The board recognizes the convenience to families and students of having students drive to and park at their school attendance center. Driving a motor vehicle to and parking it at the students’ attendance center is a privilege, not a right.
The students must possess a valid Iowa driver’s license or show necessity for a minor school license (MSL). Application for the MSL must be made to and have been approved by the superintendent, principal or designee. For purposes of clarification, the principal will be the primary source for approval for the Fairfield Community School District..
Students who drive to and park at their school attendance center shall be governed by the specific rules designated by the attendance center. Those rules include but are not limited to the following:
- Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal.
- Students will leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center.
- Students who drive will enter and leave the parking lot by the routes designated by the principal.
- Students must abide by all speeding limits. Squealing of tires, loud music and other noises that may be considered dangerous and a disruption are not permitted.
- Violations may result in revocation of driving privileges.
Students who apply for the MSL are governed by the following guidelines as set forth by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), Iowa Code Section 321.194, and the Fairfield Community School District. All guidelines are created to ensure students have access to academic and extracurricular programs within the school district where district transportation is not provided and to ensure the safety and security of all students. The student must:
- Be minimum age requirement of 14 years and 6 months.
- Have completed a valid Iowa-approved course in driver education.
- Have held a valid instruction permit for a six month period prior to application.
- Have a driving history that is conviction free.
- Live one mile or more from the attendance center.
- Only drive between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
- Use the most direct route to and from the official residence and the attendance center. A map must be provided to the principal upon application.
- Show necessity through the listing and proof of enrollment in extracurricular activities. Applications must be made using the form entitled “Application for Home to School Driver’s License” which can be obtained in the main office of the high school.
- Only use transportation for self and those who enter the vehicle at official residence and exit at same destination as the driver.
- Be allowed to stop for fuel when necessary and within the most direct route.
Occasionally, there are instances of hardship that will supersede the above guidelines. Please refer to Iowa Administrative Code 761-602.26 (3) for exceptions.
Further restrictions for MSL as outlined by Iowa Code 282.18 and Iowa Code Section 321.194 may apply to open enrollment, dual enrollment and home school students. Please consult the above listed codes for a more specific and detailed explanation of all rules governing the minor school license.
Violation of the above guidelines may result in revocation or suspension of the MSL. A school official may advise the Department of Transportation (DOT) in writing that a violation of the MSL has occurred and suspension may result. Conviction of a single traffic violation may result in a 30-day suspension. Further, more severe restrictions, could apply upon future violations.
The parents, legal guardians or custodian of the student who is applying for the MSL are required to meet with the principal to discuss the guidelines and to fill out the proper paperwork as required by the school and the DOT. At said meeting, the parents and student must show proof of age, certificate of completion from an Iowa-approved course of driver education and Form 430021, Statement of Necessity/Affidavit for School License, which can be obtained from the DOT driver’s license station.
Students who wish to drive to and park at their school attendance center will comply with the rules and regulations established by the building principal. Failure to comply with this policy or the school district rules will be reason for revocation of school driving and parking privileges as well as other disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321 (2013).
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
Approved: June 13, 2005, Sep 22, 2014, Dec. 2, 2019
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, Aug. 25, 2014, Oct. 21, 2019
Revised: Aug. 25, 2014, Oct. 21, 2019
