WSR 05-19-107

PERMANENT RULES

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION


[ Filed September 20, 2005, 1:54 p.m. , effective October 21, 2005 ]


     

     Purpose: Chapter 180-20 WAC, School bus driver qualifications, changes consist of restructuring of current language to create a logical flow. The time period for disqualifying offenses has been modified to alignment with standards for school district certificated personnel. The authorization process has been modified to align with the current school bus driver online authorization process.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending chapter 180-20 WAC.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.160.210.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 05-15-057 on August 26 [July 12], 2005.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: The intent of the change in WAC 180-20-103, which is substantially different from what was filed, is for school bus drivers to have the same consequences as certificated school staff. The language was inadvertently not filed with the code reviser at the time of the CR-102 filing.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 3, Amended 7, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 3, Amended 7, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 3, Amended 7, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: August 26, 2005.

Larry Davis

Executive Director

OTS-8052.3


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-08-055, filed 4/2/04, effective 5/3/04)

WAC 180-20-009   Definitions.   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

     (1) "School bus driver" means a person, who is employed by a school district including contracted drivers under WAC 180-20-031 (1) and (2) and as part of that employment or contract, operates a school bus as defined in WAC 392-143-010, ((as well as)) or other motor vehicles for the regularly scheduled transportation of students between home and school((, and for school related activities on routinely scheduled routes)). School buses shall be operated by authorized school bus drivers when transporting students. An authorized school bus driver may also transport students on field trips and other school related activities.

     (2) "A school bus driver's authorization" means an authorization issued by the superintendent of public instruction indicating that the person has met state board of education requirements to operate a school bus or other motor vehicle for the purpose of transporting students to and from school routinely on scheduled routes and/or school activities. A school bus driver must be authorized prior to transporting students and such authorization shall continue in effect as long as the person continues to meet the requirements of this chapter. A school bus driver authorization is not valid if suspended, revoked or lapsed.

     (3) "School bus driver instructor's authorization" means an authorization issued by the superintendent of public instruction to a person successfully completing the superintendent of public instruction approved school bus driver instructor course. This authorization qualifies a person to train and verify the training of school bus drivers. This authorization shall lapse unless the holder successfully completes an annual school bus driver instructor's in-service course.

     (4) "School bus driver training course" means a course established by the superintendent of public instruction and taught by an authorized school bus driver instructor. This course shall be successfully completed by all applicants for a ((continuing)) school bus driver's authorization.

     (5) "School bus driver annual in-service training course" means an annual course taught by an authorized school bus driver instructor. The content and minimum time requirements of such course shall be annually determined by the superintendent of public instruction and shall be required to be completed ((by the end of the school year)) no earlier than August 1st and no later than November 1st by all authorized school bus drivers.

     (6) "School bus driver instructor's course" means a training program authorized by the superintendent of public instruction to qualify a person as a school bus driver instructor.

     (7) "School bus driver instructor's annual in-service course" means an annual required course, the content of which shall be determined by the superintendent of public instruction. Successful completion of this course prevents the instructor's authorization from lapsing.

     (8) "Serious behavioral problem" includes, but is not limited to, conduct which indicates unfitness to carry out the responsibilities related to the occupation or job performance of transporting children, such as: Dishonesty; immorality; or misuse of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a prescription drug; or furnishing alcohol or controlled substances to a minor or student. It does not include the orderly exercise during off-duty hours of any rights guaranteed under the law to citizens generally, except where such conduct indicates a safety risk for the transportation of students.

     (9) "Medical examiner's certificate" means a written verification of passing a medical examination in accordance with the standards established in 49 CFR 391.41 through 391.49, of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. School bus drivers must provide verification of passing a medical examination at a minimum of every twenty-four months. School bus drivers must continue to meet these medical requirements during the time between examinations. This requirement does not prevent a school district from requesting a more frequent examination.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 04-08-055, § 180-20-009, filed 4/2/04, effective 5/3/04; 02-18-055, § 180-20-009, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-08-055, filed 4/2/04, effective 5/3/04)

