Generally, transporting students for school purposes is 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. It is within the discretion of the superintendent or superintendent’s designee to determine when this is appropriate.
Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent or superintendent’s designee 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 or superintendent’s designee 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 and/or verbal permission to the superintendent or superintendent’s designee.
The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent or superintendent’s designee 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.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321.
Date Board Adopted: 6/27/2011
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/14/2022