The Transportation Department operates propane school buses traveling 1,000 miles transporting approximately 1,100 students daily. Our buses are maintained and operated by qualified and caring school bus drivers, and transportation staff with the highest regard for the safety of our students. The department also operates diesel activity buses providing transportation for school athletics and field trips.
School buses are provided to transportation to K-6 students that live more than two miles from their attendance center and to 7-12 student that live more than three miles from their attendance center. Parents may elect not to have their student(s) transported, which has happened in many cases.
Bus Rules & Regulations
- Passengers will select the safest route to designated bus stop.
- Passengers should be at the bus stop five minutes prior the normal stop time. The bus cannot wait for late students.
- Passengers will wait for the bus in an orderly fashion and refrain from fighting, horseplay, or unsafe conduct.
- Passengers will stay off the road while waiting at a bus stop. They will not cross the road until the bus and all traffic has stopped. When the bus arrives, passengers will line up single file and not attempt to board the bus until it is completely stopped, the door is opened, and the driver indicates they may board.
- Passengers will walk across the road in front of the bus in full view of the driver.
- Passengers will enter the school bus, take their seats quickly and remain seated. They will refrain from moving around or changing seats in the bus when it is in motion.
- Passengers will keep all body parts inside the bus at all times.
- Passengers will not throw objects inside the bus or out the window.
- Passengers will not shout, wave or gesture to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles from the bus windows.
- Passengers will not bring glass bottles, stones, sticks, snakes, animals, bullets, weapons or toy guns, or anything considered dangerous on buses.
- Passengers are not allowed to bring any items on the school bus that will compromise the safety of other passengers or are against school rules.
- Passengers will not eat, drink or chew gum while riding on a school bus.
- Passengers will keep the aisle clear and never pile books, musical instruments, lunch boxes or other objects in the aisle.
- Passengers will not use profane or vulgar language or gestures, tobacco or alcoholic beverages while riding on a bus.
- Passengers will not be loud, boisterous or distract the driver’s attention in any way.
- Passengers will maintain complete silence at all railroad crossings.
- Passengers will not fight, play or scuffle on the school bus.
- Passengers will not tamper with the emergency exits or any other part of the bus.
- Passengers will not mar or deface the bus in any way. Students will be required to pay for any damage.
- Passengers will not tamper with fire extinguishers or first aid supplies.
- No person will ride a bus unless assigned to it by the principal or designee.
- Passengers will not litter the school bus and will help keep it clean.
- Passengers will use safety belts if available.
- Passengers will remain seated until the bus reaches the unloading area and the driver has opened the door.
- Passengers in front should move out first, walking quickly and orderly.
- Passengers will not loiter or play near a stopped school bus.
- Bus students will walk directly to their buses after the dismissal bell.
- After entering the bus, passengers will be seated and be quiet so that all passengers can hear driver’s instructions.
- A passenger will ride only his/her assigned bus and will leave the bus only at his/her designated stop. Only with permission of the principal or designee will the driver be permitted to allow a passenger to leave the bus at any other stop not designed for him/her.
- When the bus arrives at the assigned stop, passengers will remain seated until the bus has completely stopped and the bus driver has opened the door. Passengers will then walk to the front of the bus.
- If the road must be crossed after getting off the bus, passengers will cross ten feet in front of the bus making certain the stop signal is extended, and all traffic is stopped.
- If the road is not to be crossed after getting off the bus, passengers will move quickly away from the bus in view of the driver and go directly home. They will not remain near the bus to talk with, frolic with, or touch hands with bus passengers. Passengers will not stop to pick up dropped objects without informing the driver and receiving permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the event of bad weather, the district superintendent, or his designee, will make decisions on late starts, early dismissals, or school cancellations, in consultation with transportation and other administration officials. Please see our Closing & Delays page.
Since numerous contacts need to be made, we ask that you please listen/watch for weather-related announcements rather than call the school. Decisions will be made as quickly as possible whenever threatening weather is possible, often in the early morning hours or the night before. The safety of your children is our number one priority.
If you know that your student will not be riding the bus you must call the bus garage at (563) 547-2341.
The need for substitute bus drivers is ongoing. When more than a couple of drivers are ill or on other types of leave, we must use nearly everyone on our substitute lists to cover our bus routes.
Substitute drivers can choose when they are available. If you are available only in the morning or only in the afternoon, that is fine - just let us know. If you are only available to drive for extra-curricular activities, that could work, too. The district pays for the required S.T.O.P. classes and additional cost of the Commercial Driver License. We also provide one-on-one training to help a driver become familiar with the safe operation of a school bus as well as how to do the required pre-trip inspection. If you are interested in learning more about getting a license to drive a school bus, contact the bus garage (563-547-2341).
About Our Department
A successful education starts by getting students from Point A to Point B with the fewest possible complications. Our transportation department understands the importance of making sure students arrive at destinations punctually and safely and we work hard to make sure that occurs.
Contact Transportation
Chad Jackson, Transportation
cjackson@howard-winn.k12.ia.us
Phone Number: 563-547-2341
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