Transportation

Bus stops are established in accordance with the Department of Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Independence School District Policies and Procedures.

Buses will travel along main streets and will stop at a safe, identifiable intersection. They will not make house stops, nor access dead-ends or cul-de-sacs.

Stops are based on grade level and developmental appropriateness and will not be closer than 500 feet apart.

Middle and high school students must carry their bus pass and school ID at all times.

When school is canceled or shortened due to inclement weather, families will receive an automated phone call from the District.

In some cases, bus routes may be altered during inclement weather. If your student is placed on a modified route, you will receive a letter from the District before winter.

If you feel your student's stop should be changed, fill out the Stop Change Request Form.

Students whose conduct poses a safety hazard, disruption, or distraction for the driver will lose their riding privileges, and any fees paid will be forfeited.

Students should:

• Follow the bus driver’s directions
• Provide full and correct names when requested by the driver
• Be at the bus stop five minutes before the assigned stop time
• Line up in a single line at the side of the road with no pushing or shoving
• Sit on the seat, not on knees or backpacks
• Keep the aisle clear and hands, feet, and other items to themselves
• Not have food, drinks, gum, or candy on the bus
• Not use fragrances, body sprays, or lotions on the bus
• Keep the bus clean and not destroy transportation equipment
• Not use profanity or abusive language, nor physically or verbally bully others

If a student damages a portion of the bus while misbehaving, they will be suspended from the bus and must pay for repairs.

Safety Infraction Steps

• 1st card
  • Warning (+ Call to parent/guardian)
• 2nd card
  • 5-day suspension
• 3rd card
  • Loss of transportation service for the semester

Students who lose transportation service in the first semester may resume transportation at the beginning of the second semester. Transportation service will be lost upon receiving a fourth infraction.

Severe Violations

Conduct that includes insubordination and/or disrespect to the driver, or disregard for the safety of others, will result in the loss of transportation for the remainder of the semester. Suspended students may not ride District buses, including activity buses, until their suspension has been served.