Transportation
Code of Conduct on School Buses
In order to insure the safety of all students riding buses in Greenville County Schools, appropriate behavior is required for all students. Transportation to and from school is an extension of the classroom and should be considered part of the school day. The issue of safety requires students to be on their best behavior while on school buses or vehicles. Violations of school bus rules will be addressed in the manner listed below, with the exception of violations relating to the tagging program used in elementary schools. The guidelines for that function are listed separately at the end of this document.
The School District Behavior Code is in effect for all students at all times when being transported on school buses to and from school or school activities. Thus, while students may lose the privilege to ride the bus due to their misconduct, the student may also be disciplined according to the District’s Behavior Code, up to and including suspension, recommendation for expulsion and notification to law enforcement.
Level I Offenses - Disorderly Conduct
- Refusing to follow driver directions
- Getting on or off the bus at an unauthorized stop without permission
- Standing or sitting improperly while the bus is moving
- Riding the wrong bus without permission from the principal
- General horseplay
- Making loud noises
- Profanity/Obscene Gestures
- Littering
- Possession of tobacco products, e-cigarettes or vaping devices
- Delaying bus services by tardiness, loitering, etc.
*The school administration may classify a Level I offense as a Level II offense if the infraction seriously jeopardizes the health and/or safety of others.
Level I Consequences
- 1st Referral -- Warning and parent contact
- 2nd Referral -- In school punishment, parent contact and/or one (1) day bus suspension
- 3rd Referral -- Suspended from bus three (3) days and parent conference
- 4th Referral -- Suspended from bus up to five (5) days and parent conference
- Additional Level 1 referrals will result in administrative review and may be accelerated to a Level II offense
Level II Offenses
- Use of tobacco products, e- cigarettes, or vaping devices
- Throwing objects out of bus
- Profanity directed at staff
- Rude, discourteous behavior directed at staff
- Vandalism [restitution may be required]
- Harassing, threatening or intimidating another student
- Fighting
- Stealing
- Inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
- Other safety violations that may interfere with the safe operation of the school bus
*The school administration may classify a Level II offense as a Level III offense if the infraction seriously jeopardizes the health and/or safety of others.
Level II Consequences
- 1st Referral -- Suspension from bus up to ten (10) days and parent conference
- 2nd Referral -- Suspension from bus ten (10) days and parent conference
- 3rd Referral -- Suspension from bus thirty (30) days, possible removal and parent conference
Level III Offenses
- Possession, use or transfer of weapons
- Sexual offenses (which include sexual acts that do not result in criminal offense)
- Arson
- Impeding the operation of a school bus
- Distribution, sale, purchase, use or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance
- Threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm to a school employee
- Ganging
- Bomb threat
Level III Consequences
- Any referral - Minimum thirty (30) days suspension from bus and possible removal from bus for remainder of school year and parent conference.
Discipline of Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with federal state law including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as set forth in the procedures developed by the administration.