Transportation

CAR RIDERS
Traffic Flow: Both morning and afternoon drop offs and pick-ups will be at the front and back entrances of the school. There will be a teacher on duty to assist students each morning. Please do not drop off students before 7:15 am in the morning and 7:00 at the back doors. PLEASE REMAIN IN YOUR CARS DURING DROP OFF AND PICK-UP! Do not line up until 2:00 or you will be asked to leave and return. All car riders must be picked up by 3:00.

BUS TRANSPORTATION BCBOE Policy 6.308

Bus transportation is a privilege granted to the students in the Park View zone. Should a student act unsafely, impair the safety of others, or distract the driver’s attention from his or her driving responsibilities, bus privileges may be revoked. If the student receives an incident report from the bus driver, the school administrator will decide on the appropriate consequence based on the Bradley County Schools policies. If you have questions or concerns regarding bus transportation that we are not able to address we would refer you to Mr. Terry McElhaney, Supervisor for Transportation, at 423-665-4060. Bradley County Schools Transportation

BRADLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
2025-2026

Our Commitment to Safety: Bradley County Schools is committed to providing safe and reliable bus transportation for your child. Our priority is ensuring the safety of all students during their bus ride. All school bus drivers undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict safety procedures.

Expectations and Responsibilities:

• Bus Driver: The bus driver is responsible for following all local, state, and federal regulations as set forth by the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation. The primary role of the bus driver is to maintain control of students and ensure a safe and secure trip during transportation.
• Student Behavior: Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to behave appropriately on the bus, mirroring classroom behavior. Disruptive or unsafe conduct will not be tolerated and may result in the loss of the privilege to ride the school bus.
• Parental Involvement: Parents should discuss bus rules and expectations with their children to reinforce the importance of safety and proper conduct.

Video and Audio Surveillance: Please note that all Bradley County buses are equipped with video and audio recording devices to ensure safety and security.

Bus Rules:

1. Obey the bus driver and follow their instructions.
2. The driver may assign seats.
3. No eating, drinking, or gum chewing on the bus.
4. No loud, rude, or abusive language.
5. No possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
6. Keep hands and head inside the bus.
7. Remain seated at all times.
8. Do not throw items inside or outside the bus.
9. Keep the aisle clear of feet and belongings.
10. Do not distract the driver.
11. Only use emergency exits when authorized.
12. Do not adjust windows without permission.
13. Once the bus is in motion, they are to remain seated. (No seat hopping)
14. Do not vandalize or damage the bus. Parents will be financially responsible for any act of vandalism. Students will remain suspended from riding the bus until damages are paid.

Student Responsibilities:

1. Cross the street in front of the bus, never behind it.
2. Wait for the bus driver's signal before crossing the street.
3. Stay 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing.
4. Never crawl under the bus.
5. Arrive at the bus stop 5-10 minutes early.
6. If a student is in a vehicle waiting, they must be ready to load the bus at the designated arrival time.
7. Stay out of the road at bus stops.
8. Never get in a car with a stranger.
9. Report any inappropriate behavior to the driver and principal.
10. Stay silent at railroad crossings.
11. Provide a bus pass signed by parents and school administration for any changes in routine.
12. Be courteous and share seats.
13. Once your student exits the bus, the student needs to move away from the safe zone of the bus to allow take-off of the bus. The safe zone is 10-12 feet from all sides of the bus. Students should follow the driver’s request when exiting the bus.

Parent Responsibilities:

1. Discuss bus rules with your child.
2. Ensure your child is at the bus stop 5 minutes early.
3. Monitor your child’s behavior and safety before and after bus rides.
4. Dress your child appropriately for the weather.
5. Provide a note for any changes in the bus routine.
6. Be courteous to the driver.
7. Once your student exits the bus, the student needs to move away from the safe zone of the bus to allow take-off of the bus. The safe zone is 10-12 feet from all bus sides. Students should follow the driver’s request when exiting the bus.
8. Parents will be financially responsible for any act of vandalism. Students will remain suspended from riding the bus until damages are paid.
9. Avoid confrontations with the bus driver or students on the school bus.

If you have an issue with the transportation of your child, please notify the BCS Transportation Office. 

Summary of TN Code 49-6-2008 for Transportation:

1. Authorized Access: Only assigned students, school staff, parents, and persons with valid business are allowed on school buses during school hours.
2. Unauthorized Presence: Unauthorized individuals must leave the bus immediately when requested by the bus driver or school personnel. Remaining without authorization is a Class A Misdemeanor.

