The Watson Chapel School District Transportation Department works closely with schools, students and their parents to ensure a safe, dependable and efficient ride to and from school. Currently, we transport approximately 3,140 students to 5 schools with 41 buses. The School District Transportation Department uses 38 regular buses and 3 wheelchair accessible buses. We have a total of 45 bus drivers, who are 100% dedicated to our school district and students. In total, approximately 444,555 miles are driven annually to transport students residing in the Watson Chapel School District. All drivers are trained and certified according to state mandates. They are also required to pass all state and federal background checks for Criminal Records, Child Abuse and Fingerprinting.
Key Contact(s): Penny Waddell, Director of Transportation
Transportation Office number: 870-879-0231
Watson Chapel School District School Bus Policies School bus policies are below and posted in the front of each bus for everyone’s view:
DON’T LOSE YOUR RIDING PRIVILEGES!
1) Use the same conduct as in the classroom
2) Be courteous, do not use profane language
3) Do not eat or drink on the bus
4) Keep the bus clean
5) Cooperate with the bus driver
6) Do not smoke
7) Do not be destructive
8) Stay in your seat
9) Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus
10) The bus driver is authorized to assign seats
ARKANSAS’ SCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAWS
When you meet a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. When you approach an intersection where a stopped bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus. You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving. DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety. Drivers on separate roadways do not have to stop on a highway with clearly defined dividing sections or physical barriers separating the roadways. This only applies when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.
WHEN IN DOUBT, STOP. • OUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS IN YOUR HANDS!!!!!!