Policy 2.23

Student Transportation

1. Purpose. -- The purpose of this policy is to establish a process by which transportation services for students are provided in accordance with Florida laws, State Board of Education Rules and School Board policies.

2. Scope. -- This policy applies to all eligible District students and to all District employees administering and/or coordinating student transportation services.

3. Policy Statement. -- The School District will operate its student transportation system in accordance with Florida laws and State Board of Education Rules. Transportation will be provided for to and from District schools for all District students living two or more miles from a school, or one and one-half (1 ½) miles between the student's home and the assigned bus stop, as provided by § 1006.21, Florida Statutes, and State Board of Education Rule 6A3.001, F. A.C., as now or hereafter amended. The distance is to be measured from the closest pedestrian entry point of the property where the student resides (i. e, where private property meets the public right-of-way) to the closest pedestrian entry point of the assigned school building or to the assigned bus stop.

   1. Exceptions. Students residing within two (2) miles of school may be provided with transportation under the following circumstances:

      1. Special authorization is granted by the Superintendent or designee and may include students who meet the hazardous walking conditions as provided in § 1006.23, Florida Statutes, as now or hereafter amended.

      2. The students are classified as students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and transportation services are required by the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).

      3. The students have been identified as having a disability within the meaning of Section 504 and transportation services are provided as an accommodation pursuant to the student's 504 Plan.

      4. Pregnant students or student parents, and children of such students, participating in a teenage parent program pursuant to § 1003.54, Florida Statutes.

4. Transportation of Isolated Students. -- When it is impracticable to provide bus transportation for reasons of isolation from regular school bus routes to the school of assignment, a parent as defined by Florida Statutes, aide, or other person transporting the student may be authorized by the School Board to be reimbursed at the rate provided by law. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student who is eligible for transportation and resides beyond the accessibility of a school bus may be reimbursed by the School Board for the use of a private vehicle to transport a student. Such an arrangement will be on a contractual basis.

5. Exiting the School Bus. -- No student shall leave the school bus while being transported to and from the assigned bus stop and school site, except upon written request of the parent or legal guardian and written approval of the school principal or designee.

6. Students Conduct. -- Students are expected to comply with the behavioral expectations as stated in School Board Policy 5.186 (Student Transportation Conduct) while they are passengers in District vehicles.

7. Responsibilities of School Officials. -- The Superintendent, Director of Transportation, School Principals, and school bus operators shall have such responsibilities related to student transportation as outlined in State Board of Education Rules, as now or hereafter amended.

8. Transportation Records and Reports. -- The Superintendent or his designee shall maintain records and make required reports regarding school transportation as prescribed by law, rules, or policy. Such records shall be properly completed and furnished on the date due to those designated to receive them.