WAC 180-20-021   Training and qualifications of school bus driver instructors -- Administration.   It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent of public instruction to administer the program of training and qualifications of school bus driver instructors consistent with the provisions of this chapter. The superintendent of public instruction shall determine the qualifications necessary for applicants for the school bus driver instructor course and qualifications necessary for continuation of the school bus driver instructor authorization. Each school bus driver instructor shall verify annually that they continue to meet said qualifications. Intentional falsification of school bus driver training records shall result in permanent ((disqualification)) revocation of the school bus driver instructor authorization. In the case of denial of authorization or disqualification, the superintendent of public instruction shall provide an appeal process consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 04-08-055, § 180-20-021, filed 4/2/04, effective 5/3/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-08-014, filed 3/28/05, effective 4/28/05)

WAC 180-20-101   ((Minimum qualifications of)) Initial requirements for school bus drivers.   (((1))) Every authorized school bus driver must meet ((and continue to meet)) the following ((minimum)) initial requirements:

     (((a))) (1) Be at least twenty-one years of age.

     (((b) Have a valid driver's license or commercial driver's license, as required by law, issued by the state department of licensing.

     (c))) (2) Have at least one year of experience as a driver of a truck or commercial vehicle requiring a special endorsement or, in the alternative, at least three years of experience as a driver of a passenger vehicle.

     (((d) Hold a current and valid first-aid card or equivalent which certifies that the applicant has completed a course in the basic principles of first aid.

     (e) Submit to the school district a disclosure of all crimes against children or other persons and all civil adjudications in a dependency action or in a domestic relation action and all disciplinary board final decisions of sexual abuse or exploitation or physical abuse as required by RCW 43.43.834(2) and disclosure of all convictions which may be grounds for denial of authorization under (h), (i), and (j) of this subsection.

     (f))) (3) Submit to a criminal record check according to chapter 28A.400 RCW which shows that no offenses have been committed which would be grounds for denial of an authorization.

     (((g) Shall not have misrepresented or concealed a material fact in obtaining a school bus driver's authorization or in reinstatement thereof in the previous five years.

     (h) Shall not have had a driving license privilege suspended or revoked as a result of a moving violation as defined in WAC 308-104-160 within the preceding three years or have had their commercial driver's license disqualified, suspended or revoked within the preceding three years; a certified copy of the disqualification, suspension or revocation order issued by the department of licensing being conclusive evidence of the disqualification, suspension or revocation.

     (i) Shall not have incurred three or more speeding tickets of ten miles per hour or more over the speed limit within the last thirty-six months.

     (j) Shall not have been convicted of any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony (including instances in which a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is the basis for the conviction) nor under a deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW where the conduct or alleged conduct is related to the occupation of a school bus driver, including but not limited to the following:

     (i) Any felony crime involving the physical neglect of a child under chapter 9A.42 RCW, the physical injury or death of a child under chapter 9A.32 or 9A.36 RCW, sexual exploitation of a child under chapter 9.68A RCW; sexual offenses under chapter 9A.44 RCW where a minor is the victim; promoting prostitution of a minor under chapter 9A.88 RCW; the sale or purchase of a minor child under RCW 9A.64.030, or violation of similar laws of another jurisdiction;

     (ii) Any crime involving the use, sale, possession, or transportation of any controlled substance or prescription within the last seven years: Provided, That in the case of felony convictions, the applicable time limit shall be ten years;

     (iii) Any crime involving driving when a driver's license is suspended or revoked, hit and run driving, driving while intoxicated, being in physical control of motor vehicle while intoxicated, reckless driving, negligent driving of a serious nature, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, within the last three years;

     (iv) Any crime against children or other persons as defined in RCW 43.43.830(5) when the date of the conviction or prison release, which ever is more recent, is within ten years of the date of the job application for felonies and within seven years for other crimes.

     (k) Shall not have been found in any dependency action under RCW 13.34.030 to have sexually assaulted or exploited any minor or to have physically abused any minor, within the last seven years.

     (l) Shall not have been found by a court in a domestic relation proceeding under Title 26 RCW, to have sexually abused or exploited any minor or to have physically abused any minor, within the last seven years.

     (m) Shall not have been found in any disciplinary board final decision to have sexually or physically abused or exploited any minor or developmentally disabled person, within the last seven years.

     (n) Shall not have intentionally and knowingly transported public school students within the state of Washington within the previous five years with an expired, lapsed, surrendered, or revoked school bus driver's authorization in a position for which authorization is required under this chapter. Shall not have intentionally and knowingly transported public school students within the state of Washington within the previous five years with a suspended driver's license.

