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School Transportation Bureau
Transportation Accreditation Compliance Guide

This guide to school transportation accreditation is provided as an information and technical assistance manual to School Districts and State Department of Education (SDE) staff who participate in the accreditation process. for personal assistance school district personnel are encouraged to contact the School Transportation Unit (STU).The accreditation process, while a compliance monitoring procedure, is structured to promote excellence in every aspect of the educational program. through this technical assistance guide, school district personnel are provided a complete summary of transportation requirements established by State Board of Education (SBE) Regulations, Federal Regulations and State Statutes. Through self-study school district will identify areas of strength and weakness and develop a local program improvement plan for the delivery of quality pupil transportation services that support the district school improvement plan.New Mexico stature through the Public School Code (PSC) charges the SBE to:prescribe minimum educational standards for PSC 22-2-8 and access and evaluate for accreditation purposes at least one-third of all public schools through on-site visits by SDE personnel (PSC 22-2-2v).Requirement:

School district shall have the following documentation available for review in a centralized location upon arrival of the accreditation team or authorized school transportation employee(s). The school district administration has the responsibility to administer the school transportation program and demonstrate how the program is administered.

I

RECORDS MANAGEMENT
II

WRITTEN TRANSPORATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
III

SCHOOL BUS ROUTE AND SCHOOL BUS STOPS
V

TRANSPORTATION BOUNDARY AGREEMENTS
VI

UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
VII

ACCIDENT REPORTING AND ADJUDICATION
VIII

EXPENDITURE REPORTS

I. RECORDS MANAGEMENT:

The State Department of Education (SDE) establishes and implements accreditation procedures pursuant to Federal Regulation, State Statues, SDE Regulations and Public School Codes. School districts and/or transportation providers are required to maintain and retain the following records related to the transportation of school children under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education (SBE). These records shall be readily accessible for inspection, audit or review by those individuals authorized by the School Transportation Unit (STU) of the SDE.

A. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION RECORDS

Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.2 NMAC and 6.41.4 NMAC the following maintenance and inspection records shall be maintained and retained by each school district and/or transportation provider:

1. Maintenance Records and Records Retention:Scheduled Maintenance Files that adhere to the bus manufactures’ recommended service intervals.

  1. Part Replacement Files.
  2. Driver Maintenance Request Files.
  3. Retention of these records for the life of the bus, while under the local school boards’ jurisdiction.

2. Inspection Records:

a. Pre/Post Trip Inspection Files.

    1. The driver shall not operate any bus that does not meet the pre/post trip inspection requirements.
    2. The driver shall, as part of the post trip inspection, ensure that no student remains on the bus at the conclusion of the trip.

b. Proof of Insurance (I.D. Card).

c. Semi-Annual Inspection Files.

    1. Upon completion of all semi-annual inspections of all school buses the school district must certify that inspections have been conducted, with the following results:

Number of bus inspected.

Number of buses passed immediately.

Number of buses out of service.

Number of buses with restricted service violation only.

d. Random Inspection Files. Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.2 NMAC the STU shall randomly audit school district records. The school district shall ensure that random school bus inspections are performed in compliance with the SDE Guide for School Bus Maintenance and Audit Program.

e. Inspection Records Retention:

Pre/Post Trip Inspections, One (1) year.

Semi-Annual Inspections, Three (3) years.

Random Inspections, Three (3) years.

3. Evacuation Records:

a. Semi-Annual Evacuation Drills.

b. Signature of School Administrator/Representative (The STU recommends that the signature of school administrator/representative be on the evacuation forms).

B. DRIVER SELECTION, DRIVER TRAINING AND ATTENDENT TRAINING RECORDS:

Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.4 NMAC each school district and/or transportation provider shall adhere to the following procedures in selecting and training school bus drivers and bus attendants. Each school district and/or transportation provider shall maintain records verifying completion of these procedures and shall keep records in the training files. In addition the School Transportation Supervisor shall assure compliance with all applicable federal and state employment requirements when employing, re-employing or retaining school bus drivers and attendants.

