Florence One Schools is authorized by the S.C. Department of Education to provide school bus transportation for pupils regularly enrolled within the district's attendance lines. The Transportation Office realizes it is working with one of Florence County's most precious resources—its school children. To help ensure safe, efficient transportation, parents/guardians and students should read the Rules of Conduct so they will know their responsibilities.
Riding the bus is a privilege rather than a right for each student to enjoy. The Transportation Office will do everything within its authority to provide the safest transportation possible for the students in Florence One Schools.

Transportation Mission Statement:
To provide safe and efficient transportation for all eligible students within Florence One Schools. Transportation provides support for Florence One Schools in the following areas:

• To and From School (eligible students)
• Field Trips
• Special Needs
• After School Programs, when offered
• Summer School Programs, when offered

Florence One Schools operates 87 school buses on 250 routes and provides transportation for twelve thousand students each school day. Overall our drivers travel about 10,000 miles a day. The District is broken down into four main areas of responsibility for Transportation, Wilson, West Florence, South Florence, and Special Needs.

1.   Students can only switch from their assigned bus with a written request from a parent/guardian. The school principal and the transportation director will evaluate each request. If parents request a drop off other than the normal stop, they must make this request in writing and have it notarized, there is a form attached to this website. The new stop location must be within the child’s assigned school zone and be on a space available basis.

2.   Complaints or safety concerns regarding a bus or bus driver should be made to the Transportation Office.

3.   All bus students are expected to obey the principals and teachers at each school their bus serves. The student's school principal will discipline students who disobey any school official on school grounds (which include school buses).

4.   Most school buses in Florence School District One are equipped with a video and audio recording device which can be used to monitor passenger and bus activity. Student behavior on the bus and the driver's management of the behavior are key elements for a safe bus ride. The video/audio recorder on a school bus is an aid to monitor discipline. It does not replace the discipline policy, the authority of the driver, or the responsibility of school officials.  Requests to view a video or audio recording can only be made by drivers, school administrators, or parents/guardians and must be made through the administrator at the child’s school. Requests to review recordings will be granted when there is "just cause" and with the intent of observing and resolving a particular problem or situation. Viewings will be conducted only within the presence of a school administrator.

5.   These regulations were established for the protection of students, school officials, school property and the motoring public. Students who fail to follow these rules could lose the privilege to ride any Florence School District One bus. When, in the judgment of school district officials, any bus student's behavior endangers the lives of other bus students and the motoring public, then that student can be immediately removed from the bus. Bus privileges will remain suspended until the student has had a conference with the school principal.

6.   Bus drivers cannot suspend a student from riding the bus. Only the principal of the school the student attends or the transportation director can make this decision.

7.    All students are subject to transportation laws, rules, and regulations from the time they board a school bus until the bus route is completed or until the students arrive at their normal destinations, either home or school

8.    Should a bus arrive at an assigned bus stop for a two week period, and no students board the bus, the bus stop will be deactivated. Should the parents wish to reactivate the bus stop, they will need to contact the Transportation Office and it may take up to four business days to complete the process.

I have a concern about my child's bus driver. Who do I talk to?

School bus drivers are concerned about the safety and well-being of the students they transport.  Most decisions are made based on the safety of the students.  If a parent has a concern or complaint about a driver, he or she should contact the Office of Transportation.  The matter will be addressed at the earliest possible time.

Why does my child have to be at the stop so early?

Bus routes are monitored closely, and stop times are generally very regular; however, buses can break down, resulting in irregular bus arrivals.  This cannot be controlled by school district staff.  Riders are instructed to be at their stop 10 to 15 minutes before the regular arrival time of their school bus.

Why is the bus not allowed to turn around on my private road?

Buses need wide areas for maneuvering, clear of all hazards (Limbs, Posts, Cars, etc.) with sufficient surfaces to support the heavy bus and a 60- ft radius for turn-about.  The district must have a notarized release to operate on private roads.  If you are the owner of a private road or long driveway and would like the Transportation Office to inspect your property for possible turn around, please contact the Office of Transportation (843-673-1118)

Why was my child picked up late today?

If a bus breaks down or additional students have caused a bus to be overcrowded, second trips may be necessary on a temporary basis. In this event, some students may arrive at school or at home later than usual.

Why is my child not allowed to change seats on the bus?

Drivers are instructed to assign seats to students at the beginning of each year.  In general, the younger students are asked to sit toward the front of the bus and the older students in the back. This allows the driver to better monitor the students as he or she drives.  Assigned seats may also be based on behavior and special needs accommodations.  Please be aware that we receive many requests from parents for children to ride in the front seat. However, there is a limited number of front seats, which means that only a few students will be assigned to them.  Seating arrangements are made on the best available information about all the students on the bus.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Transportation (843-673-1118)

Why does my child have to walk to the end of the road to catch the bus?

According to the South Carolina State Department's Regulation F, a regular route pattern is usually established by traveling along main roadways and centralized streets within a community or area.  School buses are not permitted to leave the designated bus route to travel along roadways unless the student's legal residence is greater than three-tenths (3/10) of a mile from the regular route pattern (SC-59-67-420)

Why can't the bus stop closer to my house?

