NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS
Emergencies Involving Transportation Vehicles
RISE Charter School contracts with Kimberly School District for all transportation services. As part of this partnership, RISE Charter School adopts and follows Kimberly School District’s transportation policies to ensure consistent safety practices, emergency preparedness, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Accordingly, the following policy regarding emergencies involving transportation vehicles is implemented at RISE Charter School exactly as written by Kimberly School District.
The Superintendent shall ensure all students receive instruction in passenger safety and safety when walking to from school, as part of the school curriculum. This instruction shall include student participation in practical emergency evacuation drills. For students who routinely walk to school, instruction should include the importance of adhering to their preselected route. This instruction shall meet the requirements set out in state and federal law and administrative rules, including the following:
1. At least once during each school semester, each pupil transported from home to school in a school bus should be instructed in safe riding practices, proper loading and unloading techniques, and proper street crossing to and from school bus stops;
2. At least once during each school semester, each pupil transported from home to school in a school bus should be instructed in in the location and operation of all emergency exits;
3. Prior to each departure, each pupil transported on an activity or field trip in a school bus or school-chartered bus should be instructed in:
A. Safe riding practices, rules, and procedures; and
B. The location and operation of emergency exits.
School Bus Emergency Plan
The Superintendent or their designee shall develop an emergency procedure to be followed in the event of an accident or other emergency. The District shall seek participation of local emergency personnel in developing the plan.
When such an accident or other emergency occurs, the bus driver shall follow this procedure. A copy of the emergency procedures shall be located in each bus. To ensure the success of such emergency procedures, each bus driver shall conduct an emergency evacuation drill each school semester. The District shall conduct such other drills and procedures as may be necessary.
Evacuation of Bus
Each bus route shall have a written emergency evacuation plan. Each plan should reflect each student’s ability to evacuate and assist others.
All bus drivers and school bus attendants shall be familiar with any equipment in the bus that would aid in an actual evacuation, which may include such equipment as the emergency exits, emergency or fire blankets, and webbing cutters. At least once during each school semester, students should participate in supervised and timed emergency evacuation drills.
The District will make every reasonably effort to ensure all students have a reasonable understanding of the concept of an emergency and how they will exit the bus. Students with disabilities shall participate in required evacuation drills unless their participation would present a health risk. If a child’s participation would present a health risk, the Superintendent or their designee shall inform the student’s parent/guardian of the barriers to participation. The District shall seek the help of school liaisons, parents/guardians, and other District personnel in training students and staff on the emergency plan, including how to exit the bus without the use of any mobility device or equipment that would be unavailable in the event of an emergency evacuation.
To allow evacuation in the event of an emergency, items belonging to those riding the bus must be safely stowed and secured away from any aisle or emergency exit. To ensure that aisles and emergency exits are kept clear at all times.
The Superintendent may issue additional rules limiting the size or number of items riders may bring with them on the bus.
Policy History:
Adopted on: March 18, 2024
Revised on: December 15, 2025
Reviewed on: