Policies & Procedures

FMSD bus routes are developed using main public roads and centralized neighborhood streets. Routes are planned for efficiency, safety, and accessibility within each school’s attendance zone.

Students are eligible for bus transportation if their legal residence is more than 1.5 miles from the school’s main pedestrian entrance and they reside in the school’s attendance area.
(SC Code 59-67-420)

FMSD buses will not travel off regular routes unless a student’s home is more than 0.3 miles from the designated route path.
(SC Code 59-67-420)

Bus stops must be spaced at least 0.2 miles apart, based on road safety and traffic patterns determined by State guidelines.
(SC Regulation 43-80-F)

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring the safety and behavior of their children while traveling to and from the bus stop, and while waiting for the bus.

Students are required to ride only their assigned bus and use their assigned stop. Changes must be formally requested and approved.

A parent or designated adult must be present and visible at the stop for a 4K student to be dropped off. If no adult is present, the student will be returned to school. Repeated occurrences may result in a suspension of bus privileges.

Students should never cross the road until the bus has fully stopped, red lights are flashing, and the driver signals them to cross. Parents are encouraged to supervise young children at the stop.

Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. Misconduct will be addressed using a progressive discipline model, which may include suspension from bus service.

Discipline Levels:

• Level 1 (Minor Offenses):
  1st: Warning
  2nd: Suspension up to 10 days
  3rd: Suspension for the remainder of the year
• Level 2 (Repeated or Serious Infractions):
  1st: Suspension up to 20 days
  2nd: Suspension for the remainder of the year
• Level 3 (Severe Offenses):
  May result in immediate suspension for the remainder of the year

Students should arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Due to possible mechanical delays or traffic, buses may occasionally arrive late.

Drivers have the authority to assign seats to support safe and orderly transportation. Seating assignments may change as needed.

All students must comply with FMSD and South Carolina transportation policies. These rules are available on the FMSD website or by request.

Only items that can fit on the student’s lap are allowed on the bus. Prohibited items include:

• Glass objects
• Balloons
• Insects or animals
• Class projects too large to fit safely
• Pressurized containers
• Musical instruments that obstruct the aisle or seating

Parents/guardians will be held responsible for any damage caused by their child to a school bus. Payment may be required before transportation service resumes.

School bus drivers are legally authorized to manage student behavior on the bus. All concerns should be directed to the school administration or the FMSD Transportation Department, not the driver.

In areas of rapid growth, buses may become overcrowded. In such cases, a second trip may be necessary, which could result in delayed pickup or drop-off times.

Parents or community members are not permitted to board or interfere with school buses at any time. All concerns must be addressed through school staff.
(SC Code 59-67-245)

Due to high volume and logistics, the Transportation Department may not be able to individually notify parents during breakdowns or delays. Real-time updates will be shared through FMSD communication systems when possible.

All FMSD school rules apply on the bus. Cell phones should be off and out of sight, unless being used for educational purposes with permission.

Routes are established based on public road access, student needs, safety, and efficiency. Routes may change due to growth, construction, or road hazards. Parents will be notified when significant changes occur.