Skip to main content

Eugene School District 4J

Equity. Excellence. Innovation.

Bus Test

Special Guidance for Bus Drivers

As a school district employee, your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of students who are away from school buildings, while following district policies and legal requirements.

Given recent changes in immigration enforcement, it is essential for all staff, including bus drivers, to understand proper procedures when approached by law enforcement or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Your role is critical in protecting student privacy, and by following this guidance, you help maintain compliance with legal obligations while safeguarding students’ rights. If uncertain, always defer to district representatives and legal counsel

A list of important reminders and additional support information for school bus safety and privacy.

 

STEPS TO FOLLOW IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS 

    • Refrain from answering any questions about students, their families, or their whereabouts
    • Do not confirm or deny if a specific student is on the bus or provide any related details
    • Avoid discussing or identifying students waiting at the stop
    • Do not confirm or deny the presence of any student
    • Inform dispatch of the situation and provide key details, including:
      • Location of the incident
      • Name and badge number of the officer/agent
      • Reason for the inquiry (if stated)
    • Follow all instructions from dispatch.
    • Remain polite, do not share information, and direct all inquiries to district representatives.
    • Politely inform law enforcement or ICE agents that you do not have the authority to provide access or share information.
    • If an officer or agent insists on boarding, state that district representatives will address their request. Collect the name and badge number of the officer/agent. Do not physically intervene, but document the incident.
    • If instructed by law enforcement or ICE to stop, park the bus in a safe location.
    • Keep all students on the bus unless a parent or legal guardian is present to take custody of their child.
      • A student may be released to a parent or legal guardian if they are present and wish to take custody of their child. Confirm the identity of the parent or guardian before releasing the student.
    • Remain in contact with dispatch and follow their guidance. A district representative will arrive to handle the situation.
  • Once the situation is resolved, document the incident thoroughly:

    1. Call dispatch immediately after the incident to report details.
    2. Provide a written report to your supervisor, including:
      • Time and location of the incident
      • Names and badge numbers of officers/agents involved
      • Questions asked or actions taken by law enforcement or ICE
      • Instructions given by dispatch or district administrators

SCENARIOS WITH SCRIPTS FOR BUS DRIVERS

    1. If an officer signals you to stop:
      • Script: “For student safety, I need to notify my dispatch and supervisor before proceeding. Please wait a moment while I contact them.”
      • Call dispatch and provide:
        • Your location.
        • The officer/agent's name and badge number (if provided).
        • Reason for the stop (if stated).

    2. If the officer requests access to the bus or information:
      • Script: “I’m sorry, but I am not authorized to grant access or share any information. District representatives handle these requests. Please wait while I contact them.”

    3. If the officer insists on boarding the bus:
      • Script: “For the safety of the students, I must follow district policy and notify dispatch. A district representative will address your request. Please understand this is a legal requirement. Please wait.”
      • Do not physically intervene, but document the incident (time, location, officer’s name, badge number, actions taken). Provide any documents provided by an officer or agent to the Transportation Director.
    1. If they are not engaging with your bus:
      • Script (to dispatch): “This is [Your Name] driving Bus #[Bus Number]. I am approaching an area with ICE activity at [location]. I am continuing on my route but notifying you of the situation. Please advise.”

    2. If activity could impact your stop or route:
      • Script (to dispatch): “This is [Your Name] driving Bus #[Bus Number]. I am approaching [location] where ICE activity is occurring. Should I adjust my route or delay the stop to ensure student safety?”
    1. If they are waiting near the bus stop:
      • Script (to officer): “I need to notify my dispatch and supervisor before proceeding. District representatives will address your questions. Please wait while I contact them.”
      • Script (to dispatch): “This is [Your Name]. ICE/Officer is present at the stop at [location]. I have students on board. Please advise on how to proceed.”

    2. If officer requests information or access to students:
      • Script (to officer): “I am not authorized to provide that information or access. Our district policy requires that all inquiries go through district representatives. Please wait for further instructions.”
    1. Remain calm and non-confrontational
      • Script: “I understand your concern. I am following district protocol, which requires me to notify dispatch and district representatives. Please wait for further direction from them.”
      • Notify dispatch immediately and explain the situation

    2. If the situation escalates:
      • Script (to dispatch): “This is [Your Name]. ICE is claiming obstruction of justice. I need immediate assistance from a district representative. Please advise how to proceed.”
    1. If a parent or guardian wants to take custody of their child:
      • Script (to parent): “I can release your child to you, but I need to confirm your identity first. Thank you for understanding.”
      • Verify the parent or guardian’s identity before releasing the student.

    2. If law enforcement or ICE requests information about the parent or student:
      • Script (to officer): “I cannot provide any information or confirm anyone’s identity. District representatives handle these requests. Please wait for further assistance.”