Bus Pass Regulations
Current state law mandates busing for children in kindergarten through sixth grade who live more than two miles from their school. State law does not require any busing for grade seven through twelve, regardless of distance. Any student wishing to board a bus and who does not live in a neighborhood where busing is mandated will be required to purchase a bus pass.
The following students must purchase a pass if they wish to ride a bus:
- Students in grades 7 through 12
- Students in K through 6, if they live less than 2 miles from their school and who reside in neighborhoods receiving bus services
Bus passes may be acquired free of charge for students enrolled in kindergarten through 6th grade living two miles or greater from their school. Door-to-door kindergarten service at mid-day will continue to be provided to students possessing passes, when possible. Parents must be present at bus stops for all Kindergarten students and are not to be left unattended when dropped off at home. If parents are not home, Kindergarten students are to be returned to their school or at Central Office.
The following policies will be in effect:
- The annual fee for a bus user pass is $400. The family maximum is $650. Students qualifying for free or reduced school lunch or students whose I.E.P.’s call for free transportation may have their fee waived upon presentation of documentation.
- The fee is payable by August 15th and is non refundable. There will be a $50 fee added on to all bus fee applications postmarked after August 15th. Only checks or money orders are accepted for payment. Credit cards may be used for on-line payments only. Payments must be made in full and there are no payment plans available. No half-year or one-way passes are available. No refunds will be granted and there is a $25 returned check fee. Bus passes carry a value of $400. If lost, the school department reserves the right to assess a reasonable charge for replacement. The present replacement fee is $15.
- All students, regardless of grade or distance, must be prepared to show a bus pass every day. Failure to show evidence of a pass may result in a refusal of bus transportation or will be reported to the Principal.
- Students are required to ride their assigned bus. Permission to ride a different bus on an as-needed basis is subject to the discretion of school administration and requires a written request from a parent or guardian. A written request is also required if the student is getting off at a different bus stop. It is the student’s responsibility to know which stop to get on or off at.
- The route distance is measured by using the shortest route from the public way in front of a student’s home to the intersection of the public roadway and nearest school entranceway of the school.
- Only families living in currently bused neighborhoods are eligible to purchase bus passes. Institution of the bus user fee is not intended to enhance or add new stops for bus user fee students.
- Bus stops will be placed in the safest area possible and are generally located on public ways, however the District reserves the right to work with the Public Safety Department regarding the placement of bus services and bus stops within all areas of Town.
- No parents or community members are allowed on the bus for any reason.
- Students must be prepared to provide daily evidence of their user pass upon entering the school bus.
Please understand that fairness compels the bus drivers to not accept a student who do not have a pass. Thank you for your cooperation and attention to these regulations.