Based on state regulations (SC-43-80-F), School bus stops cannot be closer than two tenths (2/10) of a mile.  Additionally, the stops must be designated as safe points for drop off.  If there are multiple stops closer than 2/10 of a mile together, the stops must be combined to make one stop, unless a safety hazard is present.  Additionally, students may not be dropped off close to an intersection, which would constitute a safety hazard.

When it is raining, why does my child have to walk home?

According to state regulation, buses are not permitted to leave the regular route during inclement weather; however, students who live along the route may qualify for additional stops.  In freezing weather or after heavy rain, some roads in the county are impassable due to ice, snow, or water covering the road.  The District will attempt to contact parents in affected areas.  If you are aware that weather conditions have made your child's bus stop inaccessible, please contact the Office of Transportation immediately. (843-673-1118)

If I do not have transportation to bring my child to school, does my child have a right to ride the bus even if he or she gets in trouble?

Riding the bus is a privilege and not a right.  Correct behavior is the responsibility of the student, not the driver.  Students will be held responsible for obeying all student transportation regulations and school district conduct code.  Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the problems that might stem from getting in trouble on the bus.

Why are you charging my child for damaging the bus or bus seat?

Parents will be charged should their child damage any bus equipment. Seat covers can cost as much as $75.00.The loss of riding privilege may remain until payment for damages is received.

Why is my child not allowed to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop without a signed verified note?

All students are assigned to specific buses and load and unload at assigned bus stops.  This is primarily to protect the safety of the student.  This helps to prevent a student from going to a location that their parents are not aware of, or do not approve of.  This also prevents students from becoming lost, and prevents us from having overcrowding.  Students are not permitted to change buses without prior approval.  All notes sent from home must be given to an Administrator early in the day so that they have adequate time to notify transportation for approval.  If a request for change comes into the transportation office late, it may not be approved.

Why is my child not allowed to cross the road to get home earlier?

Students are not allowed to cross any four-lane road or highway at any time when engaged in school bus transportation services.

Why can't I talk to the driver of my child's bus at the stop?

To protect the safety of our students, we do not allow any adult to board the bus or to carry on conversations with the driver or students during the bus route.  Parents and other citizens must never interfere with the operation of or board a school bus or threaten the driver or students.The use of threatening, obscene, or profane language addressed to the driver or any passengers entering, leaving, or waiting for a school bus is disorderly conduct.

Who is responsible for my child when they are waiting at the bus stop?

According to state law, parents and guardians are responsible for the safety and conduct of their children going to and from, and while at the bus stop.  Parents are encouraged to remind their children not to cross the street until the bus arrives, the lights are flashing red, and the driver signals students to cross.

How does the district handle discipline on school buses?

The bus driver has limited opportunities to monitor students while driving the bus.  The driver will record any discipline infractions of which he or she is aware and turn these into the appropriate principal's office.  Students should report any problems of which they are aware to the school bus driver and administrator as well.  Since the driver cannot observe all student interaction that happens while the bus is in motion.

There is a dog close to the bus stop that scares my child, Can the stop be moved?

While the district strives to accommodate parent requests as much as possible, parents should be aware there are some hazards and dangers that cannot be controlled by the district.  The initial responsibility for community hazards, including concerns about pets and wildlife, lies with city and county governments, law enforcement and parents.  Please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to control the problem if the bus stop cannot be changed to meet your request.

 

 

 

 

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School Bus Stop Laws

                  

SC Department of Education

How To Become a Certified Bus Driver

Be aware that becoming a bus driver will require passing very strenuous physical test along with written and driving test.  We also conduct Drug & Alcohol testing, Sled Check, and Driver Record Checks on all of our applicants

1.   Fill out an Application

2.  After completing the required forms and Sled Check returns, class information (dates, time and location) will be provided to you by the Driver Trainer.  You will be required to be on time (You will not be allowed in class late).  You must attend all four (4) days of training.  You will need to bring a notebook, pen/pencil and your SC Driver’s License.  Out of State Licenses should be transferred prior to class.

3.  Upon completion of class, you will be required to get a physical; the forms will be provided at the end of the training.  You will then go to the DMV to take your written test and receive your CDL permit

4.  Once you have a CDL Permit, you will take your first pre-employment drug test and TB Test.  The results will be forwarded to the District Transportation Office.  After completing that you are to contact Hope Driggers at 843-673-1118.  She will schedule a time for you to come in and do paperwork and begin your training process.  The process will include Physical Performance (PPT), Behind the Wheel (BTW), Pre-Trip, Skills and Road Trip Training.  You are required to receive a minimum of 10 hours of training; however more will be provided if needed. (When you arrive for the PPT and BTW/CDL Road Test you will need to have your CDL Permit, Driver’s License and Physical Card with you.)

5.   After you have passed the PPT and BTW Road Test, the examiner will submit your test scores to the Driver Trainer for the State Department of Education.  The Driver Trainer will then issue a waiver with the exception of Teachers, Coaches and Supervisors for you to return to the DMV when you are ready to take your CDL Road Test.  This must be done within 30 days of receipt of waiver or you will have to be retested for BTW again