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 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. Private vehicles will be used only when:
The vehicle is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements
The driver possesses a valid driver's 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
when 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. The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.
NOTE: There is no legal requirement that private drivers have written proof of insurance. The requirement is written into the policy as a protection for the school district. Prior to letting private drivers transport students, a school district may want to check with the school district's insurance carrier to determine its coverage in those instances.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285.
281 I.A.C. 43.
Cross Reference:
401.7 Employee Travel Compensation
711 Transportation
Approved: 12/1/1995 Reviewed: 5/10/2021 Revised: 5/10/2021
The use of students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit is not allowed except with prior board approval. Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites if the purpose is educationally related and prior approval has been obtained from the board.
Educational facilities, teachers, and students shall not be used in any manner for the promotions of sales of services or products or agencies or organizations operating for profit. The Board of Directors specifically forbids such activities as the following:
1. Distribution by students of pamphlets urging students, parents and others to purchase services or products sold for profit.
2. The sale by students or teachers of products and/or services, except in relation to production by students and/or items approved by the principal.
3. Similar activities which would involve the teachers and students and which would interfere with the normal time and activities of the school.
4. Employees shall not participate in any incentive program that leads to personal gain. When the Board of Directors and the Superintendent of Schools feels that the educational gain outweighs any promotional purpose, prior approval can be given by the Board to an activity.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8
Cross Reference:
504.5 Student FundRaising
904 Community Activities Involving Students
Approved: 1/10/1991 Reviewed: 05/10/2021 Revised: 05/10/2021