NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS
Driver Training and Responsibility
RISE Charter School contracts with Kimberly School District for all transportation services, including school bus operations and driver training. As a result of this partnership, RISE Charter School adopts and follows Kimberly School District’s noninstructional operations policies to ensure consistent safety practices, compliance with state requirements, and alignment in operational procedures. Therefore, the following policy is implemented at RISE Charter School exactly as established by Kimberly School District.
The District and its school bus drivers shall meet all operations and performance requirements in conformity with law and with the rules and regulations of the Department of Law Enforcement and the State Board of Education.
Bus drivers shall observe all state statutes and administrative rules governing traffic safety and school bus operation. The District shall, at the beginning of each school year, provide each driver with a copy of the District’s written rules for bus drivers and for student conduct on buses.
Bus drivers shall establish proper rapport with students. Drivers should be aware that they represent the District and should present a positive image in dress, language, and manner.
Each bus driver shall meet the qualifications established by the state department of education, including, but not limited to the following:
1. Over 21 years of age;
2. Be of good moral character;
3. Not be addicted to the use of intoxicants or narcotics;
4. Possess a valid and appropriate commercial driver’s license and other endorsements required by law, and, if applicable, a waiver for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus issued by the State Department of Education;
5. Be medically qualified under the physical examination standards of the federal motor carrier safety regulations; provided, however, that individuals with insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus, who are otherwise medically qualified under the physical examination standards of the federal motor carrier safety regulations, may request a waiver for this condition from the state department of education as provided in Idaho Code § 33-1509.
When a teacher, coach, or other certified staff member is assigned to accompany students on a bus, such person shall be primarily responsible for the behavior of the students in their charge. The bus driver shall have final authority and responsibility for the bus. The Superintendent shall establish written procedures for bus drivers.
Training
New Bus Drivers: All new school bus drivers shall complete a school bus training program previously approved by the Superintendent or their designee. They must also pass all knowledge tests contained in the State Department of Education school bus driver classroom curriculum. New bus drivers shall also complete ten hours of practical training in a school bus, including at least six hours of behind the wheel training.
Each new driver shall perform an emergency evacuation practical and receive a driver evaluation before being allowed to drive a school bus loaded with students.
The District may choose to make use of the classroom and behind-the-wheel training methods and resources developed by the State Department of Education.
Experienced Drivers: All experienced school bus drivers shall complete at least ten hours refresher school bus driver training each fiscal year; at least three hours of pre-service training shall be completed before school begins in the fall. Experienced drivers must also attend at least three in-service training sessions during the school year. These sessions must include topic specific training blocks of at least 30 minutes. The District shall document that each experienced driver has attended these sessions.
Drivers with Experience with a Previous Employer: Upon hiring a driver with previous experience, the District or the transportation provider it contracts with shall request documentation of all of their previous school bus driver training and driving experience, in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commercial Driver’s License licensing requirements.
Documented previous training that is similar to the requirements for new bus drivers described above may be substituted for new school bus driver training hours. Regardless of any previous training, all newly hired school bus drivers shall have sufficient training provided by the District or contractor, along with accompanying documentation, to illustrate they are proficient in school bus driving skills.
If a newly-hired driver has a gap of more than four years in their ongoing school bus driving experience, the individual shall complete the training requirements for new school bus drivers. If the District or contractor is unable to obtain documentation of previous school bus driver training, the driver shall complete the training requirements for new school bus drivers.
Legal Reference: I.C. § 33-1508 Operation of School Buses
I.C. § 33-1509 School Bus Drivers – Definition – Qualification - Duties IDAPA 08.02.02.170 School Bus Drivers and Vehicle Operation
Policy History:
Adopted on: March 18, 2024
Revised on: December 15, 2025
Reviewed on: