Tulsa Public Schools Policy 7102-R1: Transportation Services Student Conduct on School Buses
Permission for any student to ride a bus is conditioned on good behavior and observance of the following regulations. A student violating any of these regulations will be reported to the school principal and may be denied permission to ride a bus to and from school.
- The emergency door will not be opened except at the direction of the bus driver. If the door is open, it could endanger the lives of the passengers.
- All students will be seated while the bus is in motion.
- All students are under direct supervision of the bus driver while on the bus. They should also obey the driver's instructions promptly.
- Students may not talk to the bus driver while the bus is in motion.
- Students will keep all parts of their bodies inside the bus at all times after entering and until leaving the bus.
- No food or drink may be consumed on the bus.
- Students may not reserve seats.
- Students who must cross the street after leaving the bus should pass in front of bus and not behind it. The driver should ensure that the way is clear before the student is permitted to cross the street.
- Complaints by drivers, students or parents/guardians should be reported promptly to the principal and/or the Director of Transportation or his/her designee.
- Students may be denied permission to ride a bus to and from school for any of the following types of misbehavior:
- Littering.
- Smoking.
- Improper language--use of profanity.
- Being disrespectful to the bus driver.
- Throwing any object in or off the bus.
- Fighting.
- Spitting or throwing objects out the bus windows.
- Loud talking or unnecessary confusion.
- Destruction of public property (damage to seats, etc., must be paid by the offender).
- Putting hands, feet or head out of bus windows.
Some of the above offenses could result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Behavior Response Plan. For safety and protection of students, staff and property, district school buses are equipped with cameras with video and audio capability. Oral communications in the bus may be intercepted and recorded. School buses are considered common areas with no reasonable expectation of privacy by bus occupants. Video and audio recordings may be used by the Superintendent or designee to assist in the management of student behavior.