1. Driver selection and retention procedures:

  1. Completion of an application form.
  2. Applicants’ driving record check shall be completed annually.
  3. A criminal background check in accordance with section 22-10-3.3, NMSA, 1978; to determine if the applicant has a record of criminal convictions. The school district and transportation provider shall maintain an Agreement, Authorization, Waiver and Release form, in addition to a Criminal History Affidavit on any new employee working with children.
  4. Satisfactory completion of a school bus drivers’ physical examination and current status.
  5. Verification that the operator of a school bus possess a current Commercial Driver License, Class B with appropriate endorsements in accordance with State Statue 66-5-65 and the Motor Vehicle Code.

2. Driver training requirement records:

a. Pre-service training, twenty (20) hours.

1. Classroom – eight (8) hours (two (2) hours shall be on familiarization with the bus and equipment), to include instruction on Transportation as a Related Service, Standards for Providing Transportation Services to Eligible Students, District and/or Employer Safety Policies and Regulations, general motor vehicle operation procedures and passenger management. A School Bus Driver Instructor (SBDI) approved by the School Transportation Director shall conduct instruction.

2. Behind the Wheel – six (6) hours, a SBDI approved by the School Transportation Director shall conduct instruction and shall include:

    1. Familiarization with bus and equipment in the same type and size bus the driver will operate.
    2. Use of warning and stop lamps and other traffic control devices.
    3. Procedures for loading and unloading students at bus stops.
    4. Entrance to and departure from loading and unloading areas at school grounds.
    5. Railroad crossing procedures for school buses.
    6. Actual driving tasks that the driver will experience.

3. Observation time – six (6) hours, observation time includes riding in a school bus with a regular licensed driver on a regular route or in observation of other trainees under the supervision of a school bus driver trainer. Also includes actual route orientation with a regular driver.

b. Minimum Training. To be completed within sixty (60) calendar days of employment.

An approved First Aid Course including CPR - eight (8) hours.

A Defensive Driver Course – eight (8) hours.

Additional classroom and/or behind the wheel instruction under the supervision of an approved school bus driver instructor, if required by the SBDI.

c. In-service training, sixteen (16) hours during the school year - eight (8) hours per semester. An instructor approved by the local district shall provide the in-service.

3. Driver training records retention:

Are required to be maintained while under local school board of education or local transportation provider employment.

4. School Bus Assistant training requirement records:

Course on providing Transportation as a Related Service to Students with Disabilities.

A current First Aid/CPR card or certificate.

Completion of sixteen (16) hours of in-service training each year.

5. School Bus Assistant training records retention:

Are required to be maintained while under school board of education or local transportation provider employment.

C. SCHOOL BUS CONTRACTS AND PER CAPITA FEEDER AGREEMENTS:

Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.43.2 NMAC each local school board shall maintain the following documentation following the awarding of each School Bus Contract and Per Capita Feeder Agreement and shall prior to approval of the contract, conduct a background check on proposed contractors.

1. Documentation required for awarding of new contracts:

  1. All proposals, including the established criteria for awarding the contract. Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.43.2 NMAC, SECTION 11, PROCEDURES FOR AWARDING NEW CONTRACTS.

  2. Copies of advertisements.

  3. Copies of all proposals and the proposal evaluations.

  4. Documentation of records retention of a minimum of five (5) years.

2. Documentation required for renewal of existing contracts:

  1. Criteria for renewing existing contracts. Pursuant to Regulation 6.43.2 NMAC, SECTION 12, PROCEDURES FOR RENEWING EXISTING CONTRACTS.

  2. Copy of a current financial statement.

  3. If the fleet contractor is a corporation the names, addresses, dates of birth and social security numbers of all stockholders and officers.

  4. The local board shall evaluate the services that have been rendered by the contractor and determine whether the terms of the contract have been met and whether the contract shall be considered for renewal.

  5. The contractor shall be apprised of the results of the evaluation and the determination of the board regarding renewal of the contract. If the contract is recommended for renewal, the terms of the contract shall ensure that any deficiencies identified in the evaluation are corrected.

  6. The board shall provide the contractor with any proposed or anticipated changes in the school transportation program relative to boundary changes, route changes, attendance center designations, or any other proposed or anticipated changes.

  7. The local board shall provide notice of the contract renewal to the State Transportation Director on forms provided by the STU.

3. Per Capita Feeder Agreement records and retention shall include:

  1. Criteria for Per Capita Feeder Agreements. Pursuant to Regulation 6.43.2 NMAC, SECTION 15, PER CAPITA FEEDER REQUIREMENTS. Documentation of records retention of a minimum of one (1) year.

  2. When per capita feeder services are utilized, the local board must approve an agreement with the parent or guardian that defines the terms of the agreement for service. Terms shall include at a minimum, bus stop, cost, attendance verification and route description, the contract amount, and the responsibilities of the parent, to include current proof of insurance and names of ensured.

  3. Documentation of records retention of a minimum of one (1) year.

D. HANDLING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL TEST RESULTS, RECORDS RETENTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY:

Pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49 PART 382 the following controlled substance and alcohol test records must be completed and maintained. All records shall be maintained in a secure separate location with controlled access and shall be retained for the periods outlined in 49CFR382.401.

1. Five (5) years. The following records shall be maintained for a minimum of five (5) years.

a. Records of driver alcohol test results with results indicating a an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater.

b. Records of driver verified positive of controlled substance test results.

c. Documentation of refusals to take required alcohol and/or controlled substance tests.

d. Driver evaluation and referrals.

e. Calibration documentation.

f. Records related to the administration of the alcohol and controlled substance programs.

g. A copy of each annual calendar year summary required pursuant to 49CFR382.403.

2. Two (2) years. Records related to the alcohol and controlled substances collection process (except calibration of eidential breath testing devices).

3. One (1) year. Records of negative and canceled controlled substances test results and alcohol test results with a concentration of less than 0.02 shall be maintained for one year.

4. Indefinite period. Records related to the education and training of breath alcohol technicians, screening test technicians, supervisors and drivers shall be maintained by the employer while the individual performs the functions which require the training and for two years after ceasing to perform those functions.

5. Records related to the collection process.

  1. Collection logbooks (if used).

  2. Documents related to the random selection process.

  3. Calibration documentation for Evidential Breath Testing Device.

  4. Documentation of Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) training.

  5. Documents generated in connection with decisions to administer reasonable suspicion alcohol or controlled substance tests.

  6. Documentation of reasoning for post-accident testing.

  7. Documents verifying existence of a medical explanation of the inability of a driver to provide adequate breath or to provide a urine specimen for testing.

  8. Consolidated annual calendar year summaries as required 49CFR382.403.

6. Records related to a driver’s test results.

  1. Employer’s copy of the alcohol test form, including results.

  2. Employer’s copy of the drug test chain of custody and control form.

  3. Documents sent to the employer by the Medical Review Officer (MRO).

  4. Documentation of any driver’s refusal to submit to a required alcohol or controlled substance test.

  5. Documents provided by a driver to dispute results of test.

  6. Documents generated in connection with verifications of prior employers school or controlled substance test results that the employer must obtain:

1. In connection with the exception contained in paragraph 49CFR382.301 of this part, and

2. As required by paragraph 49CFR382.413 of this subpart.

7. Records related to evaluations, education and training to include, documentation of any other violations of controlled substance use or alcohol misuse.

  1. Records pertaining to a determination by substance abuse professional concerning a driver’s need for assistance.

  2. Records concerning a driver’s compliance with recommendations of the substance abuse professional.

  3. Materials on drug and alcohol awareness, including a copy of the employer’s policy on drug use and alcohol misuse.

  4. Documentation of compliance with requirement to provide drivers with educational material, including drivers’ signed receipt of materials.

  5. Documentation of supervisors training for the purpose of qualifying the supervisors to make a determination concerning the need for alcohol and/or controlled substances testing based on reasonable suspicion.

