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. In accordance with State law, the District shall not transport students by alternative transportation methods of vehicles carrying more than nine (9) passengers and the operator. This prohibition does not apply to school buses operated in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s regulations.

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 vehicle 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 policies pertaining to student conduct. Such revocation shall be in accordance with statutorily required procedures.

Surveillance on School Buses

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

Revised 4/17/23
T.C. 7/31/24

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