711 - Transportation
711 - Transportation dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 11/12/2021 - 07:57711.1 - Student School Transportation Eligibility
711.1 - Student School Transportation EligibilityElementary students living more than 1 mile from their designated school attendance centers, middle school students living more than 2 miles from their designated school attendance center and high school students living more than three miles from their designated attendance center are entitled to transportation to and from their attendance center at the expense of the school district.
Transportation of students who require special education services will generally be provided as for other students, when appropriate. Specialized transportation of a student to and from a special education instructional service is a function of that service and, therefore, an appropriate expenditure of special education instructional funds generated through the weighting plan.
Transportation of a student to and from a special education support service is a function of that service, and is specified in the individualized education program (IEP) or the individualized family service plan (IFSP). When the IEP or IFSP team determines that unique transportation arrangements are required and the arrangements are specified in the IEP or IFSP, the school district will provide one or more of the following transportation arrangements for instructional services and the AEA for support services:
· Transportation from the bus stop nearest to the student’s residence then to their school and from the school back to the bus stop nearest the student’s residence.
· Special assistance or adaptations in getting the student to and from and on and off the vehicle, enroute to and from the special education.
· Reimbursement of the actual costs of transportation when by mutual agreement the parents provide transportation for the student to and from the special education.
The school district is not required to provide reimbursement to parents who elect to provide transportation in lieu of agency-provided transportation.
A student may be required, at the board's discretion, to meet a school vehicle without reimbursement up to three-fourths of a mile. The board may require the parent to transport their children up to two miles to connect with school bus vehicles at the expense of the school district when conditions deem it advisable. It is within the discretion of the board to determine such conditions. Parents of students who live where transportation by bus is impracticable or unavailable may be required to furnish transportation to and from the designated attendance center at the expense of the school district. Parents, who transport their children at the expense of the school district, are reimbursed at the rate per mile set by the state.
Transportation arrangements made by agreement with a neighboring school district will follow the terms of the agreement. Students, who choose to attend a school in a school district other than their resident school district, will provide transportation to and from the school at their own expense.
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1401, 1701 et seq. (2010).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (2010).
Iowa Code §§ 256B.4; 285; 321 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 41.412.
Cross Reference: 501.16 Homeless Children and Youth
507.8 Student Special Health Services
603.3 Special Education
711 Transportation
Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, Mar. 20, 2017, Nov. 26, 2018, Mar. 28, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 8, 2017, Oct. 15, 2018, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, Feb. 8, 2017, Oct. 15, 2018, Mar. 28, 2022
711.2 - Student Conduct on School Transportation
711.2 - Student Conduct on School TransportationStudents utilizing school transportation will conduct themselves in an orderly manner fitting to their age level and maturity with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of the school vehicle driver and the other passengers. Students who fail to behave in an orderly manner will be subject to disciplinary measures.
The driver will have the authority to maintain order on the school vehicle. It will be the responsibility of the driver to report misconduct to the director of transportation or building principal who shall discipline the student in accordance with procedures developed by the superintendent and approved by the board.
The board supports the use of video cameras on school buses used for transportation to and from school as well as for field trips, curricular or extracurricular events. The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior and may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding. The videotapes are student records subject to school district confidentiality, board policy and administrative regulations.
Those students guilty of flagrant, repeated or gross disobedience or misconduct on school buses are subject to suspension within the guidelines of the district’s Student Conduct Policy, Code No. 503.1. Continued violation of bus rules will be considered sufficient cause for refusing to transport the student(s) involved and may lead to suspension from school, depending upon the seriousness of the matter.
It will be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the transportation director and the building principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding student conduct and discipline when utilizing school district transportation.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321 (2013).
Cross Reference: 503 Student Discipline
506 Student Records
Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, March 20, 2017, April 11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb 8, 2017, March 28, 2022
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, Feb 8, 2017, March 28, 2022
711.2R1 - Student Conduct on School Transportation Regulation
711.2R1 - Student Conduct on School Transportation RegulationAll persons riding in school district vehicles will adhere to the following rules. The driver, sponsor or chaperones are to follow the school bus discipline procedure for student violations of this policy. Recording devices may be in operation on the school buses.
1. Bus riders will be at the designated loading point before the bus arrival time.
2. Bus riders will wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter.
3. Riders must not extend arms or heads out of the windows at any time.
4. Aisles must be kept cleared at all times.
5. All bus riders will load and unload through the right front door. The emergency door is for emergencies only.
6. A bus rider will depart from the bus at the designated point unless written permission to get off at a different location is given to the driver.
7. A rider may be assigned a seat by the driver.
8. Riders who damage seats or other equipment will reimburse the district for the cost of the repair or replacement.
9. Riders are not permitted to leave their seats while the vehicle is in motion.
10. Waste containers are provided on all buses for bus riders' use.
11. Permission to open windows must be obtained from the driver.
12. Classroom conduct is to be observed by students while riding the bus except for ordinary conversation.
13. The driver is in charge of the students and the vehicle, and the driver is to be obeyed promptly and cheerfully.
14. Students will assist in looking after the safety and comfort of younger students.
15. A bus rider who must cross the roadway to board or depart from the bus will pass in front of the bus (no closer than 10 feet), look in both directions
and proceed to cross the road or highway only on signal from the driver.
16. Students will not throw objects about the vehicle nor out through the windows.
17. Shooting paper wads, squirt guns or other material in the vehicle is not permitted.
18. Students will keep feet off the seats.
19. Roughhousing in the vehicle is prohibited.
20. Students will refrain from crowding or pushing.
21. The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco or look-alike substances is prohibited in the vehicle.
22. The Good Conduct Rule is in effect.
23. Students will wear seatbelts as provided.
Approved: Jan. 12, 1998, March 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Feb 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
711.2R2 - Use of Recording Devices on School Buses and Attendance Center(s) Regulation
711.2R2 - Use of Recording Devices on School Buses and Attendance Center(s) RegulationThe board supports the use of recording devices on school buses and attendance center(s) as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. The recording devices may be used on buses used for transportation to and from school, field trips, curricular events and extracurricular events and for monitoring of buildings. The contents of the recordings may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding.
Student Records
The content of the recordings is a student record subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records. Only those persons with a legitimate educational purpose may view the recordings. In most instances, those individuals with a legitimate educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principal, transportation director, teacher if a building incident, bus driver and special education staffing team. A parent may view the recording without consent from any student or parent also shown in the recording if the other students are just bystanders. But if there is an altercation between multiple students, then all parents must give consent in order for the recording to be viewed by parents.
A recording device recorded during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity. If the content of the recording becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it may be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.
Notice
The school district will annually provide the following notice to students and parents:
The Fairfield Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of recording devices on school district buses and attendance center(s). The recording devices will be used to monitor student behavior to maintain order on the school buses and attendance center(s) to promote and maintain a safe environment. Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the recordings may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding. The content of the recordings are confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Recordings will only be retained if necessary for use in a student disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration. Parents may request to view recordings of their child if the recordings are used in a disciplinary proceeding involving their child.
The following notice will also be placed on all school buses and attendance center(s) equipped with a recording device:
This bus is equipped with a recording monitoring system.
This building is equipped with a recording monitoring system.
Review of Recordings
The school district will review recordings when necessary as a result of an incident reported by a bus driver or student. The recordings may be re-circulated for erasure after 14 days.
Viewing of recordings is limited to the individuals having a legitimate educational purpose. A written log will be kept of those individuals viewing the recordings stating the time, name of individual viewing and the date the recording was viewed.
Recording Monitoring System
Recording Devices will be used on only a select number of school district buses.
All district buses are equipped with audio/video recording devices and all attendance centers are equipped with video recording devices.
Determination of how recording devices will be used and which school buses and attendance center(s) will be equipped with recording equipment will be made by the superintendent in consultation with the building principals and director of auxiliary services.
Student Conduct
Students are prohibited from tampering with the recording devices on the school buses and in the attendance center(s). Students found in violation of this regulation will be disciplined in accordance with the school district discipline policy and Good Conduct Rule and will reimburse the school district for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.
Approved: Sept. 20, 1993, Mar. 19, 2012, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Mar.19, 2012, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, Mar. 19, 2012, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
711.3 - Student Transportation for Extra Curricular Activities
711.3 - Student Transportation for Extra Curricular ActivitiesThe board in its discretion may provide school district transportation for extracurricular activities including, but not limited to, transporting student participants and other students to and from extracurricular events.
Students participating in extracurricular events, other than those held at the school district facilities, may be transported to the extracurricular event by school district transportation vehicles or by another means approved by the superintendent.
Students, who are provided transportation in school district transportation vehicles for extracurricular events, will ride both to and from the event in the school vehicle unless arrangements have been made with the building principal prior to the event. A student's parent may personally appear and request to transport the student home from a school-sponsored event in which the student traveled to the event on a school district transportation vehicle.
School buses on extra-curricular activities held in the evening or on weekends will not stop on the highway to pick up or discharge students.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256B.4; 285.1-.4; 321 (2011).
281 I.A.C. 41.412.
Cross Reference: 504 Student Activities
711 Transportation
Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, Feb. 8, 2017
711.4 - Summer School Program Transportation Service
711.4 - Summer School Program Transportation ServiceThe school district may use school vehicles for transportation to and from summer extracurricular activities. The superintendent will make a recommendation to the board annually regarding their use.