  6. Documentation of training for breath alcohol technicians as required by 49CRF382.40.51(a).

  7. Certification that any training conducted under this part complies with requirements for such training.

8. Administrative records related to alcohol and controlled substance testing.

  1. Agreements with collection site facilities, laboratories, breath alcohol technicians, screening test technicians, MRO, consortia, third party service providers.

  2. Names and positions of officials and their roles in the employer’s alcohol and controlled substance testing program.

  3. Quarterly laboratory statistical summaries of urinalysis required by 49CFR40.29(g)(6).

  4. The employer’s drug testing policy and procedures.

9. Alcohol and Controlled Substance Policy Requirements.

a. Pursuant to CFR Title 49 Part 382 each school district and/or transportation provider must have an alcohol and controlled substance testing policy. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration requires each employer provide educational materials that explain the requirements of the alcohol and controlled substance testing regulations and the employer’s policies and procedures with respect to meeting those requirements. The employer must ensure a copy of these materials is distributed to each driver (who shall sign for receipt of the documents), prior to the start of alcohol and controlled substance testing. The materials that are required to be made available to drivers shall include, at a minimum, detailed discussion of the following:

The identity of the person designated by the employer to answer driver questions about the materials.

  1. Which drivers are subject to the alcohol misuse and controlled substance requirements?

  2. Explanation of what constitutes a safety-sensitive function, so as to make clear what period of the workday the driver is required to be in compliance.

  3. Specific information concerning driver conduct that is prohibited.

  4. The circumstances under which a driver will be tested for alcohol and/or controlled substance.

  5. The procedures that will be used to test for the presence of alcohol and controlled substance.

  6. The requirement that a driver submit to alcohol and controlled substance tests.

  7. An explanation of what constitutes a refusal to submit to an alcohol or controlled substance test.

  8. The consequences for drivers found to have violated the prohibitions of this rule, including the immediate removal of the driver from safety-sensitive function.

  9. The consequences for drivers found to have an alcohol concentration level of 0.02 or greater, but less than 0.04.

  10. Information concerning the effects of alcohol and controlled substances use on an individual’s health, work and personal life. Signs and symptoms of an alcohol or controlled substance problem and available methods of intervening when a alcohol or a control substance problem is suspected, including confrontation, referral to any employee assistance program and/or referral to management.

II. WRITTEN TRANSPORATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

A. POLICIES:

Pursuant to SBE Regulations 6.42.2 NMAC, 6.43.2 NMAC and 6.41.4 NMAC the following policies and procedures related to transportation of school children, shall be adopted by the local board of education.

  1. A policy defining the responsibilities of parents, students, teachers, staff, transportation providers and others.

  2. A policy concerning complaints regarding school transportation from parents, students, transportation providers and others.

  3. A student discipline policy for school transportation, including procedures for suspending a students transportation privilege and for holding parents responsible for any malicious destruction to the bus or assault on a driver and others. This policy should address students with disabilities and shall include an appeal process applicable to all students transported on the school bus.

  4. Comparable travel time policy.

  5. A policy regarding transportation of special personnel, such as licensed nurses and special education assistants and other designated persons.

  6. A policy regarding transportation of animals which accompany a student with disabilities. The policy shall at a minimum address the certification, training and immunization of the animal.

  7. A policy outlining acceptable procedures for medicine transport. The policy shall include the designated place for transport and the personnel authorized to administer medication during transport when necessary.

  8. A policy regarding eligible passenger roster/seating chart for students who ride school buses.

  9. A policy for providing transportation services for students eligible under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when such services are specified in the students Individualized Education Program (IEP).

  10. A policy governing the termination of a contract with a school bus contractor in accordance with SBE Regulations 6.43.2 NMAC.

  11. A policy concerning the safety and welfare of students participating in school sponsored activities.

  12. A per capita feeder policy, which sets, forth the terms and conditions under which per capita feeder agreements shall operate.

