Generally, transporting students for school purposes will be done in a vehicle owned by the school district and driven by a school bus driver. Students may be transported in private vehicles for school purposes on an as-needed basis. It will be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine when this is appropriate.
Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent and meet all applicable requirements set by the district. Prior to transporting students in private vehicles, the district may require the following:
- The vehicle used to transport the student(s) is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements;
- The driver transporting the student(s) possesses a valid drivers’ license;
- Proof of insurance has been supplied to the superintendent and the insurance satisfies the minimum coverage requirements for driving personal vehicles in the State of Iowa; and;
- The parents of the students to be transported have given written permission to the superintendent.
The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent and who ride in private vehicles for school purposes. If transportation is not provided by the school district, or if transportation provided by the school district is declined by the student or parent/guardian, then the responsibility and corresponding liability for transportation for school purposes shall rest solely with the student and parent/guardian.
This policy statement applies to transportation of students for school purposes in addition to transporting students to and from their designated attendance center. This policy statement also applies to the transportation of students for school purposes inclusive of extracurricular activities. The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321.
281 I.A.C. 43.
Cross Reference: 401.11 Transporting of Students by Employees
401.12 Employee Travel Compensation
711 Transportation
Approved 11/01/2004 Reviewed 04/19/2010 Revised 05/16/2016
06/15/2015 01/17/2022
12/21/2020
01/17/2022
