Policy 3710-3

Student Transportation

Transportation - School Related Trips

Reviewed and affirmed by the Board: 7/25/2023
Last Revision:
Original publish date: 01/26/2010
Related policies & regulations:  3730-1
Legal references:  Neb. Rev. Stat. section 60 6,267; Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 91

After the requirements of home-to-school transportation are met, a designated number of vehicles will be made available for use in instructional field trips. Transportation may also be made available after completion of regular schedules or on Saturdays according to the following regulations.

Bus Transportation for Field Trips

Arrangements. If bus transportation is needed, principals shall follow procedures as established by the Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.

City-wide coordination. Use of school buses for field trips is coordinated city-wide by the Director of Transportation Services. The director is expected to use available transportation as efficiently as possible.

Rules. The teacher in charge of the field trip is responsible for discipline on the bus. Students on field trips are subject to the same rules as are students on regular bus routes. Parents or other adults accompanying students on field trips on buses as sponsors will not be allowed to bring siblings along on the trip.

Out-of-city transportation. The Transportation Office is authorized to schedule District-owned buses for out-of-city trips. Any commercial carrier requirements shall be scheduled by users pursuant to purchasing guidelines.

Transportation outside school hours. Limited use of buses on weekends and after usual school hours may be arranged with the Transportation Department. Schools must pay a rate based upon actual cost of operation.

Fees for Field Trips

Students are not charged a fee for field trip transportation when scheduled as a regular part of the school day or a required part of the instructional program.

Extended or special field trips which involve purchasing transportation from other carriers, out-of-town destinations or other expenses may be planned providing:

That supporting funds are raised in a manner that avoids individual assessment to students.
That all students who are members of the group have equal opportunity for participation.
That students are not forced into participation beyond regular school time against their wishes and that suitable arrangements are available for those who choose not to attend.

Sack Lunches

If field trips are to extend over the lunch hour, cafeteria personnel will prepare sack lunches for students. Please notify cafeteria personnel two weeks in advance. Lunches will not be consumed on the bus.

Activity Trips

Athletics. Reservations for athletic-related trips are made by the Director of Athletics or the principal on the basis of approved schedules. Supervision of students on athletic trips is the responsibility of the teacher in charge, including transit time.

Other trips. Except for District-wide activities, in which case reservations are made by the Director of Athletics or the Music Supervisor, all other requests for transportation services will be made through the building principal. Supervision of students on all activity trips is the responsibility of the teacher in charge of the activity.

Private vehicles may be used instead of buses if the following provisions are met:

The vehicle is driven by a licensed driver approved by the principal and the trip is supervised by an adult.
Student participation is not mandatory.
Student’s parents/guardians have authorized in writing transportation by private vehicle.
No charge is made to the student or payment made to the driver, except that there may be reimbursement of actual expenses incurred.
The driver/owner of the vehicle carries state recommended minimum liability insurance coverage.
The vehicle must meet all current Nebraska Statutes related to required occupant restraint and occupant restraint equipment and/or systems.