Policy 718: Contracts for Student Transportation Service

This district has the discretion to operate its own student transportation service or to contract with an independent entity for such services.

In the event this district elects to contract for student transportation services, all such contracts entered into will be in writing on a form approved by the state superintendent of public instruction.  No contract will be for a duration in excess of five (5) years, except that contracts receiving federal funding pursuant to the federal clean school bus program may exceed five (5) years but may not exceed ten (10) years.  However, for one (1) time only, the district may renew a contract with the current contractor, if the board of trustees, after renegotiation with the contractor, determines that the terms are satisfactory to the district.  The board of trustees may renew the contract for a term not to exceed an additional five (5) years.  The board may not renew any student transportation contract unless the bidding notice contained a substantially conforming summary of Idaho Code §33-1510.

This district may elect to contract for the transportation of students in grades six through twelve (6-12) with other public transportation providers whose vehicles used to transport students comply with federal transit administration regulations.  This district may also elect to contract for the transportation of students in grades six through twelve (6-12) with private transportation providers that are approved by the state department of education.  This district must receive verification of state department of education approval prior to considering the services of a private transportation provider. For reimbursement purposes, this district will be required to establish that the reimbursable costs of transportation under the contract are equal to or less than the costs for school buses.

This district will advertise, bid, and contract for all bus transportation service routes at a single time, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or bidders meeting the specifications.  This district reserves the right to accept, reject, or select any portion of any or all bids and to waive any technicality.

This district will twice give public notice, as required by Idaho Code Section 33-402(2), regarding its request for transportation service bids.  The public notice will be made not less than four (4) weeks before the date of opening bids.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

LEGAL REFERENCE: Idaho Code Sections 33-402 – Notice Requirements33-1006 – Transportation Support Program33-1510 – Contracts for Transportation Service42 U.S.C. §16091 – Federal Clean School Bus Program

49 CFR Part 665 – Bus Testing Scott v. Buhl Joint Sch. Dist. No. 412, 123 Idaho 779 (1993)

ADOPTED:   September 21, 2022

AMENDED:

Skip to content