I. PURPOSE

To ensure that a safe and cost-effective student transportation system is made available for eligible Shelby County Schools (SCS) students to and from schools and education-related activities.

II. SCOPE

This policy applies to all eligible SCS students and to all SCS employees administering and/or coordinating student transportation services.

III. POLICY STATEMENT

SCS is authorized to provide transportation services to and from school at no cost for eligible students. The provision of such services, although not required for students other than those receiving special education services as determined by a child’s individualized education program (IEP), is provided as a service to the general population in accordance with applicable laws. Criteria for bus ridership eligibility for the general population are determined by the District. Student use of transportation provided by the District is a privilege and continued eligibility to use District transportation services may be suspended and/or revoked for violation of applicable policies and rules.

Bus routes that ensure the most efficient and economical student transportation service shall be planned and established annually by SCS transportation department and shall be implemented in accordance with the SCS Student Transportation Services Manual.

WAIVER to BOARD OR EXIT the BUS at an ALTERNATE LOCATION

The District shall allow waivers permitting a student to board or exit his/her assigned bus at an alternate location other than his/her regular bus stop in accordance with established administrative rules and regulations. Additionally, waivers that result in an increase in associated student transportation cost for the District shall be prohibited.

IV. RESPONSIBILITY

1. The office responsible for student transportation services is responsible for developing and implementing the Student Transportation Services Manual.
2. The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that this policy is followed.

Administrative Rules and Regulations
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

A. ELIGIBILITY

SCS students enrolled in elementary schools who reside one and one-half (1 1/2) miles or more and students enrolled in middle or high schools who reside two (2) miles or more from their assigned schools shall be eligible for transportation services. Students attending a school on a general transfer request are not eligible for transportation services (see Policy 6002 – School Admission).

Exceptions may be granted for students residing less than the required designated miles from their assigned schools. Such exceptions may be granted to:

• Students receiving special education services who have a current IEP (Individual Education Program) indicating a need for special transportation services.
• Students with a 504 plan that indicates a need for student transportation as verified by a physician. A completed Student Information Form must be on file at the school and the Transportation Office.
• Students who reside in an area where traffic or other conditions make walking to and from school hazardous. Hazardous areas, as determined by an analysis conducted by the office responsible for student transportation services, shall be based on the following conditions:

1. age of student
2. traffic volume and/or speed
3. roadway design/walkway conditions (i.e., curvy roads, sidewalks, ditches)
4. other conditions as deemed appropriate

B. WAIVER to BOARD OR EXIT the BUS at an ALTERNATE LOCATION

A waiver permitting a student to board or exit his/her assigned bus at an alternate location other than his/her regular bus stop may be made under the following conditions:

1. The request for a waiver must be made in writing by the parent/guardian at the school.
2. A legitimate need, as determined in the sole discretion of the Principal, must exist and there must be reasonable assurance that provisions are made for the safety of the student.
3. Granted waivers shall not exceed one (1) per year nor be subject to revocation by the parent for the school year in which it is granted.
4. The Principal is the designated authority to evaluate and approve or deny a request for a waiver based on the stated hardship; and for consulting with the office responsible for student transportation services as appropriate.
5. The Principal or his/her designee must document approved requests.

A waiver to board or exit the bus at an alternate location shall be effective for the same location every school day. Under no circumstances will a waiver be granted that changes or adds additional stops to the student’s assigned bus route.

Individuals who have suggestions, questions, or concerns regarding student transportation may contact the Transportation Office at 321-2280.

Request for Transportation Alternate Stop Waiver Form - pdf

Request for Transportation Alternate Stop Waiver (Special Education Buses) Form - pdf