Butte School District

Noninstructional Operations 

8123

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 in order 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 certification in CPR, be signed by a certified instructor, and be received after an initial in-person training of at least four hours with annual renewals.  

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. Either teacher, coach, or other certified staff in conjunction with the bus driver will make decisions regarding safety of student travel.

Legal Reference: 

                                § 20-10-103, MCA       School bus driver qualifications
                                10.7.111, ARM             Qualification of Bus Drivers
                                10.64.201, ARM           Drivers
                                National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Policy History:
Adopted on: 12/19/16
Reviewed on:
Revised on: