Student Behavior
Pupil behavior that distracts the school bus or Metro driver is a hazard to the safe operation of the bus and jeopardizes the safety and welfare of all passengers. Misbehavior while on the school or Metro bus can result in suspension of the student or of the transportation services to the student.
All school buses are equipped with video-camera equipment to assist in monitoring student behavior.
To ensure safe, efficient transportation service, students are asked to follow these rules:
- Pupils shall arrive at bus stops before the buses are scheduled to arrive.
- Pupils must wait in locations clear of traffic and away from the bus stops.
- Behavior at the school bus stop must not threaten life, limb or property of any individual.
- Pupils must go directly to available or assigned seats so the buses may safely resume motion.
- Pupils must remain seated, keeping aisles and exits clear.
- Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the drivers promptly and respectfully.
- Pupils must not use profane language.
- Pupils must refrain from eating and drinking on buses, except as required for medical reasons.
- Pupils must not use tobacco on buses.
- Pupils must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on buses, except for required prescription medication.
- Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from or into buses.
- Pupils may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps.
- Pupils must leave or board buses at assigned locations, unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise.
- Pupils must not put heads or arms out of bus windows.
Bus drivers will complete a "School Bus Incident Report" and give it to the school administrator for any student failing to comply with the behavior rules.
Code of Conduct
The Pupil Transportation Branch actively supports the Cincinnati Public Schools' Positive School Culture Plan.
The school administrator is responsible for ensuring that students follow the district's Code of Conduct and investigating behavior problems that occur while pupils are en route to and from school. The school administrator has the authority to suspend a student's bus riding privilege on a temporary or permanent basis. The Director of Transportation can suspend a student's bus riding privilege on a temporary or permanent basis if the safety of others is jeopardized.
The following serious safety infractions will cause a student to be immediately removed from bus service for the remainder of the school year:
- Threatening behavior
- Possession of weapons/objects used as a weapon
- Jumping out window/emergency exit
- Tampering with bus equipment
Incidents Involving the Police
When incidents occur that require the police to be involved, either to remove a student from a bus or to restore order, the following procedure will be followed:
- Students will be removed for the following infractions: fighting, weapons, drugs or other illegal activities.
- Students will be suspended immediately from future bus service pending a conference to be held at the school including all students involved in the bus incident, their parents, the school administrator handling bus discipline, and a representative from the bus vendor.
- At the end of the conference, disciplinary action will be implemented and a plan of action developed to prevent any future incidents.
