Okla. Admin. Code § 612:20-3-2

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 612:20-3-2 - Administrative responsibility

The superintendent is responsible for the operation of the school. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to designate and assign an administrator in charge in the superintendent's absence. The person so designated will fulfill the responsibilities of the superintendent until his or her return.

(1)Staff attitudes and conduct. Because positive staff attitudes are essential to constructive work with any child, staff members in the schools are required to demonstrate genuine interest and concern in the growth and development of each child, and possess the willingness and ability to take risks of becoming effectively involved with children in a positive and meaningful relationship. There must, regardless of position, be a willingness to communicate with other staff members on a cooperative basis which allows for self-criticism without personal threat. Staff members are required to conduct themselves, at all times, in such a way as not to bring discredit on themselves, the institution, or the Department. Decorum with the children with whom they work shall be warm, friendly, and understanding, and professional in quality. They shall be able to set appropriate limits for children and accept responsibility for the propriety with which it is done. Except in line of duty, staff members shall not discuss confidential matters of personnel or students.

(2)In-service training. The administrative/teaching staff will abide by H.B. 1706, 1981, which provides for the formation of a staff development plan to be submitted and approved annually by the State Department of Education.

(3)Transportation of children. Transportation needs may range from weekly trips home to occasional trips to doctor's offices, local stores, etc. The superintendent of each school shall designate an individual to coordinate transportation needs and arrange for the safe, appropriately chaperoned transport of students locally and throughout the state as needs arise. Close cooperative efforts in transporting students to and from school and home will be maintained with parents and local education agencies.

(A)School responsibility. Employees provide transportation originating from the campus for home going and field trips.

(i) The vehicle and operator of a vehicle used to transport children are in compliance with all applicable state laws. School buses used to transport students must meet the requirements of the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

(ii) Written permission from parents or guardian for transportation of their child is on file at the school.

(iii) Supervision of the children begins at the designated pick-up locations.

(iv) The driver is responsible for leaving the child only with the person or school designated by the parent. Written instructions and approval from the parent for such a plan is required. Changes to these instructions from the parent are required.

(B)Driver qualifications.

(i) All drivers will have an operator's license of the type appropriate for the vehicle that is valid in the driver's state of residence.

(ii) All staff/drivers must notify the Superintendent in writing of any conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or other impaired driving offense or reckless driving within the last five years.

(C)Staff-child ratios. Staff-student ratios are appropriate to ensure the safety and welfare of the children being transported.

(D)Procedure. Requirements pertaining to transportation procedure are listed in this subsection.

(i) A schedule showing accurate route and itinerary is planned and kept at OSB/OSD to show approximately where the vehicle is at all times. If the vehicle is equipped with a mobile communication system, route information is not required.

(ii) The driver is provided with:

(I) A copy of the scheduled route;

(II) The name, address, and telephone number of the child care center;

(III) Names of children being transported; and

(IV) A method to contact the children's parents in case of emergency.

(iii) Safe conduct to and from all vehicles and safe off-street loading space is provided to protect children from backing vehicles, from being between vehicles, and from all traffic hazards.

(iv) Attendance is checked each time children board and exit the vehicle.

(v) Children remain seated while the vehicle is in motion, and no part of a child's body extends from windows.

(vi) Vehicles containing children are never left unattended.

(vii) The use of tobacco products is prohibited while children are being transported.

(E)Passenger restraints. Children who are being transported in a passenger car, station wagon, van, bus, or truck are properly secured in a child passenger restraint system (car seat) or individual seat belt. Buses with a capacity of ten or more passengers that meet state and federal requirements for school buses are exempt from this requirement. Schools may, at their discretion, require students to be secured with seat belts during their transport.

(i) When transported in a seat equipped with a shoulder belt, children who have not entered kindergarten and weigh less than 60 pounds are properly secured in a child passenger restraint system, such as a car seat or booster seat. Children who have entered kindergarten and older are protected by use of a car seat, booster seat, or individual seat belt.

(ii) The car seat is:

(I) Federally approved;

(II) Installed according to the manufacturer's instructions;

(III) Appropriate to the height, weight, and physical condition of the child, according to the manufacturer's instructions; and

(IV) Properly maintained.

(iii) Each seat belt is properly anchored to the vehicle and fits snugly across children's hips or securely anchors the car seat.

(iv) All adult passengers, except those in a full-size school bus, and the driver are properly secured by seat belts unless the driver or passenger has written verification from a doctor licensed in Oklahoma that the individual is unable to use a seat belt for medical reasons. The school bus driver must always use a seat belt.

(v) Children under 50 pounds and/or under five feet in height are prohibited from sitting in the front seat of a passenger vehicle equipped with air bags.

(F)Vehicle requirements. Any vehicle used to transport children complies with the requirements listed in this subsection.

(i) The vehicle's maximum seating capacity is not exceeded. Maximum seating capacity of the vehicle is based on the manufacturer's designated seating capacity for children or on a minimum of 13 inches of seating space per child.

(ii) All passengers are able to sit comfortably in a stationary padded seat with a back that is properly anchored to the vehicle.

(iii) Vehicles used to transport children are maintained in a clean, safe operating condition, free of hazardous objects or other nonessential items that could injure children.

(iv) Children are not transported in vehicles or parts of vehicles, which were not designed for the purpose of transporting people, for example, truck beds, campers, and trailers.

(v) Each vehicle must have door locks. The driver is responsible for keeping the doors locked when the vehicle is moving.

(vi) The transporting vehicle is covered by medical and liability insurance as required by Oklahoma laws.

(vii) A vehicle used to transport children has an operable heater and an adequate ventilation system.

(viii) A first aid kit is placed on each bus.

(4)Report of injuries, fires, assaults, etc. Should a child be injured in an incident or accident, an accident report is completed. The parents or the guardian are to be notified of the child's accident and given complete details and a report of the child's condition at the time.

(5)Fire and safety. The superintendents and their staffs at OSB and OSD have a responsibility to observe fire and safety regulations and to comply with official inspections. Buildings and premises will be maintained in a safe condition and free from fire hazards. From time to time, inspections are made by the State Fire Marshall to determine fire and safety precautions taken by the school and the school is expected to correct any deficiencies noted. Fire drills shall be conducted on a regular basis in all occupied buildings, and a record of such drills maintained in the superintendent's office.

(6)Sanitation. The superintendents and their staffs at OSB and OSD have a responsibility to see that sanitary conditions at the schools meet acceptable standards as prescribed by public health authorities. From time to time, inspections are made of such matters under the direction of the State Department of Health, and the school is expected to correct any deficiencies found.

Okla. Admin. Code § 612:20-3-2

Added at 10 Ok Reg 4643, eff 9-1-93 (emergency); Added at 11 Ok Reg 2459, eff 7-1-94; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2215, eff 7-1-05