Violation Levels and Consequences: The bus drivers will make a written report of violations to the principal or his/her designee. The principal (or designee) will investigate and determine appropriate consequences. Only the principal (or designee) may reduce or suspend a student’s bus-riding privilege. The director of transportation can recommend discipline according to the severity of the offense.

• Level I Violations:
  • Examples: Not obeying the driver, failing to remain seated, and eating/drinking on the bus.
  • Consequences: Written reprimand, bus riding suspension (3-5 days), or out-of-school suspension.
• Level II Violations:
  • Examples: Tampering with bus equipment, fighting, and destruction of property.
  • Consequences: Bus riding suspension (5-10 days), out-of-school suspension.
• Level III Violations:
  • Examples: Assaulting the driver, possession of illegal substances, and unapproved use of emergency exits.
  • Consequences: Bus riding suspension (30-180 days), out-of-school suspension, possible expulsion.

Excessive repeat offenses by your child could result in the loss of the privilege to ride a school bus. 

Procedure for Non-Regular Bus Riders and Alternative Stop:

1. The parent or guardian will write a note permitting the child to ride the bus.
2. Submit the note to the school administration.
3. The administration will check the bus capacity and approve the request.
4. The administration will issue a bus pass.
5. The student will present the bus pass to the driver.

Elementary School Bus Stops:

• Students must wait with a guardian in their vehicle until the bus arrives.
• They must ride the same bus in the morning and afternoon.
• Parents must be there to pick the student up in the afternoon when the bus arrives.
• Violating this rule may result in the loss of bus stop privileges.

Parent-Student Reunification Plan for Schools

To ensure the safe reunification of students with their parents during emergencies or bus incidents, BCS will develop a detailed Parent-Student Reunification Plan in collaboration with local emergency management agencies. 

1. Accessibility: Ensure the reunification site can be easily accessed by school buses.
2. Evacuation Capacity: Coordinate with transportation officials to confirm the system can evacuate all students safely and conduct regular drills.
3. Special Needs: Address the needs of students with disabilities with appropriate facilities at the site.
4. Safety and Comfort: Provide shelter, restrooms, and food at the reunification site.
5. Parent Parking: Ensure ample parking for parents at the site.
6. Traffic Management: Choose sites with multiple access points to reduce congestion.
7. Communication: Test and ensure the reliable operation of the school's communication systems.
8. MOUs: Consider agreements with local colleges as reunification sites for their comprehensive resources.

BCS prioritizes student safety during bus accidents or incidents by ensuring a smooth transition for students to be reunited with their parents. This involves collaboration between the director of transportation, the director of schools, and local emergency service agencies to establish a safe exchange process. It is the goal of the BCS staff to reunify students with their families at a safe, designated area determined by the BCS staff. Parents are urged to follow the instructions provided to them to facilitate this exchange. It is our goal to get your student to and from school in a safe manner.

Procedures for Parent Notification of Bus Delay and Route Change Notifications

Parents will be notified by their child’s school, in coordination with the BCS Transportation Department, if there are any changes to bus routes or modifications to transportation services. The Transportation Department aims to provide families with as much advance notice as possible to allow for alternative travel arrangements.

Bradley County Schools Procedures for Reporting Unsafe Bus Driving Incidents

In accordance with HB 322 (amending TCA, Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 21), Bradley County Schools has established the following procedures for reporting unsafe driving by any BCS Bus Driver:

1. How to Report:
   • By Phone: Call the Bradley County Schools Transportation Department at 423-476-0620 Ext. 2026.
   • In Person or online, use the Complaint Form available on the Bradley County Schools website and bring it to the Bradley County School Central Office located at 800 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN 37311.
2. Information Required for Reporting:
   • Time of the incident.
   • Location of the incident.
   • Bus number.
   • Type of bus (e.g., large or small passenger bus, conventional or snub nose).
   • Detailed description of the incident, including as many specific details as possible.
3. Timing of Reports:
   • Reports should be made immediately or on the day of the occurrence to ensure accurate and prompt investigations.
   • All reports will be investigated, regardless of when they are received.
4. Contact for Questions:
   • For any questions concerning these procedures, contact the Bradley County Schools Transportation Department at 423-476-0620 Ext. 2026.

School Closings:

• Inclement weather or emergencies will be announced by BCS via One Call Now communication
• School closing will be made available to local TV and radio stations.
• Posted on all BCS social media platforms

Contact Information:

• Terry McElhaney, Director of Transportation
• Bradley County Schools Transportation Dept.
• 800 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN 37323
• Phone: 423.665.4060

Your cooperation is vital in ensuring a safe and pleasant transportation experience for all students. Thank you for your attention to these guidelines.