Transportation to and from the student's attendance center for summer school instructional programs shall be within the discretion of the board. It will be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation regarding transportation of students in summer school instructional programs at the expense of the school district. In making the recommendation to the board, the superintendent will consider the financial condition of the school district, the number of students involved in summer school programs, and other factors deemed relevant by the board or the superintendent.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 285.10 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 43.10, 412
Cross Reference: 603.2 Summer School Instruction
711 Transportation
Approved: Feb.11, 1985, March 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, Feb 8, 2017
711.5 - Transportation of Nonresident and Nonpublic School Students
711.5 - Transportation of Nonresident and Nonpublic School StudentsThe board has sole discretion to determine the method to be utilized for transporting nonresident and nonpublic students. Nonresident students paying tuition may be, and resident students attending a nonpublic school accredited by the State Department of Education will be, transported on an established public school vehicle route as long as such transportation does not interfere with resident public students' transportation. Nonresident and nonpublic school students will obtain the permission of the superintendent prior to being transported by the school district.
Parents of resident students who provide transportation for their children attending a nonpublic school accredited by the Iowa Department of Education will be reimbursed at the established state rate. This reimbursement will be paid only if the school district receives the funds from the state. If less than the amount of funds necessary to fully reimburse parents of the nonpublic students is received by the school district, the funds will be prorated.
The charge to the nonresident students will be determined based on the students' pro rata share of the actual costs for transportation. The parents of these students will be billed for the student's share of the actual costs of transportation. The billing will be according to the schedule developed by the superintendent. It will be the responsibility of the superintendent to determine the amount to be charged and report it to the board secretary for billing.
Continued transportation of nonresident and nonpublic school students on a public school vehicle route will be subject to resident public school students' transportation needs. The superintendent will make a recommendation annually to the board regarding the method to be used. In making a recommendation to the board, the superintendent will consider the number of students to be transported, the capacity of the school vehicles, the financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the board or the superintendent.
Nonresident and nonpublic school students will be subject to the same conduct regulations as resident public students as prescribed by board policy, and to other policies, rules, or regulations developed by the school district regarding transportation of students by the school district.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 285.1-.2, .10, .16 (2013).
Cross Reference: 711 Transportation
Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, Feb. 8, 2017
711.6 - Transportation of Nonschool Groups
711.6 - Transportation of Nonschool GroupsOnly in unusual circumstances will the board make school district transportation vehicles available to local nonprofit entities, which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities for transporting to and from non-school sponsored activities in the state.
In the event school district transportation vehicles are made available to local nonprofit entities, it will be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for application for, use of, and payment for using the school district transportation vehicles.
School district vehicles will not transport non-school groups outside the state of Iowa.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 285.1(21), .10(9), (10) (2013).
281 I.A.C. 41.412; 43.10.
Cross Reference: 711 Transportation
900 Principles and Objectives for Community Relations
Approved: Sep. 21, 1992, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, Feb. 8, 2017
711.6R - Vehicle Usage by Non-School Organizations/Community
711.6R - Vehicle Usage by Non-School Organizations/CommunityIn accordance with the Department of Education guidelines, Fairfield Community School District will allow district vehicles to be used for transportation to camps/activities which are not school sponsored events, but involve district students and personnel or community organizations wanting to rent a yellow school bus. The stipulation is that the district cannot absorb any actual costs for this type of transportation. As a result, groups wanting to use school transportation to attend non-school sponsored events will be charged a fee. Criteria is listed below. This fee will also apply to community organizations requesting use of school vehicles.
To assist in providing information, planning and determining transportation costs, please review the listed items.
- Complete an online transportation request form, have it approved by the building administrator or activities director and forward to the transportation office. The transportation office will notify you if there is not a vehicle available. Please be specific as to destination and other information, providing an address if possible.
- The transportation office will then calculate the mileage for the camp/event/activity using Google or MapQuest to determine the estimated cost of vehicle usage.
- The person in charge will then be notified of the estimated cost. (The person in charge may want to divide the costs among those traveling.)
- Once the vehicle usage is complete, an invoice will be sent to the person in charge for payment of the actual mileage/cost of the vehicle.
- Mileage rates are listed below and will be adjusted annually as reflected on the annual transportation report, the district’s bus utilization report and hourly rates for school bus drivers.
