The district’s transportation system encompasses all students, including students with disabilities, pre-K students and other special populations. The board of trustees is committed to ensuring that these special populations are safely transported to and from school. For students with disabilities, special transportation may be necessary as a related service to allow those students to access their education. Therefore, the board adopts this policy, consistent with state and federal laws and regulations.
TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Transportation of students with disabilities may encompass any of the following:
1. Travel to and from school and between schools;
2. Travel in and around school buildings or to those activities which are a regular part of the student’s instructional program;
3. Specialized equipment (such as adapted school buses, lifts and ramps) if required to provide special transportation to a student with a disability;
4. Other services that support the student’s use of transportation, including but not limited to:
a. Bus aides or other special assistance necessary to allow the student to access the school bus;
b. CSRS, wheelchair restraints, and child safety seats;
c. Preferential seating, a positive behavior support plan for the bus or other accommodations; and
d. Training for the bus driver, bus aide or others assisting the student regarding the student’s disability or health-related needs.
The student’s IEP team is responsible for determining whether a student with a disability requires transportation as a related service and identifying transportation as a related service in the student’s IEP. Only those students with a disability who qualify for transportation as a related service under the provisions of the IDEA shall be entitled to special transportation. All other students with disabilities in the district have access to the district’s regular transportation system under policies and procedures applicable to all students.
District-owned or leased special education buses or school buses equipped with appropriate safety restraint mechanisms are the preferred mode of transportation for students with disabilities. In situations where a school bus cannot access the student’s home or other designated bus stop (e.g., private streets or areas where there is inadequate turning space), other arrangements may be made for transportation. Alternative transportation options may include, but are not limited to, parent-provided transportation or district-owned vans. Where appropriate, parents and the district may agree to parent-provided transportation with terms of reimbursement identified in such voluntary written agreement.
USE OF CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CSRS AND OTHER SAFETY RESTRAINTS
When transporting pre-K students or students with disabilities, the district will use school buses equipped with a CSRS or other appropriate safety restraint mechanism that meets applicable federal safety standards and specifications. When ordering new school buses or retrofitting district-owned school buses, the district will ensure that the CSRS in such buses complies with current federal safety standards and specifications.
The superintendent or designee may establish loading and unloading procedures for children who use a CSRS or other safety restraint. Bus drivers are responsible for ensuring that students are properly secured in a CSRS or other appropriate safety restraint.
EMERGENCIES AND TRAINING
The superintendent or designee shall establish procedures to be used in emergency situations for students with disabilities or pre-K students. Such procedures shall be included in the district’s safety training for bus drivers, aides, students and others involved in the transportation of special populations. Bus drivers, aides and others involved in the transportation of special populations shall also receive training on the proper use of CSRSs, including but not limited to the appropriate use, care and upkeep of CSRSs, and storage and use of seat belt cutters.
MAINTENANCE OF SEAT BELT SYSTEMS
The superintendent or designee shall establish written procedures for the procurement, maintenance, cleaning and inspection of CSRSs as part of the district’s school bus procurement and maintenance program.
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LEGAL REFERENCE:
Idaho Code Sections
33-512 – Governance of Schools
33-1006 – Transportation Support Program
33-1501 et seq. – Transportation of Pupils
IDAPA Sections
08.02.02.004.02 – Standards for Idaho School Buses and Operations
08.02.02.170 – School Bus Drivers and Vehicle Operation
08.02.02.180 – Written Policies Governing Pupil Transportation System
20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
FMVSS 213 – Child Restraint Systems
CROSS-REFERENCE:
670 – Special Education
702 – Student Transportation System
720 – Activity Busing
732 – School Bus Emergencies
738 – School Bus Drivers
ADOPTED: January 13, 2025
AMENDED: