Jerome Joint School District No. 261

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS 8130

Transportation of Students with Disabilities

Transportation shall be provided as a related service when a student with a disability requires special transportation in order to benefit from special education or to have access to an appropriate education placement.  Transportation needs may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Travel to and from school and between schools;

2. Travel in and around school buildings or to activities that are a regular part of the student’s instructional program;

3. Specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses, lifts, and ramps) if required to provide special transportation for a student with disabilities; and

4. Other services that support the student’s use of transportation, such as:

   1. Special assistance, such as an aide on the bus and assistance getting on and off the vehicle;

   2. Safety restraints, wheelchair restraints, and child safety seats;

   3. Accommodations, such as preferential seating, a positive behavioral support plan for the student on the vehicle, and altering the transportation route; or

   4. Training for the driver regarding the student’s disability or special health-related needs.

The Child Study Team that develops the disabled student’s Individualized Education Program will determine on an individual basis when a student with a disability requires this related service.  Such recommendations must be specified on the student’s IEP.  Only those children with disabilities who qualify for transportation as a related service under the provisions of the IDEA shall be entitled to special transportation.  All other children with disabilities in the District have access to the District’s regular transportation system under policies and procedures applicable to all students of the District.  Utilizing the District’s regular transportation service shall be viewed as a “least restrictive environment.”

Mode of Transportation

One of the District’s special education buses will be the preferred mode of transportation.  Exceptions may be made in situations where buses are prohibited from entering certain subdivisions due to inadequate turning space or distance from school may seriously impact transportation scheduling.  In such situations, other arrangements such as an alternate vehicle type or  individual transportation contract may be arranged with the parents/guardians.  Any voluntary agreement for the parent/guardian to transport the student shall stipulate in writing the terms of reimbursement.

Cross Reference:

Code         Description

3340-P1         Corrective Actions, Punishment, and Denial of Enrollment

8140         Student Conduct on Buses

Legal Reference:

20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)

IC § 33-1501 Transportation Authorized

IC § 33-1506 Inspection of School Authorized Vehicles

IC § 33-1509 School Bus Drivers – Definition – Qualification – Duties

IC 33-1006 Transportation Support Program

IC 33-1504 Authorized Vehicles

IDAPA 08.02.03.109 Special Education

Other References:

Idaho State Department of Education Idaho Special Education Manual, current edition

Policy History:

Adopted on: 12/19/2006

Revised on: 03/17/2026