To be considered for a bus driver position for Benton Community School Corporation, you need to submit an application online, click here to be redirected to the online application. Applications will be reviewed by the Director of Transportation. An interview will be conducted and an MVR (motor vehicle records) check of the applicant's license will be run. If an applicant is selected to move forward in the hiring process the applicant will be responsible for completing the necessary background screen (starting around $35.50), completing a pre-employment drug screen, and passing a CDL physical exam

1. Prospective employees need to complete all written exams at the BMV associated with obtaining a Class B CDL. Tests include General Knowledge, Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brakes. 
2. After obtaining your CDL Permit and passing all pre-employment background screens you will be assigned to work with our Driver Trainer.
3. BCSC will register you to complete the 3-day mandatory ELDT training course with the State of Indiana. We will also submit a request for your "blue card" through the Department of Education.
4. Upon completion of the ELDT class, we will submit a request for your yellow card through the Department of Education. If you continue to drive a bus in Indiana you must have an active "yellow card" with the Department of Education. Your yellow card is renewed annually by watching assigned videos through the Department of Education. 
5. Complete all necessary training, driving, and observation hours with our Trainer.
6. Once you have completed the necessary training, we will schedule and pay for your CDL Exam with an instructor in Indianapolis. 
7. After passing your skills test in Indianapolis, you must wait 24 hours to go to the local BMV and obtain your license. 
8. As a licensed driver, you will drive with our Trainer (and students) for an additional 4-8 hours.
9. After your additional drive time as a CDL holder, you will be assigned a route (if one is available) or added to our sub-driver call list

• Must possess a valid Indiana driver license with a clean driving record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
• Must be able to obtain a CDL Class B with necessary endorsements. 
• Must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with and relate positively with other staff.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen along with quarterly random screens.
• Must be able to pass the DOT physical.

• Complete a pre-trip inspection prior to each use of the bus.
• Obey all traffic laws according to the FMVSS along with Federal and State highway laws.
• Observe all FCC regulations for the use of the two-way radio.
• Supervise the loading and unloading of students.
• Maintain discipline of students. 
• Keep assigned buses clean each day. 
• Follow your assigned schedule and routes.
• Report all accidents immediately to the Transportation Director and complete proper forms.
• Be able to evacuate the school bus in case of an emergency. 
• Report any and all maintenance as needed.
• Attend all meetings and training sessions required by the district.
• Complete all required paperwork in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain a positive professional relationship with students, parents, and school personnel.
• Follow all procedures, policies, and directives of the district. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Director.

If you are new to the Corporation or thinking about moving and need to find a bus stop near by, you can contact the BCSC Transportation office or the School your student(s) would be attending, provide the address and we will be able to assist with the bus stop location.

Approximate Stop Time & Locations

• 5:35 pm - School Corp Office
• 5:37 pm - Courthouse
• 5:40 pm - Sacred Heart Parking Lot
• 5:48 pm - Earl Park Library

Approximate Stop Time & Locations

• 5:34 pm - Old Oxford Elementary School 
• 5:35 pm - Luin St. & St. Road 55 (Dan Patch Cafe)
• 5:37 pm - Oxford Public Library (Smith & Howard)
• 5:38 pm - Smith & 5th Street
• 5:47 pm - Boswell Church on 352
• 5:49 pm - Boswell School 
• 5:50 pm - Boswell Library
• 6:03 pm - Ambia Fire station 
• 6:09 pm - Along 26 if needed 

Approximate Stop Time & Locations

• 5:35 pm - Templeton Church
• 5:42 pm - Otterbein School
• 5:48 pm - Montmorenci (Grain Elevator)

When there is inclement weather in the forecast the Director of Transportation works very closely with the Superintendent, along with local law enforcement, County and State Highway officials and with our neighboring school districts. The Director of Transportation will begin the process by traveling the roads and contacting local law enforcement and highway departments. When all information is gathered, a recommendation is made to the Superintendent and the Superintendent will make the final decision.