     (o) Shall not have a serious behavioral problem which endangers the educational welfare or personal safety of students, teachers, bus drivers, or other colleagues. This subsection shall not be applied so as to deny, revoke, or suspend authorizations to any individual for the orderly exercise during off-duty hours of any rights guaranteed under the law to citizens generally, except where such conduct indicates a safety risk for the transportation of students.

     (p) Shall not have refused to take a drug or alcohol test as required by the provisions of 49 C.F.R. 382 within the preceding three years. Provided, this requirement shall not apply to any refusal to take a drug or alcohol test prior to January 31, 2005.

     (2) Every school bus driver must also meet and continue to meet the following requirements:

     (a) Verification by a local school district that the person seeking a school bus driver authorization:

     (i) Is physically able to maneuver and control a school bus under all driving conditions; and

     (ii) Is physically able to use all hand/or foot operated controls and equipment found on state minimum specified school buses; and

     (iii) Is physically able to perform daily routine school bus vehicle safety inspections and necessary emergency roadside services; and

     (iv) Has sufficient strength and agility to move about in a school bus as required to provide assistance to students in evacuating the bus. The driver must be able to move from a seated position in a sixty-five passenger school bus, or the largest school bus the driver will be operating, to the emergency door, open the emergency door, and exit the bus through the emergency door, all within twenty-five seconds.

     (b) Provide verification of passing a medical examination every twenty-four months in accordance with the standards established in 49 C.F.R. 391.41 through 391.49, of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. School bus drivers must continue to meet these medical examination requirements during the time between examinations. This requirement does not prevent a school district from requesting a more frequent examination.

     (c))) (4) Satisfactorily complete a school bus driver training course and each year thereafter, satisfactorily complete a school bus driver in-service training course.

     (5) Meet all applicable continuing school bus driver requirements in WAC 180-20-102.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 05-08-014, § 180-20-101, filed 3/28/05, effective 4/28/05; 04-08-055, § 180-20-101, filed 4/2/04, effective 5/3/04; 02-18-055, § 180-20-101, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02; 99-08-004, § 180-20-101, filed 3/25/99, effective 4/25/99; 96-20-042, § 180-20-101, filed 9/24/96, effective 10/25/96; 93-08-007, § 180-20-101, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 180-20-102   Continuing requirements for authorized school bus drivers.   Every authorized school bus driver must continue to meet the following requirements:

     (1) Have a valid driver's license or commercial driver's license, as required by law, issued by the state department of licensing.

     (2) Satisfactorily complete the annual school bus driver in-service training course.

     (3) Hold a current and valid first-aid card which certifies that the applicant has completed a course in first aid.

     (4) Submit annually to the school district a disclosure of all crimes against children or other persons and all civil adjudications in a dependency action or in a domestic relation action and all disciplinary board final decisions of sexual abuse or exploitation or physical abuse as required by RCW 43.43.834(2) and disclosure of all convictions which may be grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of authorization under WAC 180-20-103.

     (5) Every authorized school bus driver must continue to meet the following physical requirements:

     (a) Is physically able to maneuver and control a school bus under all driving conditions; and

     (b) Is physically able to use all controls and equipment found on state minimum specified school buses; and

     (c) Is physically able to perform daily routine school bus vehicle safety inspections; and

     (d) Has sufficient strength and agility to move about in a school bus as required to provide assistance to students in evacuating the bus. The driver must be able to move from a seated position in a sixty-five passenger school bus, or the largest school bus the driver will be operating, to the emergency door, open the emergency door, and exit the bus through the emergency door, all within twenty-five seconds; and

     (e) Provide verification of holding a current and valid medical examiner's certificate.

[]


NEW SECTION
WAC 180-20-103   Disqualifying conditions for authorized school bus drivers.   A school bus driver's authorization will be denied or revoked as a result of the following conditions:

     (1) Misrepresenting or concealing a material fact in obtaining a school bus driver's authorization or in reinstatement thereof in the previous five years.

