Maintenance/Custodial:

Our comprehensive maintenance program includes several areas, including deferred, preventive, repair/upkeep, and emergency maintenance and carrying out these tasks is the main objective of the BISD Maintenence & Custodial Department. Our staff is generally responsible for cleaning the building; monitoring the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and providing general maintenance of both building and grounds. The department is also largely responsible for long-term maintenance programs and the procurement of outsourced services for specialized maintenance projects.

Transportation:

The district’s fleet consists of seven 72-passenger school buses, two 10 passenger vans, and one special services vehicle. These buses travel more than 270 miles daily on 4 routes to transport more than 200 students to and from school. The buses are part of a well organized, safety oriented transportation system, with each bus inspected and repaired regularly.

The school bus driver is sometimes referred to as the “silent teacher.” Because of the precious cargo transported by these drivers, great care is given to their qualifications, certification, training, and operational requirements. Drivers must pass an annual physical and medical exam as prescribed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, criminal records background check, and an annual driver’s license record check. Drivers are also subject to random alcohol and drug screenings throughout their employment.

Eligibility 

Transportation is provided free of charge to all students.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities                                                      

• Ensure that your child is aware of, cooperates in, and obeys the safety rules, as well as bus driver instructions.
• Ensure that your child rides the appropriate bus.
• Ensure that your child demonstrates safe and appropriate behavior at the bus stop.
• Ensure that you (or an adult, aged 18 or older, with written permission granted) are at the bus stop to receive your Pre-K or Kindergarten child. Pre-K or Kindergarten children may get off the bus with an older sibling (1st grade or older) who rides the same bus.
• If a student needs to ride a different bus or get off the bus at a different stop (emergency situations only), you must provide a written notification to the transportation department in person or by fax so that the driver can be notified.

Bus Route Information

• All bus routes are designed to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible while still meeting the students’ needs.
• When a route change is necessary that will effect pick-up/drop-off times and/or bus number, notification will be made in the form of notes handed out to the students prior to the effective date of the change.
• If students are not present at a bus stop for three continuous days, the bus stop will be discontinued without notice to the parents. Parents must contact the Transportation Department to resume service to that bus stop.
• Where possible, stops are located such that students should walk no more than .5 mile to the nearest bus stop.
• The school district staff and bus drivers share your concern about the safety of your child. You can assist in providing a safe bus ride by reviewing the following items with your child.

Meeting the Bus

• Students must be on time and visible at the bus stop. It is recommended that students be at their bus stop five minutes before pick-up time. Once a bus departs a stop or school, it will not stop for late students.
• Students must not stand on the traveled portion of the roadway while waiting for the bus.
• Students must wait in an orderly manner and must not approach a moving bus until it stops. Once the bus has stopped, the student may walk toward the bus to board.
• Students must enter the bus single file in a carefully and orderly manner as instructed.
• Once on the bus, students must go directly to their seat and be seated properly so the bus may continue the route.

Bus Safety Rules

• Observe the same conduct level as is expected in the classroom.              
• Be courteous. Profanity is not allowed.
• Do not eat or drink on the bus.
• Do not litter or damage the bus in any way.
• Cooperate with the driver. The driver is authorized to assign seats.
• All items prohibited at school are also prohibited on the bus.
• Remain seated while the bus is moving with all body parts inside the windows.
• Students must keep feet on the floor in front of them; not in the aisle or draped over the back of the seat. Students must sit facing forward while the bus is in motion as if they were wearing seat belts.
• Students are not not permitted to shout, or gesture to passing vehicles or pedestrians from the bus.
• Students may not throw any object including trash or paper either from within or out of the bus while waiting for, riding, or after leaving the bus.
• Fighting, horseplay, and throwing objects are prohibited.
• Students must stay out of the driver's seat and may not tamper with any operating equipment.
• Large, bulky items that cannot fit under the seat or in the lap of the student are not allowed on the bus. Arrangements must be made for the parent to transport these items.
• No skateboards, balls, roller blades, or balloons may be brought on the bus.

Departing the Bus

• Upon leaving the bus; students must wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing to exit. Standing is not permitted on a moving bus.
• When getting off of the bus, students should move quickly but safely away from the unloading area.
• Exit single file in an orderly manner and walk away from the bus.
• The emergency door at the rear of the bus is to be used in emergency situations only. It is not to be used for boarding or departing the bus.
• Students are allowed to board and depart the bus at designated stops ONLY! They may not board or depart from a bus at any other stop than that which has been properly authorized by parents or school authorities.
• If it is necessary to cross a street or roadway, students must wait until driver signals them to cross. When crossing the street or roadway they must cross 10-15 feet in front of the bus to ensure that the driver sees them.

Private Property and Construction

• Burkeville ISD buses are not permitted to operate on private property. 
• Neighborhoods that are under construction pose a safety hazard for large vehicles like school buses. Therefore, Burkeville ISD buses do not route through areas where heavy construction is present.

Transportation Procedure Manual