FILE:  EDAE

Cf:  IFCB

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION IN PRIVATE VEHICLES

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board recognizes that there are times in which private vehicles need to be and 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 Superintendent or designee. 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 with a suggested age of at least twenty-five (25).
    

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

3. The number of students transported shall be limited to the recommended capacity of the vehicle.  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 on the vehicle shall be submitted to school personnel by the intended driver.  A minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance 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. A questionnaire, developed by school board personnel, shall be completed by the driver/owner of the vehicle.
   
   At a minimum, the questionnaire shall ascertain the following information:

1. • Name, address, phone, trip destination, reason for trip, when leaving and returning.
      

   • Who is (are) the driver(s)?
      

   • How many students will be transported?
      

   • Who else will be in the vehicle with them?
      

   • Do all students have written permission to travel with the group in the private vehicle?
      

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

   • Who is the owner of the vehicle(s)?
      

   • Does the owner of the vehicle know that the vehicle will be used to transport students?  The consent of the owner of the vehicle shall be given by his signature.
      

   • Is the owner of the vehicle aware that his insurance is the first line of defense in the event of an accident?
      

   • Has the driver(s) for the activity received any moving violations, DWI/DUI, or other citations in the last two (2) years?  If so, please list.  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

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board