School Year 2007-2008

Martin Rodriguez, Director
 






.: Rules and Regulations

This portion of our website contains a brief overview of rules and regulations relating to school bus transportation provided by the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District. The Second Half of this Page deals with State Laws Concerning Texas School Buses, Bus Conduct and Bus Facts. Any questions related to this information or any other concerns may be forwarded to the transportation director.

WHO MAY RIDE

Any student who lives at least two (2.0) miles from his/her assigned school is eligible to ride one of the buses furnished by the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District for transportation.

 

Any student who is physically handicapped is eligible for home-door-to-school transportation provided the student meets the required standards. Any Student who lives less than 2.0 miles in an area classified by the School Board as a hazardous area.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to inform the student of what behavior is acceptable when riding school buses. Infractions of the established rules will not be tolerated as they are safety hazards. Bus drivers & monitors are encouraged to report all violators to their principal who will deal with the situation. Bus drivers are also encouraged create a Bus conduct report which can result in temporary or permanent removal from the Bus.

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to have the child ready to board the bus at the appointed time so that schedules can be maintained. They must also receive or have a recipient for the child. If their is a recipient other than the guardian/parent the Trans. Dept. must be informed by the guardian/parent.

The Bus Driver

The importance of the school bus driver in the total school program cannot be over-emphasized. Efforts to insure safety, efficiency and economy depend upon the priceless cargo in their care, the Edcouch - Elsa Transportation Department takes great care, in selecting bus drivers.

 

*Driver must be at least 18 years of age.

*they must posses a valid Texas Class B (CDL) license with passenger's endorsement and school bus safety endorsement

*Past driving records, criminal background check and must meet state standards for past violations.

*Drivers undergo a thorough physical examination each year.

*All Edcouch - Elsa drivers must have completed the state approved school bus driver training course, Refresher courses are required every 3 years.

*Complete CPR training every 2 years

*Random drug testing throughout the school year.

Routes/Schedules

All routes and schedules must meet state approval and any changes must also be approved by the transportation division of the Texas Education Agency.

Routes are set up to provide the safest, most convenient transportation for all students.

All areas of the 26.4 square mile district are served.

Over 1,859 students ride a bus to or from school each day.

No route may be changed or retracted where the distance the students lives is not more than one-half mile from the original bus route.

About 35% of the students enrolled in the district ride the bus.

 

Law

  1. ***Effective Sep 1, 2007*****It is Unlawful for a passenger to be standing or seated in a place which is not designated as a seat while the school bus is in motion.
     

  2. ***Effective Sep 1, 2007***** State school districts are required to perform mandatory hands-on evacuations with all school campus staff members and students  Once per semester.
     

  3. It is unlawful to pass a School bus while the Red Stop Lights are in operation (Loading or Unloading).
     

  4. It is unlawful to have a School Bus make an unscheduled stop while in operation. This is considered a disruption of School Bus route.

 

STUDENT CONDUCT (BUS RULES)
 

  1. Each student may have an assigned seat on the bus. This assignment will be made by the driver or monitor.
     

  2. If assigned, students must at all times sit in the assigned seats.  Parents/guardians are liable to any damages done to the bus.
     

  3. Only students eligible for transportation will be permitted to ride the school bus. Ineligible students, and any other individuals, will not be permitted on the school bus
     

  4. All students are required to be properly seated while the bus is in motion. ***STATE LAW***
     

  5. Passengers will not be allowed to eat, drink or smoke while on buses.
     

  6. Throwing trash on the floor is prohibited
     

  7. After boarding a bus, either morning or afternoon a student will not be allowed to leave the bus until their designated stop. ***STATE LAW***  Students must board buses in the afternoon at their designated campuses.
     

  8. Students will not be picked up in areas other than their designated areas.
     

  9. Passengers shall remain seated while bus is in motion and shall not stick arms, head, or any part of their body out of the windows of the bus.  ***STATE LAW***
     

  10. No articles of any kind shall be thrown out of the bus.
     

  11. No spit balls, paper planes, etc. shall be thrown inside or outside the bus.
     

  12. Students should always be at a designated stop when the bus arrives.  Drivers will not wait on students who are habitually late. Remember Riding the Bus is a privilege
     

  13. Students must follow directions of the driver and monitor when loading or unloading the bus.
     

  14. Students who fail to comply with school bus rules will lose the privilege of riding on the bus.
     

  15. The Same Rules of Conduct that apply in the classroom apply in the school bus.

  16. Bus drivers will be issued a citation by DPS if students are standing while bus is moving.




Bus Facts

  • Buses cost from $72,000 to $85,000 dollars each and require 4 months for delivery.
  • The district operates over 28 bus routes as approved by the Texas Education Agency.
  • Transportation is funded by the State of Texas based on approved mileage.
  • All Buses receive attention in strong preventative maintenance program.
  • Modern service facilities are provided.
  •  Field trips make use of school buses.
  • Extra curricular activities are transported in school buses.
  • E-E I.S.D. buses travel more than 1,443.2 miles combined each day.

 

 

***Riding the Edcouch - Elsa School Bus is a privilege which may be revoked for failure to comply with the rules of conduct.***

This page is available as a printed publication at transportation office.