Code: EEA-AR
Adopted: 7/12/04
Readopted: 6/12/06
Orig. Code(s): 460.1
Student Transportation Services
Eligibility for Transportation Services
A student is entitled to free bus transportation to and from school if he/she is:
1. An elementary student (K -5) and live one mile or more from the school they currently attend; or
2. A middle or high school student and live one and one-half miles or more from the school they currently attend; or
3. A special needs student and transportation is required by their Individual Education or 504 Plan;
Hazardous Routes
The Board considers that the safety of children on roads, streets, and highways when going to and from schools is primarily the responsibility of city and county units of government. The Board believes, however, that the district should make every effort to ensure the safety of children. Therefore, students who live less than one and one-half miles from school may be transported if they live within the "Hazardous Walking Areas" established by the district transportation department and approved by the Oregon Department of Education.
Distance Measurement
Distance from school shall be determined by:
1. Measurement by the most direct combination of roads, streets, highways, and public paths, using the odometer of a district vehicle.
2. Measurement shall be determined from the street immediately in front of the student's school entrance to a point from the street in front of the student's residence. Private driveways will not be included in the measurement.
Bus Stops
Students eligible for transportation shall board buses at designated pick-up points on established routes. The routes and pick-up points are subject to change as conditions warrant as determined and directed by the transportation supervisor.
Passengers
Only students and those adults authorized by the district may board and ride district school buses, as permitted by state regulations, and as approved by the superintendent.
Emergency Procedures
The transportation department shall provide bus safety information and conduct emergency exit drills. Emergency procedure review and an evacuation drill shall be held twice each year. The first drill shall be followed by at least one verbal review prior to the second drill. All students shall receive safety instruction and evacuation training (OAR 581-053-0002) at least once annually.
School Bus Scheduling and Routing
The transportation supervisor shall design bus routes to provide the safest, most economical routes. Routes will be periodically reviewed and changed to meet this goal by the transportation supervisor.
Bus drivers shall not go off the main route to pick up children
Requested Route Changes – Any parent, guardian, or citizen may request a route change by sending a written explanation of the need for a change to the district transportation supervisor. The supervisor will provide a decision with 10 working days.
Payment in Lieu of Transportation
Mileage shall be paid at the current district rate and shall only include those miles students are being transported as determined by the transportation director.
Payment in lieu of transportation may be provided if any of the following situations exist:
1. Hazardous conditions due to inadequate walkways.
2. Children with special needs whose residences are inaccessible to district buses.
3. Children who are eligible for district transportation and who reside off of established routes or where the road and turn-around conditions are inadequate for school bus use.