Transportation Application

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Sidney Public Schools is happy to be able to provide the opportunity for transportation to our students. Per the Sidney Public Schools District Transportation Policy (8100), there is a fee required from students/families who live within three miles of their school(s). Families are responsible to pay any remaining fees on the account. There will be a $5 replacement fee for any lost/damaged transportation fobs.

Listed below is the fee per family. Families who complete a FRAM (Free and Reduced) lunch application and qualify may be eligible for discounted rates. Fee Breakdown:

• Regular Rider: $225 per year/per family OR $25 per month (August/September combined)
• Reduced: $90 per year/per family OR $10 per month (August/September combined)
• Free: No fee applied

If the account is not up to date, transportation privileges are subject to being suspended. Acceptable payment options are as follows: cash, check, or online through the “Parent Portal” in Infinite Campus.

STUDENT CONDUCT ON A BUS

The transportation services provided through the Sidney Public School District are a privilege intended to provide students and families with a safe and cost-effective means of traveling to and from school. With this understanding, it is important that students adhere to the safety guidelines in order to ensure each child’s arrival at their destination.

When in transit to and from school or related activities, students are expected to adhere to all of the behavior guidelines set forth by both the Transportation Department and the Sidney Public School District. Failure to abide by these rules may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to loss of transportation privileges.

Rules and Expectations:

1. All passengers must:

2. Board the bus in a safe and orderly manner

3. Remain seated at all times

4. Refrain from loud of disruptive behavior that may distract the bus driver

5. Obey the requests and/or directives of the bus driver at all times

6. Keep all body parts and personal objects inside the bus

7. Keep the aisles clear at all times

8. Be respectful to all passengers and staff members

9. Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus or in the loading zone

10. Refrain from inappropriate language or hand gestures

11. Get on and off the bus at the assigned stop only

Disciplinary Consequences:

1. Verbal warning

2. 1st Offense – Warning/Conference with bus driver

3. 2nd Offense – 1 day suspension from bus

4. 3rd Offense – 3 day suspension from bus

*Violation of any bus rules after the 3rd offense may result in loss of transportation privileges for the duration of the school year.

Automatic Suspension (3 Days Minimum)

The following actions will result in a suspension from transportation and a parent conference:

1. Fighting, horse playing, putting hands on another student

2. Threatening a staff member or student

3. Endangering the safety of passengers, the driver, and/or the public

The Board has authorized the use of audio/video cameras on all District owned buses to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of our students and staff. In signing the bus agreement, you are hereby notified as to District policy regarding the use of surveillance on buses. Additionally, the District may choose to make video recordings a part of a student’s educational record or of a staff member’s personnel record if needed. The District will comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to record maintenance and retention.

Parents Should:

1. Be sure the school has an updated emergency phone number where you can be reached

2. Make any non-emergency changes in transportation no later than NOON/12:00pm of the same day to the School Secretary.

   a. Provide a handwritten and signed note prior to the requested change. (This includes bringing a friend home or your child going to any other stop location)

3. Plan for inclement weather emergencies. Advise the building secretary and transportation supervisor of these arrangements

4. Notify the school and transportation of discontinued use of transportation services for billing purposes