I. Purpose and Authority

The safety of all students is the highest priority of the Putnam City Public Schools Transportation Department. The Transportation Student Discipline Plan is established to maintain safe, orderly, and respectful behavior on all district-operated school buses. This plan works in conjunction with Board Policy, Transportation Policy, Bus Safety Guidelines, and Bus Rider Rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

School buses are considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, all district policies apply while riding the bus. Transportation staff are authorized to enforce all transportation policies in accordance with district authority and state law. The procedures outlined in this plan provide clear expectations for student conduct and consistent disciplinary consequences for violations of transportation rules.

II. General Discipline Procedures

The discipline steps outlined in this plan serve as the standard procedures typically followed to address inappropriate behavior on district-operated school buses. Depending on the nature and severity of the infraction, these steps may be modified or bypassed when circumstances warrant a more serious disciplinary response.

School bus drivers and monitors are responsible for maintaining safe and orderly conduct on the bus and for ensuring that students comply with all Bus Rider Rules, Bus Safety Guidelines, and district transportation policies.

Verbal warnings and assigned seating may be utilized as initial corrective measures. While these interventions are appropriate components of the Bus Discipline Action Plan, they are not required prerequisites for the Transportation Department to proceed with further disciplinary action if student behavior warrants additional intervention.

III. Progressive Discipline Action Steps

The following progressive discipline procedures shall apply to student misconduct on district-operated school buses. The Transportation Department retains the discretion to adjust disciplinary consequences based on the nature and severity of the behavior in accordance with district policy.

Parent Contact Form (Warning Notice)

• The driver may issue a Parent Contact Form (half-sheet) for minor behavior infractions, including but not limited to:

  • Minor safety violations (e.g., improper seating, obstructing the aisle, failure to remain seated properly).

  • Eating or drinking on the bus.

  • Excessive noise or distractions (e.g., yelling, screaming, loud cell phone usage).

• The Parent Contact Form must be signed and returned by the morning of the second school day following issuance.

• failure to return the signed Parent Contact Form will result in the driver submitting a formal Student Conduct Report (Write-Up).

• Serious behavior violations bypass this step entirely (e.g., physical aggression, horseplay, willful disobedience, extreme disrespect).

• A Parent Contact Form serves as an official warning. Only one (1) Parent Contact Form will be issued per incident.

• The driver may bypass the Parent Contact Form, with prior approval from the Student Discipline Supervisor.

Progressive Discipline Sequence

• First Write-Up-

  3-Day Bus Suspension

• Second Write-Up-

  5-Day Bus Suspension

• Third Write-Up-

  8-Day Bus Suspension

• Fourth Write-Up-

  10-Day Bus Suspension

• Fifth Write-Up-

  15-Day Bus Suspension-

• Any Further Incidents-

  Suspension for Remainder of Semester or Termination of Bus Riding Privileges for Remainder of School Year

In cases where no Parent Contact Form was issued, the Student Discipline Supervisor may contact the parent/guardian directly to issue a warning before proceeding to suspension.

The Student Discipline Supervisor and authorized transportation administrators may increase or modify suspension durations when warranted by the circumstances.

IV. Administrative Discretion

Nothing in this plan shall limit the authority of the Transportation Department, Student Discipline Supervisor, Assistant Director of Transportation, Director of Transportation, or district administrators to adjust or modify disciplinary actions as warranted based on the specific circumstances of a student’s conduct, safety concerns, or repeated offenses.

V. Appeals Process

Parents and legal guardians may appeal disciplinary actions related to transportation in accordance with the Transportation Disciplinary Appeals Process as outlined in Putnam City Public Schools Board Policy. While an appeal is pending, the assigned disciplinary action remains in effect unless otherwise modified by the Transportation Department.

VI. Definitions

• Parent Contact Form (Half-Sheet): A written warning issued by the driver for minor behavior infractions, requiring parent signature and return.

• Student Conduct Report (Write-Up): A formal written report submitted for significant or repeated rule violations.

• Bus Suspension: Temporary removal of transportation privileges for a designated number of school days.

• Student Discipline Supervisor: The designated Transportation Department administrator responsible for reviewing conduct reports, assigning discipline, and overseeing the appeals process.

VII. Contact Information

For questions regarding transportation discipline, parents or legal guardians may contact:

Transportation Student Discipline Supervisor
Putnam City Public Schools Transportation Department
7111 NW 42nd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
Phone: (405) 789-3244