Salem-Keizer School District issues bus safety guidance for students and families

The Salem-Keizer School District released a recorded message to students and families outlining bus safety expectations and procedures ahead of the school year. The message encouraged punctuality, respectful behavior and steps to stay safe while boarding, riding and exiting district buses.

The presenter said the district’s bus drivers "care deeply for our students and are excited to be one of the first and last members of our Salem-Keizer team your student will connect with each day," and described the district’s aim to provide "trusted transportation services to ensure students arrive at school - safe and ready to learn." The message urged families to partner with students to set routines that support regular attendance.

The district advised riders to "be at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive," to check the black placard by the student entry door for the route number, and to wait in a safe location away from the road and curb. Students were instructed to remain seated with their "back to the back of the seat, bottom to the bottom of the seat," keep hands to themselves and follow the driver’s instructions. "If the bus has seat belts, students must buckle up," the presenter said, and students should ask the driver before changing seats.

On conduct and equipment, the message said water is allowed but other food and drink should stay in backpacks or lunch boxes, and that technology such as phones, tablets and laptops must be used responsibly. The presenter emphasized that "no fighting, yelling or unkind behavior, including bullying will be tolerated," and encouraged students who witness or experience unsafe behavior to report it to the driver, school staff or confidentially through SafeOregon.

The presenter listed items that may not be brought on board — skateboards, scooters or balloons — and said only pre-approved assistance animals may ride the bus. Hazardous or dangerous materials are not allowed. At the start of the year, students will receive additional training including a bus evacuation drill; the presenter described orderly exit procedures and use of handrails. For students who need extra time, the message asked for patience from other riders. For students who must cross the street after exiting, the presenter instructed them to "let the driver know," wait for the driver’s hand signal, then walk straight across while checking both ways.

The district closed by wishing students a safe, kind and respectful bus ride and thanking families for their assistance. The message noted that further student training and evacuation drills will take place at the beginning of the school year.