     (2) Having a driving license privilege suspended or revoked as a result of a moving violation as defined in WAC 308-104-160 within the preceding five years or have had their commercial driver's license disqualified, suspended, or revoked within the preceding five years; a certified copy of the disqualification, suspension, or revocation order issued by the department of licensing being conclusive evidence of the disqualification, suspension, or revocation.

     (3) Incurring three or more speeding tickets of ten miles per hour or more over the speed limit within the last five years.

     (4) Having intentionally and knowingly transported public school students within the state of Washington within the previous five years with a lapsed, suspended, surrendered, or revoked school bus driver's authorization in a position for which authorization is required under this chapter.

     (5) Having intentionally and knowingly transported public school students within the state of Washington within the previous five years with a suspended or revoked driver's license or a suspended, disqualified or revoked commercial driver's license.

     (6) Having refused to take a drug or alcohol test as required by the provisions of 49 CFR 382 within the preceding five years. Provided, That this requirement shall not apply to any refusal to take a drug or alcohol test prior to January 31, 2005.

     (7) Having a serious behavioral problem which endangers the educational welfare or personal safety of students, teachers, school bus drivers, or other coworkers.

     (8) Having been convicted of any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony (including instances in which a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is the basis for the conviction) or being under a deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW where the conduct or alleged conduct is related to the occupation of a school bus driver, including, but not limited to, the following:

     (a) The physical neglect of a child under chapter 9A.42 RCW;

     (b) The physical injury or death of a child under chapter 9A.32 or 9A.36 RCW, excepting motor vehicle violations under chapter 46.61 RCW;

     (c) The sexual exploitation of a child under chapter 9.68A RCW;

     (d) Sexual offenses where a child is the victim under chapter 9A.44 RCW;

     (e) The promotion of prostitution of a child under chapter 9A.88 RCW;

     (f) The sale or purchase of a child under RCW 9A.64.030;

     (g) Any crime involving the use, sale, possession, or transportation of any controlled substance or prescription drug within the last ten years;

     (h) Any crime involving driving when a driver's license is suspended or revoked, hit and run driving, driving while intoxicated, being in physical control of motor vehicle while intoxicated, reckless driving, negligent driving of a serious nature, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, within the last five years;

     (i) Provided, That the general classes of felony crimes referenced within this subsection shall include equivalent federal crimes and crimes committed in other states;

     (j) Provided further, That for the purpose of this subsection "child" means a minor as defined by the applicable state or federal law;

     (k) Provided further, That for the purpose of this subsection "conviction" shall include a guilty plea.

     (9) Having been convicted of any crime within the last ten years, including motor vehicle violations, which would materially and substantially impair the individual's worthiness and ability to serve as an authorized school bus driver. In determining whether a particular conviction would materially and substantially impair the individual's worthiness and ability to serve as an authorized school bus driver, the following and any other relevant considerations shall be weighed:

     (a) Age and maturity at the time the criminal act was committed;

     (b) The degree of culpability required for conviction of the crime and any mitigating factors, including motive for commission of the crime;

     (c) The classification of the criminal act and the seriousness of the actual and potential harm to persons or property;

     (d) Criminal history and the likelihood that criminal conduct will be repeated;

     (e) The permissibility of service as an authorized school bus driver within the terms of any parole or probation;

     (f) Proximity or remoteness in time of the criminal conviction;

     (g) Any evidence offered which would support good moral character and personal fitness;

     (h) If this subsection is applied to a person currently authorized as a school bus driver in a suspension or revocation action, the effect on the school bus driving profession, including any chilling effect, shall be weighed; and

     (i) In order to establish good moral character and personal fitness despite the criminal conviction, the applicant or authorized school bus driver has the duty to provide available evidence relative to the above considerations. The superintendent of public instruction has the right to gather and present additional evidence which may corroborate or negate that provided by the applicant or authorized school bus driver.

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AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-08-055, filed 4/2/04, effective 5/3/04)

WAC 180-20-111   ((Authorization required -- Duration -- Issuing procedures -- ))Temporary authorizations -- Requirements and issuing procedures.   (1) ((Every school bus driver shall meet the requirements for a school bus driver's authorization or temporary school bus driver's authorization issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. An authorization is no longer valid if suspended, lapsed, or revoked.

     (2) A school bus driver's authorization shall continue in effect from year to year as long as the person continues to meet the requirements of this chapter or until the authorization lapses or is suspended or revoked.

