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