Transportation at the Lester B. Pearson School Board

The School Board aims to facilitate accessibility to its educational programs by providing safe and reliable transportation services, taking into consideration constraints of existing resources and Government regulations.

Eligibility
Transportation will be provided, with respect to the Student Transportation Organizational Plan, for students residing at a distance, from school greater than stated below:
Kindergarten: 0.8 km
Elementary: 1.6 km
Secondary: 2.4 km

Shared Responsibilities
The Board considers the safety of each student to be of paramount importance and will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that transportation service is provided in as safe a manner as possible. It is therefore vital to determine the responsibilities of all parties involved.

I The Parent/Guardian
Parents/guardians are responsible for their children's welfare to and from the bus stop and while at the bus stop. They must inform their children of the safety rules.

II The Student
Students must respect transportation rules and regulations. They must understand that the bus driver is the authority on the bus, and they must take responsibility for their actions.

III The School Bus Driver
The bus driver is responsible for the safety and security of all passengers. During the bus route, the driver is in charge.

IV The School Bus Contractor
The contractor is responsible for the execution of the contract under its terms.

V The School's Administrators & Teachers
School administrators and teachers are responsible during the arrival and departure of buses.

VI The School Board
The Board's Transportation Service is responsible for the daily operation of the school bus network at all levels, be it contractual or operational.

Unruly Conduct on the School Bus
Depending on the seriousness of the offence, a student may have transportation privileges suspended immediately, or as follows:
1st offence:     warning by school administration
2nd offence:    letter to parents/guardians with warning of suspension
3rd offence:     suspension of 1 to 5 days
4th offence:     5 days or more suspension of privileges

Emergency Closures
Any decision regarding the closure of the school due to adverse weather conditions will be made before 6:30 a.m.  The information will be posted on the Lester B. Pearson School Board website. 

School Bus Safety Rules

All school rules as well as predetermined Board and bus safety rules as stated below will apply while students are being transported.

1. Always be at the bus stop 10 minutes early.
2. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, then board the school bus in single file, in an orderly fashion, using the handrail.
3. Find your assigned seat quickly without pushing other students. Keep the aisle clear.
4. Remain seated, talk quietly. Do not eat, drink or leave trash on the bus.
5. Always listen to the driver's instructions.
6. Never put your head or arms out of the windows.
7. Know where the emergency exits are but DO NOT tamper with them.
8. When getting off, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before leaving your seat. Descend in a single file.
9. Walk a safe distance from the bus so that the driver can see you and know that you are out of danger.
10. Should you need to cross in front of the bus, keep a safe distance and watch for the driver's signal. Do not run. Proceed with caution.