     (3) School bus driver authorizations shall be issued by the superintendent of public instruction upon request by an authorized representative of the employing school district. The employing school district shall forward to the superintendent of public instruction an application for a school bus driver authorization prior to issuance.

     (4) The following verifications relating to the applicant must be provided by the employing school district:)) A temporary school bus driver authorization may be issued by the superintendent of public instruction upon application by an authorized representative of the employing school district when the following has been provided:

     (a) Verification ((by a school bus driver instructor)) of successful completion of the school bus driver training course ((as required by this chapter)).

     (b) Verification that it has on file a copy of a current and valid medical ((health certification as required by this chapter)) examiner's certificate.

     (c) Verification that it has on file a current five-year complete driver's abstract, including departmental actions, of the applicant's employment and nonemployment driving record issued by the department of licensing verifying compliance with all provisions of this chapter. The issue date of this abstract must be within sixty calendar days ((of)) prior to the date the application is being submitted for temporary authorization.

     (d) ((Verification that the applicant has a current and valid first-aid card or equivalent.

     (e))) Verification that it has on file a disclosure statement in compliance with preemployment inquiry regulations in WAC 162-12-140, signed by the applicant, specifying all convictions which relate to fitness to perform the job of a school bus driver under WAC ((180-20-101)) 180-20-103 and all crimes against children or other persons, that meets the requirements of RCW 43.43.834(2).

     (((f))) (e) Verification that it has ((on file the results of)) requested a criminal record check as required under chapter 28A.400 RCW and ((that such results establish that the applicant has not committed any offense which constitutes grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking an authorization under this chapter)) the date of such request.

     (((g))) (f) Verification that it has on file an applicant's disclosure of all serious behavioral problems which explains the nature of all such problems and/or conditions, a listing of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, or other health care practitioners of any kind or hospitals, clinics, or other facilities who have examined and/or treated the applicant for such problems and/or conditions and dates of examinations, therapy, or treatment and the school district has determined that any reported serious behavioral problem does not endanger the education welfare or personal safety of students, teachers, bus drivers, or other colleagues.

     (((h))) (g) Verification that the applicant complies with all of the requirements for authorized school bus drivers set forth in this chapter except for a first-aid card and/or the results of a criminal record check.

     (((5)(a) Upon approval of an application, the superintendent of public instruction shall issue a notice of school bus driver authorization to the employing school district.

     (b) Subsequent authorizations for an individual driver with new or additional employing school districts must be issued from the superintendent of public instruction to such districts prior to the operation of any motor vehicle for the transportation of children.

     (6) On or before August 15 of each year, the superintendent of public instruction will provide each school district with a list of authorized drivers and their status.

     (7) A temporary authorization may be issued upon application by an authorized representative of the employing school district subject to compliance with the following provisions:

     (a) Issuing procedure.

     (i) Application for a temporary authorization must be approved by an authorized representative of the employing school district, verified by said school official that the applicant meets the qualification requirements set forth in WAC 180-20-101 (except for a course in first aid and/or the results of a requested criminal record check), and further verified by a school bus driver instructor that the applicant has satisfactorily completed the school bus driver training course, as defined in this chapter.

     (ii))) (2) Upon approval of the temporary authorization, notice will be ((transmitted)) provided to the employing school district.

     (((b) Effective period.)) (3) The temporary authorization shall be valid for a period of sixty calendar days ((and shall be nonrenewable: Provided, That the temporary authorization may be extended for a reasonable number of days when extenuating circumstances exist)). The temporary authorization may be renewed by approval of the regional transportation coordinator when the results of the criminal background check have not been received.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 04-08-055, § 180-20-111, filed 4/2/04, effective 5/3/04; 02-18-055, § 180-20-111, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02; 99-08-004, § 180-20-111, filed 3/25/99, effective 4/25/99; 96-20-042, § 180-20-111, filed 9/24/96, effective 10/25/96; 93-08-007, § 180-20-111, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 180-20-112   School bus driver authorization -- Requirements and issuing procedures.   A school bus driver authorization may be issued by the superintendent of public instruction upon application by an authorized representative of the employing school district subject to compliance with the following provisions:

     (1) The employing school district shall forward to the superintendent of public instruction the following verifications relating to the applicant:

     (a) Verification of successful completion of the school bus driver training course taught by an authorized school bus driver instructor.

