Student Transportation Employee Requirements, Training & Responsibilities
Maine School Administrative District #31
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS,
TRAINING AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Part I—School Bus Drivers
The school bus driver is responsible for safeguarding the lives of children in performance of his/her duty. The work requires physical strength, mental poise, ability to cope effectively with emergencies, excellent driving skills and an ability to relate positively with students.
All school bus drivers must hold a valid school bus operator license endorsement issued by the Maine Secretary of State. All drivers are required to participate in any in-service training provided by the school unit.
A. Annual Medical Examination
All drivers operating a vehicle designed to carry 10 or more passengers must undergo an annual physical examination as required by the Uniform School Bus Standards and submit the completed School Bus Driver Physical Examination Form to the Superintendent/designee. Physical examinations shall be conducted by a physician selected by the school unit and paid for by the school unit. If a driver wishes to select a different physician, the physician must be qualified to give a bus driver physical and the examination shall be conducted at the driver’s own expense.
Annual examinations must be completed during the month preceding the start of the school year for regular drivers. New and substitute bus drivers must complete the examination before beginning their driving duties.
B. Drug and Alcohol Testing
School bus drivers will participate in drug and alcohol testing as required by applicable federal and state laws.
C. Annual Motor Vehicle Records Check
Each school bus driver operating a vehicle carrying 10 or more passengers shall undergo an annual state motor vehicle records check.
Part II—Other Employees with Student Driving Responsibilities
The Superintendent/designee is directed to obtain annual motor vehicle records checks for any school employee who transports students as part of their regular duties.
Legal Reference: 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382
26 MRSA §§ 681(8)(B); 685(2); 689
Uniform School Bus Standards, 081(6)
Cross Reference: EEAEAA - Drug and Alcohol Testing of Bus Drivers
EEAEAA-R - Drug and Alcohol Testing of Bus Drivers—Administrative Procedure
First Reading: 10/21/2015
Second Reading: 11/18/2015