3541.44-Transportation-Use of Private Automobiles on School Trips (by school employees)

Use of Private Automobiles on School Trips (by school employees)

The Board of Education strongly encourages all transportation of students to be on buses or other transportation vehicles which conform to the requirements of law and regulations of the State Department of Education. The Board also recognizes that in extraordinary circumstances school employees may need to transport small numbers of students in private automobiles. 

Policy adopted:   April 4, 2017   
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Newtown, Connecticut

R3541.44

Business/Non Instructional Operations

Transportation

Use of Private Automobiles on School Trips (by school employees)

1. Private automobiles may be used for school programs to transport students under the following circumstances:
2. Trip is approved by Principal in advance.
3. If a field trip, proper field trip form is submitted and approved by Principal and central administration.
4. Use of private automobile is approved by Principal.
5. No more passengers, including the driver, may be transported in the private vehicle than the vehicle was designed to carry and the number of seat belts provided.
6. The licensed driver completes the “Verification of Liability Insurance” form prior to the trip.
7. The Principal will maintain a file of the above noted forms. (Include photocopy of the driver’s license and insurance documentation)
8. Parent authorization forms must include notification that staff member will be driving other than a school vehicle.
9. If only one student is involved, a second responsible adult must be present on the trip, except in emergencies or with the permission of the Principal and/or parents.
10. In an emergency, the Principal can authorize the transportation of student(s) without parental permission.

(cf. 3541.22 – Drivers)
(cf. 4133.1/4233.1 – Use of Board of Education Vehicles or Privately Owned Vehicles)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

14-1(i) Motor vehicles: definitions.
14-212 (8) Definitions - “Student transportation vehicle.” (as amended by PA 10-110)
14-212 (2) Definitions - “Carrier.” (as amended by PA 10-110)
PA 07-224 An Act Concerning Operator’s Licenses Bearing a School Bus Endorsement.
Declaratory Ruling, Nov. 16, 2007 - Robert M. Ward, Commissioner, DMV

Regulation approved:   April 4, 2017   
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Newtown, Connecticut