  13. Policy governing the transportation of non-eligible students who live outside district boundaries.

  14. Policy governing enrollment and re-enrollment at schools within the district. A local school board shall adopt and promulgate regulations governing enrollment and re-enrollment at schools within the district. These regulations shall include; definition of the district boundary and the boundaries of attendance areas for each school:

1. For each school, definition of the boundaries of areas outside the district boundary or within the district but outside the school’s attendance area, and within a distance of the school that would not be served by a school bus route as determined pursuant to Section 22-16-4, NMSA 1978 if enrolled, which areas shall be designated 5 as "walk zones";

2. Priorities for enrollment of students as follows:

  1. first, persons residing within the district and within the attendance area of a school;

  2. second, persons who previously attended the school; and;

  3. third, all other applicants; and

3. Establishment of maximum allowable class size in smaller than that permitted by law and ratification and description of the maximum class size in the charter of all charter schools within the district.

  1. Criminal background policy.

An applicant for initial certification shall be fingerprinted and shall provide two fingerprint cards or the equivalent electronic fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety to obtain the applicant’s Federal Bureau of Investigation record. Convictions of felonies or misdemeanors contained in the Federal Bureau of Investigation record shall be used in accordance with the Criminal Offender Employment Act. Other evidence may form the basis for the denial, suspension or revocation of a certificate for good and just cause. Records and any related information shall be privileged and shall not be disclosed to a person not directly involved in the certification or employment decisions affecting the specific applicant. The applicant for initial certification shall pay for the cost of obtaining the Federal Bureau of Investigation record.

B. PROCEDURES:

Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.4 NMAC each school district and/or school transportation supervisor shall establish the following procedures:

  1. To be followed in inclement weather and for emergency bus evacuations (6.41.4.9 NMAC (A)(4)).

  2. For allowing a given number of days to reconfigure a route after the type of transportation service has been decided upon by the IEP committee (6.41.4.9 NMAC (D)(1)).

  3. Establish the time limit required to wait for the student receiving modified services (6.41.4.9 NMAC (D)(4)).

  4. For the delivery of a student when a parent or guardian is not present to receive the student receiving modified services (6.41.4.9 NMAC (D)(5)).

  5. For the immediate replacement of buses which fail to meet pre/post trip inspection (6.41.4.11 NMAC (C)(4)).

  6. For school bus drivers to report all school bus accidents in accordance with local district and state accident reporting procedures (6.41.4.9 NMAC (B)).

  7. Covering a DO NOT RESUSCITATE request from the parent or guardians specific to the school bus (6.41.4.8 NMAC (B)(8)).

  8. Concerning the safety and welfare of students participating in school sponsored activities (6.41.4.8 NMAC (D)).

III. SCHOOL BUS ROUTE AND SCHOOL BUS STOPS:

Pursuant to NEW MEXICO STATUTES ANNOTATED 1978 SECTION 22-16-4, school bus routes shall be established by the local school district. Local school districts shall have documentation on file to verify that the evaluations outlined below were conducted.

A. School Bus Routes: An evaluation of the districts transportation routing and scheduling system should be conducted at least annually, immediately following the opening of school. A thorough inspection (on a district cycle that shall not exceed five (5) years) of the system that will identify those areas on each route which need attention to ensure reasonable levels of safety, efficiency and economy.

