FILE:  EDAE

Cf:  IFCB

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION IN PRIVATE VEHICLES

The Rapides Parish School Board recognizes that there are times in which private vehicles are used to transport students to and from school sponsored events.  The Board directs that such transportation services shall only be utilized in emergency situations as authorized by the principal.  Otherwise, proper student transportation, i.e., Board owned or operated vehicles, shall be used.

When private vehicles are to be used to transport students, such vehicles shall be chosen in advance of the anticipated usage, whenever possible.  In situations where private vehicles are to be used for transporting students to school related activities, the following guidelines shall be adhered to:

1. The driver of a vehicle should be restricted to a teacher, parent, or legal guardian.
   
   

2. All students shall have written permission to travel with the group.
   
   

3. The number of students transported shall be limited to the recommended capacity of the vehicle.  Fifteen (15) passenger vans cannot be rented or used by the Rapides Parish School Board.  Seat belts shall be available for every passenger and each occupant of the vehicle shall buckle with the appropriate seat belt.
   
   

4. A photocopy of a valid driver’s license of the driver(s) and insurance card of the vehicle shall be submitted to school personnel by the intended driver.  A minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 each person, $50,000 each occurrence bodily injury, and $25,000 property damage shall be required coverage for any personal vehicles used to transport students.  Appropriate documentation shall be made that the driver of the vehicle and the vehicle's owner are aware that their insurance shall be the first line of defense in the event of an accident.
   
   

5. Prior to the use of the vehicle, the following background information about the driver and/or owner of the vehicle shall be obtained:

1. • Name, address, phone, trip destination, reason for trip, times of departure and return.
     
     

   • Driver of the vehicle; owner's name, if different from driver.
     
     

   • Number of students to be transported.
     
     

   • Other passengers besides students/driver.
     
     

   • Verification of written permission for all students to travel with the group.
     
     

   • Type, age, and condition of the vehicle(s) to be driven.
     
     

   • Verification by signature that the owner of the vehicle gives consent for intended usage of the vehicle.
     
     

   • Information regarding the owner's vehicle insurance coverage.
     
     

   • Driver's motor vehicle records.  Signature on the questionnaire shall give the School Board permission to evaluate the driver(s) motor vehicle record for driving problems, citations, or DWI/DUI incidences.

6. It is strongly recommended that a visual inspection of the vehicle(s) to be used in the activity is completed.  The following items should be examined:

1. • Are there seat belts for every occupant?
     
     

   • Does the vehicle seem to be in good condition and proper working order?
     
     

   • Do the tail lights and head lights operate properly?
     
     

   • Are the tires in good condition (not bald, dry rotted, damaged, etc.)

Any other concerns which may be revealed during the inspection should be documented.

7. Under no circumstances shall students be allowed to ride in the back of a pickup truck.

Ref:     La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81

Board minutes, 2-5-97, 4-16-02

Rapides Parish School Board