     (b) Verification that it has on file a copy of a current and valid medical examiner's certificate.

     (c) Verification that it has on file a current five-year complete driver's abstract, including departmental actions, of the applicant's employment and nonemployment driving record issued by the department of licensing verifying compliance with all provisions of this chapter. The issue date of this abstract must be within sixty calendar days prior to the date an application was submitted for temporary authorization. If no request for a temporary school bus authorization was submitted, the issue date must be within sixty calendar days prior to the date of application of the school bus driver authorization.

     (d) Verification that the applicant has a current and valid first-aid card.

     (e) Verification that it has on file a disclosure statement in compliance with preemployment inquiry regulations in WAC 162-12-140, signed by the applicant, specifying all convictions which relate to fitness to perform the job of a school bus driver under WAC 180-20-103 and all crimes against children or other persons, that meets the requirements of RCW 43.43.834(2).

     (f) Verification that it has on file the results of a criminal record check as required under chapter 28A.400 RCW and that such results establish that the applicant has not committed any offense which constitutes grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking an authorization under this chapter and the date of such request.

     (g) Verification that it has on file an applicant's disclosure of all serious behavioral problems which explains the nature of all such problems and/or conditions, a listing of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, or other health care practitioners of any kind or hospitals, clinics, or other facilities who have examined and/or treated the applicant for such problems and/or conditions and dates of examinations, therapy, or treatment and the school district has determined that any reported serious behavioral problem does not endanger the educational welfare or personal safety of students, teachers, school bus drivers, or other colleagues.

     (h) Verification that the applicant complies with all of the requirements for authorized school bus drivers set forth in this chapter.

     (2) Upon approval of an application, the superintendent of public instruction shall issue a notice of school bus driver authorization to the employing school district.

     (3) Subsequent authorizations for an individual driver with new or additional employing school districts must be issued from the superintendent of public instruction to such districts prior to the operation of any motor vehicle for the transportation of children.

     (4) The superintendent of public instruction will provide each school district with a list of their authorized school bus drivers and each authorized school bus driver's status.

[]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-18-055, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02)

WAC 180-20-120   Discipline -- Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of authorization -- Emergency suspension -- Appeals -- Adjudicative proceedings.   (1) A request for an authorization may be denied or an authorization issued under this chapter may be suspended or revoked for failure to meet any of the minimum requirements set forth in WAC 180-20-101 and 180-20-102 or for disqualifying conditions set forth in WAC 180-20-103, established by a preponderance of the evidence.

     (2) Conduct, which by a preponderance of the evidence, amounts to a serious behavioral problem which endangers the educational welfare or personal safety of students, teachers, school bus drivers, or other colleagues is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation whether or not the conduct constitutes a crime. If the act constitutes a crime, conviction in a criminal proceeding is not a condition precedent to denial, suspension, or revocation action. Upon such conviction, however, the judgment and sentence is conclusive evidence at the ensuing hearing of the guilt of the authorized driver or applicant of the crime described in the indictment or information, and of the person's violation of the statute on which it is based.

     (3)(a) Any person in treatment for alcohol or other drug misuse shall have his or her authorization suspended until ((successful)) treatment is satisfactorily completed and the completion is confirmed by a state-approved alcohol or ((other)) drug treatment program at which time the authorization will be reinstated.

     (b) In all cases of deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW, the authorization shall be suspended until the court confirms successful completion of the court approved treatment program at which time the authorization will be reinstated.

     (4) Emergency suspension. If the superintendent of public instruction finds that public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires emergency action, and incorporates a finding to that effect in its order, emergency suspension of an authorization may be ordered pending proceedings for revocation or other action. In such cases, the superintendent of public instruction shall expedite all due process actions as quickly as possible.

     (5)(a) Appeals and adjudicative proceedings. Any person desiring to appeal a denial, suspension, or revocation of a school bus driver authorization may do so to the superintendent of public instruction or designee in accordance with the adjudicative proceedings in RCW 34.05.413 through 34.05.494, and the administrative practices and procedures of the superintendent of public instruction in chapter 392-101 WAC.

