Zero Tolerance Policy

Proposed Dispositions
For Fighting On A School Bus
Effective November 1, 2004

Elementary School

1st Offense: Minimum 10-day suspension from the bus.

2nd Offense: Minimum 45-day suspension from the bus.

3rd Offense: Minimum 1-calendar year suspension from the bus.

In addition, a disposition will be assigned to include but not limited to ISS or suspension from school. A complaint may be filed with the appropriate authorities.

Middle School / High School

1st Offense: From a minimum 45-day suspension to a maximum 1-calendar year suspension from the bus. Student may be referred to a Formal Hearing for alternative placement to include but not limited to long-term suspension or permanent expulsion from school and/or the bus.

2nd Offense: From a minimum 1-calendar year suspension to a maximum permanent explusion from the bus. Student will be referred to a Formal Hearing for alternative placement to include but not limited to long-term suspension or permanent expulsion from school and/or the bus.

3rd Offense: Permanent expulsion from the bus. Student will be referred to a Formal Hearing for alternative placement to include but not limited to long-term suspension or permanent expulsion from school.

In addition, a disposition will be assigned to include but not limited to ISS or suspension from school. A complaint may be filed with the appropriate authorities.

In every instance, the aggressor will be suspended from the bus for a minimum of 1-calendar year.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the roles of individual students. Based on the results of the investigation, administrative discretion will be used in assigning consequences beyond the minimum disciplinary dispositions. The investigation may include but is not limited to the following:

• Bus video
• Witness statements
• Bus driver statements

Students fighting on the bus who have been assigned to Sharp as an alternative placement will not be provided transportation to or from Sharp.

Students attempting to board a school bus during a bus suspension will be charged with trespassing.

Transportation is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked. Parents are required to meet student attendance obligations per GA law (Code Section 20-2-690.1)

Signs will be posted on all school buses stating, “FIGHTING ON A SCHOOL BUS WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF BUS RIDING PRIVILEGES.”