Can a school district contract with an individual, who is not the parent, to transport students?
Yes, districts may enter into a written contract with individuals that agree to transport children in their private vehicles. The contract must be stated in terms of reimbursement for mileage, not hourly, in an amount equal to or less than the current AAA rating of the “average cost of operating a car” (currently 54.1 cents per mile, 2008) to avoid the requirement that anyone compensated to transport school children must be licensed as a school bus operator. If the individual is paid a lump sum amount, an hourly wage or more than the current AAA rating of the “average cost of operating a car” the individual is considered to be receiving compensation for transporting school children. In this case, the driver must have a Class E license with S endorsement. These individuals must agree to be properly licensed and to provide transportation in a safe, inspected, insured, licensed vehicle (5 CSR 30-261.045).