     (b) The superintendent of public instruction may assign the adjudicative proceeding to the office of administrative hearings and may delegate final decision-making authority to the administrative law judge conducting the hearing.

     (c) The superintendent of public instruction may appoint a person to review initial orders and to prepare and enter final agency orders in accordance with RCW 34.05.464.

     (d) Any person who disagrees with the school district's determination of failure to meet any school bus driver authorization qualifications may request that the school district forward the pertinent records to the superintendent of public instruction. After review or investigation, the superintendent of public instruction shall grant, deny, suspend, or revoke the authorization.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 02-18-055, § 180-20-120, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02; 99-08-004, § 180-20-120, filed 3/25/99, effective 4/25/99; 96-20-042, § 180-20-120, filed 9/24/96, effective 10/25/96; 93-08-007, § 180-20-120, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-18-055, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02)

WAC 180-20-135   School bus driver -- Reporting.   (1) Every person authorized under this chapter to operate a motor vehicle to transport children shall, within twenty calendar days, notify his or her employer in writing of the filing of any criminal charge involving conduct ((not meeting the standards)) listed in WAC ((180-20-101(1))) 180-20-103. The authorized driver shall also notify his or her employer of any disqualifying traffic convictions, or license suspension or revocation orders issued by the department of licensing. In cases where the employer is providing transportation services through a contract with the school district, the contractor shall immediately notify the school district superintendent or designee.

     (2) The notification in writing shall identify the name of the authorized driver, his or her authorization number, the court in which the action is commenced, and the case number assigned to the action.

     (3) The failure of an authorized driver to comply with the provisions of this section is an act of unprofessional conduct and constitutes grounds for authorization suspension or revocation by the superintendent of public instruction.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 02-18-055, § 180-20-135, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02; 93-08-007, § 180-20-135, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-08-007, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93)

WAC 180-20-140   School district -- Reporting.   (1) Every school district employing authorized school bus drivers to transport children or contracting with a private firm who provides such authorized drivers as a part of a contract shall, within twenty calendar days, notify the superintendent of public instruction in writing of knowledge it may have of the filing of any criminal charge involving the conduct ((not meeting the standards)) listed in WAC ((180-20-101)) 180-20-103 against any authorized school bus driver.

     (2) The notification in writing shall be by certified or registered mail and shall identify the name of the authorized school bus driver, his or her authorization number, the court in which the action is commenced, and the case number assigned to the action.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 93-08-007, § 180-20-140, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-20-042, filed 9/24/96, effective 10/25/96)

WAC 180-20-145   School district -- Verification of drivers continuing compliance.   (1) Every school district shall evaluate each authorized school bus driver for continuing compliance with the provisions of this chapter annually. The results of this evaluation of all drivers shall be forwarded to the superintendent of public instruction ((as follows:)) on SPI Form 1799, Verification Statement and Confirmation of Updated Records, no later than November 15th of each year.

     (2) This report shall ((be added to the regular school bus driver status report (Report 1799) exchanged between all school districts and the superintendent of public instruction)) verify that each authorized school bus driver's medical examination certificate expiration date, first-aid expiration date, driver's license expiration date and most recent school bus driver in-service training date has been updated in compliance with OSPI procedures.

     (3) ((Verification that each authorized driver's criminal history record contains no convictions or charges which would be grounds for revocation or suspension of a school bus driver authorization.)) This report shall verify that each authorized school bus driver has made an updated disclosure in writing and signed and sworn under penalty of perjury which updates the disclosure required in WAC ((180-20-101 (1)(e))) 180-20-102(4).

     (4) This report shall ((be a written verification that the evaluation has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and that all drivers are in compliance, or if all drivers are not in compliance, a list of drivers who are out of compliance and the reason for noncompliance shall be provided)) verify that each authorized school bus driver's five-year driving record is in compliance with WAC 180-20-103.

     (5) This report shall verify that each authorized school bus driver remains in compliance with the physical requirements of WAC 180-20-102(5).

     (6) This report shall be a written verification that the evaluation has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and that all drivers are in compliance, or if all drivers are not in compliance, a list of drivers who are out of compliance and the reason for noncompliance shall be provided.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.160.210. 96-20-042, § 180-20-145, filed 9/24/96, effective 10/25/96; 93-08-007, § 180-20-145, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]

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