It is the policy of the Board of Education 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 State Board of Education. Such laws and rules shall govern any question not covered by this policy.

School buses and student-transportation vehicles may be purchased, 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. However, no vehicle shall be purchased or used to transport students for which there is no applicable, passenger-protection, Federal motor-vehicle safety standards.

All school buses and student-transportation vehicles, whether purchased, leased, or contracted for shall comply with specifications defined in State law. 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.

County and city 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.

Students participating in the in-District Schools of Choice program are not eligible for District transportation.

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. Transportation between home and school will be provided for each resident child attending a State-approved, nonpublic school within the District. Transportation shall also be provided to a State-approved, nonpublic school outside the District on the same basis that the District transports any District students who attend a public school outside the District.

The Board may contract for the transportation of resident students between their home areas and the schools of the District to which they are assigned.

Children living beyond the following walking limits shall be entitled to bus transportation:

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

Bus routes shall be established so that an authorized bus stop is available within reasonable walking distance of the home of every resident student entitled to transportation services.

The Superintendent may substitute smaller vehicles for reasons of economy or efficiency of operation.

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 but does not require the Superintendent to install and operated 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. 380.1321, 1322, 1323, 1324, 1756
Public Acts 187, 188, 189
A.C. Rule 340.281, 282