904.1 - 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 or authorized employee.

In some cases, it may be more economical or efficient for the district to allow an employee of the district to transport students in an employee’s private vehicle. This policy applies to transportation of students to school events in which they are participants, or to their homes in case of illness or other emergency situations as reasonably determined by the district. 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 students is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements;
• The driver transporting the students possesses a valid driver's license;
• Proof of insurance has been supplied to the superintendent or designee and the insurance satisfies the minimum coverage requirements for driving personal vehicles in the State of Iowa; and
• When practical, the parents of the students to be transported have given written permission to the superintendent or designee.

The following employees have standing approval to transport students in their private vehicles provided that the above requirements are met: District administrators, school counselors, drop-out prevention teachers, or any other employee who has specifically been approved by the board of education.

Employees and students shall obey all traffic laws, including but not limited to regulations regarding child restraints, seat belts and cell phone usage.

The district assumes no responsibility for students who ride in private vehicles for school purposes driven by anyone not approved under this policy or someone not otherwise approved by the superintendent/designee.

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.
 

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321.
281 I.A.C. 43.

Cross Reference:
401.7 Employee Travel Compensation
711 Transportation

Approved: 12-14-21  
Reviewed: 11-20-23
Revised: 11-20-23