14 Del. Admin. Code § 1150-3.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 1150-3.0 - Responsibilities of School Districts and Charter Schools

3.1 Local School Districts' and Charter Schools' responsibilities concerning the transportation of Pupils shall include but are not limited to the following:

3.1.1 Implement the requirements of this regulation.

3.1.2 Define and coordinate changes to school transportation operations impacting budget allocations with the DDOE.

3.1.3 Provide resource material and encourage teachers to include instruction in school bus passenger safety in the school curriculum.

3.1.4 Provide for close and continuous supervision of the unloading and loading zones on or near the school plant grounds, and during all emergency drills.

3.1.5 Provide supervision for those Pupils whose bus schedules require them to arrive at school before classes begin and remain after classes terminate.

3.1.6 Promote public understanding of and support for the District's or Charter School's transportation program.

3.1.7 Assume primary responsibility for Pupil conduct and ensure that requirements for Pupil behavior on the school bus and disciplinary consequences for failure to comply with those requirements are included in disciplinary policies.

3.1.8 Promote well trained and informed drivers and Aides by sharing information regarding law, regulation, or operational changes. Such program may be limited to written updates and notices.

3.1.9 Send a representative to attend state school Transportation Supervisor meetings and professional development programs.

3.1.10 Submit DDOE-required transportation reports in a timely manner.

3.1.11 Inform Contractors, School Bus Drivers and Aides of District policies.

3.1.12 Monitor and ensure compliance with all District transportation contracts.

3.1.13 Maintain the following documents in the Transportation Record System (TRS): Child Protection Registry Results, Pre-Employment Drug Test Verification, Aide Human Resource Clearance letter, copy of Driver's License with "S" Endorsement, DDMV "S" eligible clearance letter, Blue Card, Green Card, annual physical, Tuberculosis (otherwise known as TB) test results, Total Accident Summary, Behind-the-Wheel Training Certificate, CDL Learners Permit, Purple Card, and Behind-the-Wheel Student certificate.

3.1.14 Ensure that all drivers and Aides within their District or Charter School have successfully completed the required criminal background checks and met all the qualifications requirements contained within this regulation.

3.1.15 Provide evacuation instruction to all school bus riders and conduct two (2) evacuation drills for them, one (1) prior to October 31 and another before May 31 each year.

3.1.16 Ensure that prior to each departure, each Pupil transported on an activity or field trip in a school bus be instructed in safe riding practices and on the location and operation of emergency exits.

3.1.17 Complete reports of investigations of school bus accidents. Notify DDOE School Transportation of all school bus accidents or incidents.

3.1.18 Develop requirements and guidance for use of other vehicles the District uses for student transportation that are not governed by 14 Del.C. § 2911.

3.1.19 Register with the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and comply with all FMCSA regulations as it pertains to the Clearinghouse regulations (if the District employs its own drivers).

3.1.20 Report to DDMV's Medical Division any School Bus Driver who has a medical condition that could interfere with School Bus Driver's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. The District or Charter School shall provide the individual's name, driver's license number, and the reason why the individual appears to be unsafe to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

3.1.21 Provide a four (4) hour in-service training program that focuses on Delaware school bus regulations, safe operation procedures, behavioral management and emergency training. Bus Drivers and Aides who take the Theory or Refresher Training are eligible to perform their safety sensitive duties in the next school year (July 1 to June 30).

3.1.21.1 By October 15 of each year the District or Charter School shall provide an estimated number of Bus Drivers and Aides to be trained per DDOE procedures.

3.1.21.2 The District or Charter School must send completed sign in sheets before processing of payments to vendors.

3.1.21.3 The District or Charter School shall be required to reimburse Bus Driver and Aides using allocated transportation funds.

3.1.21.4 The District or Charter School shall issue Purple Cards to the Bus Drivers and Aides who complete the four (4) hour District training.

3.1.21.5 The District or Charter School is responsible for providing make up sessions as necessary so that all Bus Drivers and Aides are eligible to perform their duties. The four (4) hour District or Charter School training sessions must be done in accordance with subsection 3.1.21 of this regulation.

3.1.22 Districts and Charter Schools must verify all drivers' credentials are current before allowing individuals to perform their duties.

3.1.23 Districts and Charter Schools shall ensure that training has been provided to Bus Drivers and Aides who perform duties on buses that transport wheelchairs and students using safety seats. These trainings should include proper securement of wheelchairs, proper installation fitting of safety seats and the use of safety equipment.

3.1.24 Districts and Charter Schools shall create the bus routes and stops for each contracted bus having in mind the safety of Pupils at all times.

3.1.24.1 The following requirements should be taken into consideration when creating bus stops:

3.1.24.1.1 Bus stops shall not be within 100 feet of a railroad crossing or a similar hazard.

3.1.24.1.2 Bus stops should not be within 100 feet of an intersection and shall not be within an intersection.

3.1.24.1.3 Bus stops in a curve should be visible from both directions. If the bus cannot be seen 500 feet (up to 35 mph) or 1000 feet (over 35 mph), relocate the stop if possible or request a School Bus Stop Ahead sign.

3.1.24.1.4 Bus stops shall not require Pupils to cross roads that are two (2) lanes with a center-turn lane or roads with four (4) or more lanes.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 1150-3.0

12 DE Reg. 1086 (02/01/09)
18 DE Reg. 961 (6/1/2015)
19 DE Reg. 307 (10/1/2015)
24 DE Reg. 145 (8/1/2020) (Final)