If the decision is to close or delay, BCSC typically tries to make that determination by 5:30 am - 5:45 am.

Once the decision is made there will be a voice and text notification sent out to all BCSC staff and students' parents/guardians. You can also tune into WLFI TV 18 or radio stations K105.3, 93.5, B102.9, 98.7 and 101.7 out of Lafayette and 94.1 out of Watseka for updates. 

It is very difficult to make decisions for closings or delays based on a weather prediction. BCSC will do our best to not release students early however, if there is a situation that arises and the decision to release is made please take the time to talk with your family, close neighbors, and friends to have a plan in place.

1. General:
   • Drivers have the authority to assign and move student seating on the bus.
   • No eating or drinking on the bus.
   • Book bags, musical instruments, and other carry-on items are to be held on the student's lap or placed under the seat.
   •The aisle and emergency exits must be kept clear at all times.
   • Windows are not to be lowered more than halfway down.

2. On the bus, students will:
   • Respect and obey the bus driver.
   • Observe classroom conduct, including voice tone. At BCSC we consider the school bus an extension of the classroom.
   • Not yell, scream, make other loud noises, or use profane language.
   • Remain seated, facing forward with both feet on the floor
   • Treat the bus with respect; not write on or damage seats; not leave trash on bus
   • Not fight, push, shove, or scuffle on the bus
   • Not bring onboard any item that would obstruct the visibility for the driver or is determined by the driver to be a safety hazard; examples include but are not limited to: any glass items, items too large to be put on laps or under the seat, animals other than approved service animals, inflated balloons, alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco in any form, juls, or any type of vape device, flammable materials, knives, guns, ammunition, explosives, or dangerous materials.

3. Electronic Devices (Cell phones, chrome books, handheld gaming systems, etc.):
   • Devices should not be used on BCSC buses to take videos or pictures of other students or the driver.
   • When using an electronic device the volume should remain at zero or the student should use headphones.
   • Devices should not become a distraction to the driver or other students. 
   If a device of any kind is distracting the driver or causing issues between students the driver HAS THE RIGHT to take the device and hold it safely in the driver compartment until they have reached school or the students stop.

Indiana Code: 
IC 20-27-10-2 states: When students are being transported on a school bus, the students are under the supervision, direction, and control of the school bus driver and are subject to disciplinary measures by the school bus driver and the governing body of the school corporation.

Benton Community School Corporation Procedure:
At BCSC the school bus is considered an “extension of the classroom.” We expect our students to follow the same rules and expectations they have in the classroom on the school bus. DRIVER AUTHORITY: The authority of the bus driver will be recognized and supported by all. For everyone's safety, the bus driver must be heard and be able to hear traffic sounds, such as sirens and horns. All students should obey and follow all directives and rules given to them by the driver. If students disobey bus rules or become uncooperative or a hazard to safety, they shall be dealt with in a manner prescribed by the discipline procedures for Benton Community School Corporation. The driver shall use discretion when attempting to handle the problem using the following step-by-step procedures:

• The driver shall explain the desired conduct and the importance of good conduct for the safety of all the students
• The driver shall move or assign the student another seat or take other action, which appears to give promise or hope of securing better behavior.
• Driver may contact parent or guardian
• The driver may suspend a student's riding privileges for one (1) day. Contact with parents/guardians must be made before the student can serve a day off.  After a one-day suspension or continued behavior issues suspensions from riding the bus will be in multiple days and in increments of 5 and 10 days. Permanent suspension will be an option after initial steps have been taken.
• If a student has caused a serious discipline problem or has failed to cooperate with the driver, the driver shall refer the student to the school administrators and the principal or designee shall take whatever disciplinary measure is deemed necessary.

By enforcing stricter measures, we aim to deter any disruptive behavior that may compromise the safety of the students and the overall atmosphere on the buses.