district’s emergency plan.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference(s):
Cross Reference(s):

EBC/EBCA - Emergency Procedures and Disaster Plans
EEA - Student Transportation Services
EBCD - Emergency Closure

[1]“Proper fit” means the lap belt of the safety belt or safety harness is positioned low across the thighs and the shoulder belt is positioned over the collarbone and away from the neck.