1. The following areas should be investigated during the annual evaluation.

  1. Are the buses arriving on time and parked with engines shut off?

  2. Are any arriving excessively early?

  3. Are all buses available to load students at dismissal time?

  4. Are buses transporting less then ten (10) eligible students?

  5. Is there any overlap or duplication in bus routes that serve the same school facility?

  6. Is adequate supervision provided in the school loading areas by the school staff?

  7. Are the students required to use their assigned stop?

  8. Are safe walking conditions to school or bus stop provided?

  9. Are buses over loaded requiring passengers to stand?

  10. Are there buses only partially loaded?

  11. Are any students spending more than one and one half hours on a one-way trip to and from school?

  12. Are reporting forms for changing bus stop locations available and used?

  13. Are only eligible students counted for to and from funding?

2. Individual route checklist:

  1. Does route utilize the safest and most direct roadways between residence and school?

  2. Do stop locations provide for safe waiting areas off the roadway?

  3. Is there adequate sight distance in both directions at stop location?

  4. Has route planning eliminated backing of the bus where possible?

  5. Are stop locations held to a minimum whenever possible?

  6. Is crossing the roadway for loading and unloading held to a minimum?

  7. Is route established to hold riding time to a minimum when possible?

  8. Are buses routed over lower traffic density streets when possible?

  9. Are buses servicing multiple routes scheduled and routed to avoid excessive layover time and deadhead mileage?

  10. Are there sufficient seats for all passengers?

  11. Does the number of passengers justify the size of the bus used?

  12. Are changes in routes relayed to passengers, parents and appropriate school officials?

  13. Are buses making right-hand turns as often as possible when entering or exiting high-speed roadways?

  14. Are bus routes established based upon safety, efficiency and need?

  15. Are changes of address notices made available regularly to the transportation department?

B. School Bus Stops: Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.4 NMAC all school bus stops shall be established by a coordinated effort among the School Transportation Supervisor, the school transportation provider and when appropriate the IEP team. The local public safety organization having jurisdiction shall also be included whenever necessary. The evaluation should be done in conjunction with the route evaluations, not to exceed the districts five (5) cycle.

The following areas should be investigated during the annual evaluation.

  1. Are school bus stops located in areas where the view is unobstructed for 500 feet in either direction?

  2. Are school bus stops whenever possible located off the traveled portion of the roadway?

  3. Are school bus stops clearly marked with special highway signing when the bus stop is established with a view of less than 500 feet?

  4. Are school bus stops located within 25 feet of any intersections?

  5. Are school bus stops whenever possible established so that students do not have to cross the roadway?

  6. Are school bus stop locations the same for morning and afternoon trips?

C. Loading and Unloading Zones at School Sites: Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.4 NMAC loading and unloading should, whenever possible, be done on school premises, not to exceed the districts five (5) year cycle.

The following areas should be investigated during the school site loading and unloading evaluation.

  1. Do buses have loading and unloading areas free from conflict with other vehicles and non-riders?

  2. Do bus operators have full view of the designated loading zone with no visual limitations?

  3. Do bus operators have adequate space available for entering and exiting school bus area with out backing their vehicle?

  4. Do bus riders have safe opportunity to load or depart from buses?

  5. Have sidewalks been provided for all pedestrian movement?

  6. Have parking facilities been provided for faculty, staff and visitors?

  7. Have separate locations been provided for parent pick-up?

  8. Does school staff monitor school site loading and unloading zones?

  9. Do the schools have speed limit signs posted?

  10. Do the schools have loading/unloading signs?

  11. Do the schools have proper pavement markings?

IV. STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS WALKING CONDITIONS:

Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.3 NMAC school districts having hazardous walking conditions, as determined by the local school board and confirmed by the state transportation director, students of any grade may be transported a lesser distance than that provided in Subsection B of Statute 22-16-4.

The following areas should be investigated during the Hazardous Walking Conditions Survey evaluation, not to exceed the districts five (5) year cycle.

Hazardous Walking Condition Survey.

1. Does the district have an approved hazardous condition survey on file with STU?

2. Does the approval contain the signatures of the Local Board President and State Transportation Director?

3. Does the survey contain the following supporting documentation?

  1. Attempts that have been made by the school district to improve or eliminate the hazardous walking condition?

  2. Efforts that have been made by the district to utilize pedestrian crossing within the statutory walking distance?

  3. A recommendation from the local police agency having jurisdiction?

  4. Cost impact as a result of the survey?

  5. Local school board method of implementation?

  6. Local school board minutes approving the Hazardous Walking Conditions?

4. Under which general standard was the survey submitted? Walking parallel to roadway, walking across roadway and/or intersection or railroad crossing?

Discontinuance of Transportation.

1. Have the conditions for which the transportation was approved been improved?

2. Were the transportation services discontinued immediately upon the improvement of the conditions?

3. Has the local school district administration notified the state transportation director and all affected parties as soon as walking conditions were improved and temporary transportation terminated?

