(A) The superintendent of a county board of developmental disabilities providing transportation for pupils to special education programs under this chapter may establish a volunteer bus rider assistance program under which qualified persons may be authorized to ride with pupils to and from such programs. Volunteers shall not be compensated for their services and are not employees for purposes of Chapter 4117. or 4123. of the Revised Code. Nothing in this section authorizes a superintendent or board to adversely affect the employment of any employee of the board.
Volunteers may be assigned duties or responsibilities by the superintendent, including but not limited to, assisting pupils in embarking and disembarking from buses and in crossing streets where necessary to ensure the safety of the pupil, assisting the bus driver, and such other activities as the superintendent determines will aid in the safe and efficient transportation of pupils.
(B) The superintendent shall ensure that each pupil receiving transportation under this chapter is instructed in school bus safety, proper bus rider behavior, and the potential problems and hazards associated with school bus ridership. Such instruction shall occur within two weeks after the pupil first receives transportation under this chapter.
Amended by 128th General Assemblych.9, SB 79, §1, eff. 10/6/2009.
Effective Date: 03-13-1997 .