NEPN/NSBA Code: EEA

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 

The School Committee will provide transportation for all students who live beyond a reasonable distance from their school as the School Committee has determined. Students in kindergarten through grade 6 shall be transported if they live one mile or more from school. Students in grades 7 and 8 shall be transported if they live one mile or more from school, or if they reside on streets listed in EEA-R. 

Students in grades 9 through 12 shall be transported if they reside one and one-quarter mile (1.25) or more from school, or if they reside on streets listed in EEA-R. 

The distance shall be measured by the shortest publicly traveled way from the residence to the bus stop or school door. In cases questioned, distance will be measured and established by the Superintendent/designee. 

Exceptions to the above distance shall be made for the following reasons only: 

A.  Health 

Exceptions to established walking distances may be made for students with disabilities as required by their IEP or a student with a 504. Exceptions may also be made to accommodate a student’s need for transportation with written documentation from a health care professional. 

B.  Hazardous Walking Conditions 

Hazardous walking conditions shall be defined as those which would place a child of a given age in a situation of greater than normal or average danger. See streets listed in EEA-R. 

Authorized bus stops will be located so as to load and unload students with the most safety allowed by road conditions. The distance between stops may vary according to safety factors. If possible, students will be loaded and unloaded so that it is not necessary for them to cross a main highway to reach their homes. 

Requests for bus stops inconsistent with these guidelines must be made in writing and submitted to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall consider all relevant factors including the best interest of the student, bus capacity, and established routes in deciding whether to grant the request. 

Buses that arrive at school more than 15 minutes prior to the start of the school shall not discharge their passengers until the regularly-scheduled time unless authorized to do so by the building administrator or duty teacher/staff member. 

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §5401 

Cross Reference: JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses 

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Revised: May 21, 2007 

Reviewed: November 7, 2011 

Reviewed: January 5, 2015 

Revised: June 5, 2023