In a recent meeting, education officials reviewed the latest assessment and accountability framework for Kentucky Schools. At the same time, the Local Superintendents Advisory Council approved new regulations for transporting students in vans.
Matt Ross is Associate Commissioner for the Office of Finance and Operations. He said one key change was making alternative transportation plans easier.
“We kept it as simple as we could. It’s basically providing us with the number of vehicles you want to use and a justification, or a statement, as to why a school bus is not appropriate, or why you want to use a school bus for this reason,” said Ross.
For districts to use vans, or vehicles designed to carry nine passengers or less, they must file an alternative transportation plan with the KDE. These vehicles can be used as needed or for daily purposes, and officials noted most of the amendments make requirements for vans more like requirements for school buses. Ross said some changes were made to align with new laws.
“Section 6 is drug testing requirements. This was a statutory requirement and tied to a federal regulation, similar to bus drivers. So that drug testing requires the driver to have a drug test prior to transporting, post-accident, has to have provisions for random and reasonable suspicion drug testing,” said Ross.
Council officials said a more simplified standard helps districts understand and use these modes of transportation effectively. Additional changes included provisions for standardized equipment, vehicle inspections, and a driver code of conduct. With approval from the council, the amended standards will now go to the Kentucky Board of Education for further review.