OAR 581-053-0610: District Requirements for use of a Special Pupil Activity Bus

(1) A transportation entity may only use school buses, activity vehicles and Special Pupil Activity Buses (SPABs) to provide transportation for students for school activity trips. A transportation entity may only use a SPAB if the transportation entity and the SPAB meets the requirements of this rule. (2) The transportation entity shall notify the parents or guardians of students if the transportation entity is using SPABs for pupil transportation. (3) A chaperone is to be present on the SPAB any time students are present. (4) Transportation entity shall ensure that owners and operators of SPABs meet the requirements stated in OAR 581-053-0615. (a) Transportation entities may only use a carrier that has a valid ODE Certificate of Carrier Approval. (b) Transportation entities may only use SPAB drivers that have been certified by the Oregon Department of Education. (5) Transportation entities should encourage students to: (a) Limit the amount of time that they are out of their seat during vehicle operation; (b) Have a good grip on seat back or designated hand grips when students are out of their seat during vehicle operation; and (c) Not walk or stand during stop and go traffic circumstances or while the SPAB is traveling roads with many twists and turns. (6) Transportation entities shall keep a copy of the SPAB carrier’s: (a) Current “Certificate of Carrier Approval” issued by the Oregon Department of Education. (b) List of qualified SPAB drivers. (c) Districts shall document and keep evidence of required safety instructions for 2 years. (7) Transportation entities shall report to the Oregon Department of Education SPAB carriers or their drivers that have been observed by patrons, staff, parents or students engaging in any of the following: (a) Violating speed laws; (b) Unsafe vehicle operation; (c) Unsafe or poorly maintained SPAB; (d) Inappropriate behavior, contact or language; (e) Students left or stranded because the carrier failed to perform duties of the contract; or (f) Supplies an unqualified SPAB driver.