Transporting Students in Private Vehicles

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 or 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 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 permission to the superintendent.  

The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent or 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. The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy. 
  

NOTE: It is important for districts to remember that if language is included in the policy, it needs to be followed in practice. For example, if the district requires written permission as stated above, the district needs to make sure that this is in fact being required for every student, every time. If the district finds a requirement to be impractical, then it should not be included in the policy. 

Cross References