Bus stops are assigned by the nearest practical route. Stops are designated by the Transportation Department and are placed at specific locations based on distance to the next stop and safety of the location for pickup and drop-off. Normally, stops are placed at least one-tenth of a mile apart and at intersections. Bus drivers cannot change bus stops. Any requests for changes or additional stops must be made through the Transportation Department. A staff member will survey the area and notify the parent of the decision. This procedure usually takes a minimum of 5 business days.

If you are new to the district or your child is new to riding the bus and your address is eligible for bus transportation, please call 478-329-2218 Extension 0 (zero) to ensure a stop has been established near your home.

If you wish to have a stop established, please call 478-329-2218 Extension 0 (zero) and leave a message with the following information:

• Parent/Guardian Name & Contact Number
• Child's Name & School
• Primary Address (Must be same address that is listed in the student's record with Central Registration.)

If you need information for your child that requires Special Needs Assistance, please contact the Special Needs Department at 478-329-2218.

Based on their home address, each student eligible for school bus transportation shall be assigned to a particular bus route and bus stop and shall ride the bus assigned to that route. Changes in stop locations or bus assignments based on personal preferences or child care are not allowed. No bus passes allowing children to temporarily ride other buses will be approved.

Students should be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Once a bus has departed a stop at the designated time, it must proceed to the next scheduled stop before picking up students. Safety factors prohibit drivers from making unscheduled stops to pick up latecomers.

Traffic situations or mechanical breakdowns occur from time to time, causing buses to run late. If there is a delay of more than 20 minutes, parents will be notified by an automated telephone call.

Students shall:

• respect themselves and the rights of others;
• follow the driver's directions the first time they are given;
• stay in their seats;
• keep all body parts and objects in the bus;
• refrain from pushing, shoving or fighting; and
• refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking or spitting.

Riders are to adhere to HCBOE Policy JCD, governing student conduct.

The bus driver has complete charge over the students on the bus. The rules of conduct are posted on each bus, and the driver reviews them with the students at the beginning of each school year. Students who continue to violate the rules will be referred to their principal. The principal has the ultimate responsibility to discipline students whose bus behavior is dangerous or inappropriate. The principal may suspend a student's riding privilege if deemed necessary.

Additional information regarding Bus Conduct can be found in HCBOE Policy JCDAD.

Safety standards require that no students bring on the bus any article which might create a hazard. Such articles include weapons of any kind, breakable or sharp objects, balloons, animals or insects. Band instruments and school projects may be transported if they can be held in the student's lap. Items that take up space needed for other students or that block the aisle or emergency door may not be transported.

Our District has an outstanding safety record. All first-time school bus drivers in Houston County successfully complete a minimum of 44 hours of training, to include 12 hours in a classroom, 8 hours of bus inspection and 24 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Additionally, all drivers receive annual safety training from our staff as well as from the Georgia Department of Education. All drivers must possess a Georgia Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and School Bus endorsements.

Additional information regarding Transportation Safety can be found in HCBOE Policy EDC.

Many questions can be answered at the schools. Each school has a copy of its bus schedules, and bus routes are posted on the Bus Routes page. The Transportation Department may be contacted at 478-329-2218. Concerns about student discipline should be referred to the school principal.