8600 - TRANSPORTATION

It is the policy of the Board to provide transportation for those students, of any age, whose distance from their school makes this service necessary within the limitations established by State law and the regulations of the Department of Public Instruction or other appropriate agency.

School buses and student-transportation vehicles shall be purchased, housed, and maintained by the District or the District shall contract for transportation services in accordance with Policy 8680 - Transportation Services Contracts for the transportation of resident students between their home areas and the schools of the District to which they are assigned. However, no vehicle with a capacity of more than fifteen (15) shall be purchased or used to transport students for which there are no applicable, passenger-protection, Federal motor vehicle safety standards.

All school buses and student-transportation vehicles, whether purchased, leased, or contracted for as provided in Policy 8680 - Transportation Services Contracts shall comply with specifications defined in State and Federal law. Each operator of a school vehicle used to transport students of the District shall be licensed for the purpose for which the vehicle is being used and shall operate the vehicles in accordance with Federal and State laws.

Transportation for private school students, eligible for transportation under State law, shall be provided on the same basis as for District students.

For the purposes of this policy, the term “student with a disability” refers to a student who qualifies for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In addition to transportation provided routinely to all students, some students with disabilities require transportation (often called “specialized transportation”) as a related service as part of their individualized education program (IEP). Students with disabilities are entitled to transportation as a related service only if the IEP team has determined that transportation is necessary for the student to benefit from special education. Outside of IEP team determinations about specialized transportation, State and local officials set most transportation policies and procedures.

Transportation must be viewed as a way to include students with disabilities with their nondisabled peers. In general, transportation for students with disabilities should occur in the same manner as for their peers. This may be especially important for students with disabilities who have limited opportunities during the school day to interact with their nondisabled peers. Safety issues must also be taken into consideration when determining appropriate transportation arrangements.

Transportation of eligible students with exceptional educational needs or attending a technical education program shall be arranged through the use of District-owned vehicles, through cooperation with other districts, through commercial carriers, and/or by other means in the most efficient and economical manner.

Transportation privileges may be revoked if the student's conduct is in violation of the District Code of Conduct pertaining to student transportation. Such revocation shall be in accord with statutorily-required procedures.

The Board authorizes the District Administrator to install and operate video and audio surveillance on District buses to enhance student safety and well-being.

District-Owned Vehicles Used for Transporting Students

All drivers of motor vehicles owned by the District and used for transportation of students shall be under written contract with the Board as required by 121.52, Wis. Stats.

All operators of motor vehicles owned by the District and used for transportation of students shall be subject to the provisions of 121.555, Wis. Stats. and may be subject to the District’s employee drug testing policy in accordance with Policy 8601 - Controlled Substance and Alcohol Policy for Employees that Transport Students.

Revised 7/17/23
Revised 10/21/24

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