It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide transportation on county approved roads only for those students who qualify.

County maintained roads, which are determined to be safe by the administration, will be the only roads traveled on by District school buses. Dead end roads and cul-de-sacs will not be traveled on by District school buses. Buses will not turn around, double back or back up. Buses will always remain in a forward motion for safety.

Children living beyond one and one-half (1 1/2) traversable miles from the school in their attendance area may be eligible for bus transportation. Students participating in the in-district Schools of Choice program are not eligible for District transportation (See AG 5120).

Exceptions to the foregoing limits may be made in the case of a permanently disabled child who has been so certified by a physician. Temporarily disabled children will be transported in accordance with the law and will be evaluated on an individual-case basis.

Transportation of eligible special education children between their home areas and schools outside the District 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. In addition, eligible students participating in programming at the Oakland Technical Center - Northwest Campus (OTC-NW) will be transported between their home school and OTC-NW.

Bus routes shall be established so that an authorized bus stop is available within one and one-half (1 1/2) miles of the resident student’s home (midday Kindergarten shall be the only exception).

School vehicles shall be purchased or leased, housed, and maintained by the District for the transportation of resident students between their home areas and the schools of the District to which they are assigned. The Superintendent may substitute smaller vehicles for reasons of economy or efficiency of operation.

Each operator of a school vehicle used by 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. The license, a certificate from an approved medical facility, and a report of continuing education must be in the driver’s possession when driving.

The Board reserves the right to terminate transportation based on financial, legal or other considerations. It is a privilege for students to ride a District vehicle and this privilege may be revoked if the student's conduct is in violation of the Superintendent's administrative guidelines or the Code of Conduct pertaining to student transportation. Parents are responsible for the safety and behavior of their child while going to or from the bus stop and while waiting for the school bus.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to install and operate video cameras on District buses to enhance student safety and well-being. S/He shall establish appropriate administrative guidelines for the proper use of the cameras.

The Superintendent shall establish administrative guidelines to ensure proper implementation of the policy.

M.C.L.A. 380.141, 380.142, 380.331, 380.246
M.C.L.A. 380.1321, 380.1322, 380.1323, 380.1324, 380.1756
Public Acts 187, 188, 189
A.C. Rule 340.281, 340.282

Revised 3/94
Revised 9/11/00
Revised 2/11/02
Revised 5/24/04
Revised 4/2/07