Student Transportation Services

Maine School Administrative District #31

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

The Board will provide transportation for all students living beyond a reasonable distance from their school or from a scheduled bus stop as the Board has determined. This distance is defined as a half mile for middle school and high school students. All elementary students are picked-up unless parents decide to transport their child.

Distance shall be measured by the shortest public road from the residence to the bus stop or school door. In cases questioned, distance will be measured and established by the Superintendent.

Exceptions to the above distance shall be made for the following reasons only:

A. Health

Exceptions to established walking distances may be made for students with disabilities as required by their IEP or Individual Health Plan (504 Plan). Exceptions may also be made to accommodate a student’s need for transportation with written documentation for the student’s physician.

B. Kindergarten Students

Kindergarten bus service will include pick-up and delivery to the home, providing a suitable bus turn is available.

C. K-5 students

Adults/family members must be visible for the bus driver to drop-off the student.

D. Hazardous Walking Conditions

Hazardous walking conditions shall be defined as those which would place a child of a given age in a situation of greater than normal or average danger.

Authorized bus stops will be located so as to load and unload students with the most safety allowed by road conditions. The distance between stops may vary according to safety factors. If possible, students will be loaded and unloaded so that it is not necessary for them to cross a main highway to reach their homes.

Requests for bus stops, inconsistent with this policy must be made in writing and submitted to the Superintendent.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 5401

Cross Reference: JICC - Student Conduct on School Buses

First Reading: 10/21/2015

Second Reading: 11/18/2015