Suburban Mileage cost allowance as determined on the annual transportation report
School Bus The operating cost as calculated on the district’s annual transportation report (with driver)
62% of the mileage operating cost as calculated on the district’s annual transportation report (without driver)
Approved: Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Feb. 8, 2017
711.7 - School Bus Safety Instruction
711.7 - School Bus Safety InstructionThe school district will conduct school bus safe riding practices instruction and emergency safety drills twice a year for students who utilize school district transportation.
Each school bus vehicle will have, in addition to the regular emergency safety drill, a plan for helping those students who require special assistance to safety during an emergency. This will include, but not be limited to, students with disabilities.
School district vehicle drivers are required to attend each safety drill.
Employees will be responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed during an emergency, as well as safe riding practices. It will be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 41.412; 43.40.
Cross Reference: 503 Student Discipline
507 Student Health and Well-Being
804.2 Warning Systems and Emergency Plans
Approved: Jan. 12, 1998, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Feb 8, 2017
711.8 - Transportation in Inclement Weather
711.8 - Transportation in Inclement WeatherSchool district buses will not operate when weather conditions due to fog, rain, snow or other natural elements make it unsafe to do so. Because weather conditions may vary around the school district and may change quickly, the best judgment possible will be used with the information available.
The final judgment as to when conditions are unsafe to operate will be made by the superintendent. The superintendent will be assisted by the actual "on location" reports from the transportation director.
Employees and students will be notified by text, phone, email, social media, local television and radio stations when school is cancelled or temporarily delayed. When school is cancelled because of weather anywhere in the school district, all schools will be closed.
When weather conditions deteriorate during the day after school has begun, cancellation notices will be announced by text, phone, email, social media, local television and radio stations. Students will be returned to their regular drop-off sites unless weather conditions prevent it. In that case, students will be kept at or returned to school until they are picked up by the parents.
This is a mandatory policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).
Cross Reference: 601.2 School Day
Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Feb 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
711.9 - District Vehicle Idling
711.9 - District Vehicle IdlingThe board recognizes that it has a role in reducing environmental pollutants and in assisting students and others be free from pollutants that may impact their respiratory health. Unnecessary vehicle idling emits pollutants and wastes fuel. The board directs the superintendent, in conjunction with the Director of Transportation, to work on administrative regulations to implement this policy and reduce school vehicle idling time.
Legal References: Iowa Code §279.8 (2013).
Cross References: 403 Employee Health and Well-Being
507 Student Health and Well-Being
711 Transportation
Approved: Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Feb 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Feb 8, 2017
711.10 - Transportation Equipment
711.10 - Transportation EquipmentThe school district will purchase transportation vehicles, which meet the requirements of the Board and the State Department of Education. The purchase of such vehicles will be in compliance with Board policy.
School district student transportation vehicles will be inspected twice annually by the State Department of Education. School district transportation vehicles, used to transport students, will be routinely maintained according to a schedule developed by the transportation director in conjunction with the superintendent.
It will be the responsibility of the s transportation director in conjunction with the superintendent to arrange for the inspection of the school district transportation vehicles requiring inspection and to develop a program for routine maintenance of school district vehicles.
Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Feb 8., 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
711.11 - Special Convenience Bus Stops
711.11 - Special Convenience Bus StopsNo bus will leave the public highway to receive or discharge students unless their safety is ensured or the private road is maintained in the same manner as the public highway.
A bus will not stop to load or unload students unless the driver has an unobstructed view of at least 300 feet in each direction, except to the extent that visibility is reduced by fog, snow or other weather conditions. In such circumstances, the driver is expected to use his/her best judgement to ensure the safety of the children and the bus.
Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, Mar. 20, 2017, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 8, 2017, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: Feb. 8, 2017
711.12 - School Bus Seat Belt Policy
711.12 - School Bus Seat Belt PolicyIt is the goal of the Fairfield Community School District Transportation Department to provide the safest student transportation possible.
Beginning the 2020-21 school year, the District is purchasing school buses equipped with lap/shoulder seatbelts. The District will require that all students riding a school bus equipped with seat belts, wear the seat belts while the bus is in motion.
All students will receive instruction on the proper use of seat belts during the twice annual bus safety drills. Drivers are not responsible (i.e. liable) for students wearing seat belts while riding. Drivers are responsible for instructing students to put on seat belts prior to the bus leaving a school.
Students who may require assistance in using seat belts should ask the bus driver for help, so that all students are safely belted in their seat before the bus is in motion. Drivers will announce prior to the bus leaving that each student needs to be in their seat with the seat belt fastened.
Students refusing to use seat belts create a safety concern for themselves and others, and are subject to school district disciplinary actions. Repeated refusal to wear seat belts can result in suspension from bus riding privileges.
Approved: Apr. 13, 2020, Apr.11, 2022
Reviewed: Mar. 16, 2020, Mar. 28, 2022
Revised: