Transportation: Arrival & Dismissal

Transporting children is a shared responsibility between home and school. While the district is responsible for children once they board their bus, families are solely responsible for the safety and supervision of their children to and from the designated bus stop and while students wait for their bus.

Parents/guardians of preschool, kindergarten and first grade children are advised to meet and receive their children at the bus stop. Children not met by their parents/guardians will be returned to their school building.

Family support for appropriate behaviors is essential. Parents are asked to reinforce with their children the importance of obeying the district's Student Code of Conduct and all Bus Safety Rules when riding in a school bus. Such rules ensure the safety and welfare of all riders. Thus, if a child jeopardizes everyone's safety by repeatedly violating these rules, the student may ultimately be denied the privilege of riding the bus.

Bus routes are designed for safety and efficiency. Extended stop times impact multiple routes. We want to properly address any concerns you may have, so we please ask that you do not interrupt the bus schedule by talking directly with a driver while he or she is on the route. If a problem or concern arises related to school bus transportation, families are encouraged to write the driver a note or call (513) 755-5821 to leave a message at the Lakota Service Center. Building administrators may also assist with transportation related questions.

If a bus rider misbehaves, the following guidelines will be followed in disciplining the offender: 

1. For a first offense, the student will be counseled by the driver as to the appropriate behavior that is expected.
2. If the student’s inappropriate behavior continues, the bus driver will detail the student’s actions in writing to the building administrator. The building administrator will then contact the student’s parents/guardians and explain that an official warning has been given and that further misbehavior could result in removal of the student from the bus.
3. If the student’s continued misbehavior warrants the bus driver submitting a second report, the student will be required to personally meet with the principal or assistant principal. Parents/Guardians may also be asked to attend this meeting.
4. If the student must be referred to school administrators a third time, severe disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension from riding the bus for a period of time. When a pupil’s bus privileges are suspended, the student’s parents/guardians become responsible for transporting their child to and from school.
5. Dangerous acts on a school bus are cause for immediate suspension from the bus.

Click here to view the Lakota bus safety brochure.

Each driver is expected to pass all required instructional materials and to meet or exceed qualifications as outlined by local, state and federal regulations. New drivers must complete rigorous training courses through classroom and behind-the-wheel training. 

The safety training program emphasizes current safety prevention tactics, proper bus inspections, student management and the extra attention our riders with special needs deserve. In order to remain qualified as one of our school bus drivers, all drivers must continue to participate in in-service trainings throughout the year. 
 

Going above and beyond

Each year, Lakota bus drivers are well-represented at the Ohio School Bus Driver Safety ROAD-E-O competition. The annual event is open to all Ohio school bus drivers and consists of both a written test as well as an off-road driving skills test – all to promote safety, professionalism and recognition.

Over the years, Lakota drivers have done extremely well in the competition, with several drivers winning the state title.

“I’m not surprised by the success of our drivers. I often see drivers in study groups asking each other questions or practicing their off-road driving skills at 7:30 or 8 in the evening. The preparation for the event is all on their own time.”Susan Prewitt, General Manager for Petermann/Lakota