Glenbard Township High School District 87
Policy 4:110-R3
Operational Services
Administrative Procedure – Bus Driver Communication Devices; Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspection; and Bus Driving Comments
Bus Driver Communication Devices
State law prohibits a school bus driver from operating a school bus while using a cellular radio telecommunication device. It requires each school bus to contain either an operating cellular radio telecommunication device or two-way radio while the school bus driver is in possession of the school bus. The cellular radio telecommunication device or two-way radio must be turned on and adjusted in a manner that would alert the driver of an incoming communication request. See 625 ILCS 5/12-813, amended by P.A. 96-818 and P.A 96-1066.
Bus drivers may still have cell phones although they are prohibited from using cell phones for anything, including personal use, while operating a bus except: (1) in an emergency situation to communicate with an emergency response operator; a hospital; a physician's office or health clinic; an ambulance service; a fire department, fire district, or fire company; or a police department; (2) in the event of a 'mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem;" (3) to communicate with school authorities or their designees about bus operation or the welfare and safety of any passengers on the bus; or (4) when the bus is parked. 625 ILCS 5/12-813.1(c). amended by P.A. 96-1066.
Bus/Vehicle Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspection
All school bus drivers, whether employed by the School District or private sector school bus company, shall
1. Test the cellular radio communication device or two way radio and ensure that it is functioning properly before the bus is operated (625 ILCS 5/12-816, amended by P.A. 96-818 and P.A. 96-1066); and
2. Perform a visual sweep for children or other passengers at the end of a route, work shift or workday by:
a. Activating interior lights of the school bus to assist the driver in searching in and under each seat (625 ILCS 5/12-816(c)), and
b. Walking to the rear of the school bus/vehicle checking in and under each seat (625 ILCS 5/12-816(b)).
If a mechanical post-trip inspection reminder system is installed, the driver shall comply with the requirements of that system 625 ILCS 5/12-816(d).
Bus Driving Comments
Each school bus and multifunction school activity bus shall display a sign at the rear, with letters and numerals readily visible and readable; in the following format:
TO COMMENT ON MY DRIVING, CALL (630) 469-9100*
*An area code in addition to the telephone number of the school bus owner must be displayed, regardless of whether the owner is a school district or another person or entity.
Driving comments shall be accepted in the following manner:
1. Calls to comment on school bus driving shall be directed to the Superintendent or designee.
2. The Superintendent or designee shall conduct an internal investigation of the events that led to each complaint.
3. The Superintendent or designee shall inform the commenting party of any results of the investigation and the action, if any,
taken to remedy the situation.
DATED: October 2007
REVIEWED: December 10, 2007
REVISED: December 10, 2007
REVIEWED: February 8, 2010
REVISED: March 22, 2010
REVIEWED: January 10, 2011
REVISED: January 24, 2011
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