Carthage R-9 | R 5620 Student Transportation Services

Pupil transportation is a necessary auxiliary service and an integral part of the total educational program of the District. The time students spend on the bus exerts an important influence on the physical and mental condition that students bring to the classroom. Therefore, the major objectives of the pupil transportation program are as follows:

Provide the means by which students can reach school under safe and healthful conditions with as little time on the bus as is reasonably necessary;
Provide for an efficient and economical transportation system; and
Adapt transportation to the requirements of the instructional program.

Any student whose conduct on a school bus is improper or jeopardizes the safety of other students may have his/her right to school bus transportation suspended for such period of time as deemed proper by the Superintendent, building principal or designee. Students with disabilities who are suspended from bus transportation will be afforded the procedural safeguards, if necessary, as required by the IDEA or Section 504. Such bus suspensions will not constitute a “removal” under the IDEA or Section 504 unless transportation is included as a necessary related service in the student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan. Uniform rules of conduct and disciplinary measures will be enforced.

The transportation service will be subject to continual supervision and regular evaluation on the basis of the following Board policies:

The Board of Education shall adopt policies governing pupil transportation upon the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee, and shall include adequate funds in the budget to cover the cost of the transportation contract, secure proper authorization for the provision of transportation, and secure approval of bus routes from the Missouri State Board of Education when necessary;
The Superintendent/designee shall assign administrative and operational duties regarding the transportation program, and shall keep the Board of Education informed as to the operation and needs of the student transportation program. The Superintendent/designee shall recommend policies, budget and bus routes to the Board of Education for approval;
School administrators may be asked to ride certain bus routes and report their findings to the Superintendent/designee. All violations of state and local requirements will be reported;
The Superintendent/designee will make spot checks of buses throughout the year to review compliance with requirements; and
The Superintendent/designee will meet at least once a year with all the bus drivers.

Only those students who meet eligibility requirements by means of residence will be permitted to use school bus transportation for the purpose of travel to and from school. The District may use motor vehicles other than school buses for the purpose of transporting students. In addition, the District may enter into ridesharing agreements for the purposes of transporting students.