Policy 3541.22

Business/Non-Instructional Operations

Transportation

Drivers

Each driver shall have a physical examination, including a TB test, shall hold all appropriate licenses, and shall have a State Police clearance before being deemed eligible to transport students.  Drivers shall also be subject to an alcohol and drug testing program.  Documentation in support of compliance shall be filed with the Superintendent or his/her designee prior to the first day of school, or within 30 days of employment.

An operator’s license bearing one or more endorsements (“V” endorsement or “A” endorsement or “F” endorsement) must be held by any person operating an “activity vehicle”.

Any school bus driver or student transportation vehicle driver who tests positive for drugs shall be terminated.

All drivers, prior to employment, shall be subject to state and national criminal history checks. The school district and/or the school district’s contractor shall review at least twice monthly information provided by the DMV Commissioner regarding the withdrawal, suspension or revocation of the licenses of drivers.

If necessary, the Superintendent, or designee, may remove a driver from their assignment by notification to the Student Transportation Services Contractor that a particular driver’s eligibility has been revoked pursuant to this policy.

Definitions:

Student Transportation Vehicle:  Any motor vehicle, other than a registered school bus, used by a carrier for the transportation of students to or from school, school programs or school sponsored events.

Activity Vehicle:    A student transportation vehicle that is used to transport students in connection with school-sponsored events and activities, but is not used to transport students to and from school.

Carrier:  Any local or regional school district, any educational institution providing elementary or secondary education, or any person, firm, or corporation under contract to such district or institution engaged in the business of transporting students, or; any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of transporting primarily persons under the age of twenty-one for compensation. 

(cf. 3541.23 – Bus Contractor Compliance)
(cf. 4212.42 – Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers)

Legal Reference:    Connecticut General Statutes

Policy adopted:    April 4, 2017    
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Newtown, Connecticut