Bus Conduct
(Board Policy 7-220)

The following is a summary of Board Policy 7-220. This Board Policy can also be found on the District’s website here.

All students must follow the District’s School Bus Safety Rules. Bus access can be revoked on a temporary or permanent basis if a student violates the expectations as set forth in this policy.

School Bus Suspensions
The Superintendent or designee may suspend a student from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following: 

1. Prohibited student conduct as defined in Board policy, 7-190, Student Behavior. 
2. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider. 
3. Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus. 
4. Repeated use of profanity. 
5. Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor. 
6. Such other behavior as the Superintendent or designee deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants. 

The School Board may suspend a student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons, at the District’s sole discretion. 

Academic Credit for Missed Classes During School Bus Suspension
A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school will be given the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. It is the responsibility of the student's parent/guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternate transportation. 

Electronic Recordings on School Buses
Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school related activity. Notice of electronic recordings shall be displayed on the exterior of the vehicle's entrance door and front interior bulkhead in compliance with State law and the rules of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Students are prohibited from tampering with electronic recording devices. Students who violate this prohibition may be disciplined in accordance with the Board's discipline policy found in the Disciplinary section of this Handbook. The District may also require the student’s parent/guardian to reimburse the School District for any necessary repairs or replacement.

Bus Expectations

• Students are required to have their Student ID to ride the bus. 
• Smoking/vaping, vandalism, misbehavior, and inappropriate conduct of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Students are required to obey the bus driver’s instructions and directives at all times.
• Students are required to adhere to Board policy 7-190 regarding student behavior at all times while waiting for and riding the bus.

Transportation

Currently, bus transportation is available without cost to students who live at least one and one half miles from the school. Students who live within a one and one half mile distance from school may arrange to ride the bus after payment of a fee ($230.00 per semester) but will be required to use an existing bus stop. Information about fees is available from the Director of Transportation at (224) 765-1040.

Spectator buses to "away" events may be available if enough students are interested in the service. A student going to an activity on a bus must return on the same bus unless the student's parent or guardian, either in person or in writing to the bus chaperone, authorizes an alternative arrangement. No refund of spectator bus fares will be granted. 

Departure from either Deerfield or Highland Park campus, as appropriate, will be announced in the daily announcements. Departure time from the event will be fifteen minutes after the end of the event.

1. Tickets must be purchased at the bookstore during lunch periods or after school. Prices will vary, depending on the distance to be traveled.
2. All general bus regulations must be observed. Chaperones will report violations to the Deans' Office.
3. Bus changes are not permitted.