Answer: Because both school staff and the parent agree that the lack of transportation is a barrier to attendance due to safety, the district should provide an alternative, such as helping arrange a walk buddy or walking school bus, transportation from the bus stop to home, or even a taxi. Please also see this Q&A for the legal citations.
We are working with a family who moved into a house on a five lane highway. Our state law says that school buses cannot stop on the highway to pick up the students. The closest possible stop is 0.3 miles away. While there is a sidewalk the whole way, the students still need to walk next to the highway and up a steep hill. Both the family and school staff have safety concerns. Our transportation department says there are no other options. The family does not currently have access to a car. What are our obligations for transportation in a situation that is within the local attendance area walk zone?
Feb 6, 2023 | Q and A