Bus Rules & Student Conduct

Bus drivers have the important job of transporting students safely to and from school. Students are expected to follow bus rules and driver directions. The bus driver is in full charge of the bus and riders at all times. Students are to obey the driver's instructions when boarding, riding, or exiting the bus. The driver has the authority to assign seats whenever necessary to maintain a safe environment. Failure to comply can result in a loss of riding privileges. Any questions about these rules or actions on a specific bus may be directed to our Transportation Department at 360-804-2650.

Student Discipline

The district utilizes bus conduct reporting to document inappropriate or unsafe behavior and communicate the same with a parent or guardian. Infractions of a severe nature or repeated disruptive behavior can result in loss of riding privileges and require a conference with school administrators, parents, students, and transportation officials. Oftentimes, a positive behavior plan is required to re-establish riding privileges. The district reserves the right to suspend transportation privileges for any student that demonstrates unsafe behavior.

Bus Conduct Progressive Discipline

Monroe School District uses a bus conduct progressive discipline model to provide students with a positive path of learning and improvement to meet expectations for riding the school bus. Please see "BUS CONDUCT PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE" document to learn more about the process.

Audio Video & Cameras

Monroe School District uses audio video cameras on most of the district-operated school buses for the purpose of reducing discipline problems, thus providing a safer environment for the transportation of students. Camera recordings may be used to identify and determine discipline level for unsafe or inappropriate behavior.

Bus Rules

Below are some of the more frequent asked about rules. For a complete list of bus rules, see the "EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS RIDING BUSES" document.

Items Not Allowed on the Bus

Washington Administrative Code 392-145 prohibits the transport of heavy, sharp, bulky, or other items in the passenger area of any school bus that may be hazardous in the event of an accident or emergency stop. In order to comply with this state law and Monroe School District policies, the following items are not allowed on a school bus:

  • Breakable containers (e.g. glass objects, aquariums)
  • Food, drink, and gum consumption
  • Balloons
  • Animals, including insects and spiders (with the exception of service animals)
  • Any object that cannot be safely controlled by the student in the seat or upright on the floor between their knees. The bus driver has the authority to make the final decision.
  • Items not allowed at school
  • Illegal items

Musical Instruments, School Projects, & Sports Equipment

Large instruments or school projects (e.g. rockets, dioramas, kites) that cannot be safely controlled in a student's lap or on the floor between their legs are not permitted on the bus. All sports equipment (e.g. balls, bats, skateboards, roller blades) must be safely secured. The driver may ask to secure items in a backpack, bag, or box.