Student Behavior

Parents/guardians are responsible for students’ behavior at the bus stop. Classroom behavior is expected while on the bus. The driver is the authority figure responsible for enforcing the safe transport rules. Bus safety rules are listed here, as well as on the bulkhead in each bus. The driver can handle minor discipline problems by speaking to students or reassigning seats. More serious issues are addressed at the school by either bus proctors or principals. Each bus is equipped with video cameras that may be used to support investigation or discipline. Behavior or discipline issues may result in a warning, reprimand, the student being sent to bus safety school, or loss of bus transportation privileges.

School Bus Drivers

North Allegheny's school bus drivers are extremely well-trained. Candidates must complete a minimum of 14 hours of classroom training and six hours of on-the-road training. All drivers must possess a Commercial Driver’s License with a School Bus Endorsement. Drivers are subject to two background checks, FBI clearance, driver’s license review, and pre-employment drug testing.

Training does not end when a driver becomes licensed. Each year, all drivers attend at least two in-service programs. Every four years, the drivers are required to complete a ten-hour recertification. Additionally, drivers are given an annual physical by a district-appointed physician. Drivers are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing. More than half of North Allegheny's drivers have been working in the district for over ten years.

School Buses

The district owns and maintains its own bus fleet and utilizes contractors for some special needs, private schools, and other special programs. We have a staff of certified mechanics and assistants who maintain our vehicles and also respond to bus breakdowns or other on-road issues. We conduct an extensive preventative maintenance program to ensure our fleet remains in excellent condition, and all buses are given a thorough inspection by the Pennsylvania State Police each summer.

Safety is of the utmost importance. Each bus is equipped with standard safety items such as a fire extinguisher, safety triangles, a first aid kit, and a body fluid cleanup kit. All safety rules are posted on the bulkhead. Drivers review these rules with students at the beginning of each school year. Bus discipline is the responsibility of each school with input from the driver and his or her supervisor. Classroom behavior is expected while on the bus. Video-only cameras have been installed in all buses to aid in this process.

All vehicles are equipped with two-way radios. On days that school is in session, the dispatch office is staffed from 6:00 AM–5:00 PM. The employee in the dispatch office is responsible for answering incoming phone calls and communicating necessary information to drivers. The dispatch office may be reached at bushelp.northallegheny.org or 412-369-5500.