V. TRANSPORTATION BOUNDARY AGREEMENTS:

Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.42.2 NMAC school districts are authorized to enter into Transportation Boundary Agreements with adjoining districts regarding students living within a specified geographic area where geographic conditions would otherwise make it impractical to transport such students to school within the district where they live. The agreement must be approved by both local school boards prior to a district crossing boundary lines to transport students. The agreement should not duplicate transportation services. If duplication is required specific justification shall be provided within the agreement. Boundary agreements are not authorized to provide services to students who attend school out-of-district as a matter of choice.

The following areas shall be investigated during the transportation boundary agreement evaluation:

  1. Are the boundary agreements signed by both local school boards?

  2. Are the legal descriptions of the adjoining area outside the district included in the agreement?

  3. Are U.S. Geological Survey Maps with the temporary boundary lines and the existing district boundary lines attached to the agreement?

  4. Does the agreement show that both local boards agree to the conditions specified in the agreement?

  5. Does the agreement indicate the duration determined by both local boards is based on length of time that is needed?

  6. Does the original agreement contain the signature of both local board presidents and does it contain the approval of the State Transportation Director and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction?

  7. Are the agreements reviewed annually by the local boards?

  8. Are the extended areas of transportation services being counted in the square miles per student for funding purposes by the district that is providing the transportation service?

  9. Are the students who receive transportation service within the approval area of the agreement being counted for transportation funding by the district in which they attend school?

VI. UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM:

The following areas shall be investigated during the unified transportation system evaluation:

  1. Are all eligible students being transported in a safe and timely manner?

  2. Are students with special needs transported separately only when required by the IEP?

  3. Does IEP identify specific types of related service the child needs?

  4. Is a transportation representative present at IEP meetings, which involves related service at students with disabilities?

  5. Are students with special needs receiving equitable instructional time?

  6. Are students with special needs arriving late to school or leaving early to accommodate route scheduling?

  7. Are all eligible student being served within the requirements of current federal and state laws and regulations including SBE Regulation , Students Rights and Responsibilities and, Special Education State Regulation, Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act (IDEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

  8. Are school bus assistants assigned to those buses that transport students who require transportation as a related service?

  9. Does the district have a contingency plan to accommodate students with special needs if the district does not presently have students that require transportation as a related service?

VII. ACCIDENT REPORTING AND ADJUDICATION:

Pursuant to SBE Regulation 6.41.4.9 NMAC (B),  school districts are required to report all school bus related traffic accidents, including activity buses to the STU within one week (7 calendar days) of any accident. Accidents involving activity vehicles (other than school buses) must be reported to STU. Those accidents that result in injury must be reported to the STU immediately. A written report must be submitted within 7 calendar days. Other accidents involving any injury to students while walking to-and-from school must be reported to the STU immediately and a written report must be submitted within 7 calendar days.

Any accident involving death, injury or mechanical failure must be reported immediately. Districts are also required to adjudicate those accidents Preventable or Non-preventable.

Accidents:

The following areas shall be investigated during the Accident Reporting evaluation:

Are all school bus accidents being reported within one week (7 calendar days) to the STU regardless of how minor the accident, on the UNIFORM SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT/ADJUDICATION REPORT CRASH PROGRAM?

Are all accidents being reported accurately in accordance with established STU procedures?

Adjudication:

The following areas shall be investigated during the Accident Reporting evaluation:

  1. Are accidents being adjudicated in accordance with the National Safety Council (NSC) guide to determine accident preventability?

  2. Are the proper procedures being followed in cases where the school bus driver does not concur with the local district determination of preventability?

VIII. EXPENDITURE REPORTS:

Pursuant to Insert in Section 19 Transportation Supplement Section 7 each local school board shall report to the state transportation director by the last day of the month following the reporting period of each year budget information concerning the first six months of operation and by the last day of the month following the reporting period of each year the budget information for the year of operation.

Any expenditure made from to and from distribution is subject to review by the SDE.