Is the school accountable for what happens on a school bus?

Question

My child was attacked on a school bus for a student in the same grade, but different class. We advised the school, but were told that they were not responsble for what happens on a school bus. Is that true? I would still think that they should take some measures to deal with the student.

Answer 1

I guess this varies in different places because as far as I know, in Texas, the school is liable and has written policies about behavior on school-provided transprotation. Some school districts punish with in-school suspension while others give 3 days off the bus. Multiple offenses or major offenses mean the student cannot ride the bus again for the remainder of the school year.

My question is this: What did the driver do when this incident happened? If the driver wrote a formal discipline referral, then the school is responsible for issuing punishment. However, if the driver did not do this either from not noticing or from thinking it was not a major offense, then the school is not liable. Schools must have a formal written discipline referral from the witnessing adult in order to act on allegations.

Answer 2

The school district is responsible for them on school days from the time they get on the bus until the time they are home or in some states 4:30pm. You need to bring this up in an emergency meeting with the schoolboard. You also need to make a police report which will hold the child and or the parents responsible which will then force the schoolboard to get involved.

Answer 3

if they reserve the right to take your child off the school bus discipline a child who did something on the bus etc etc then they should be responsible.

Answer 4

half and half situation with the bus company

Answer 5

It dam sure should be responsible!