Most people are surprised to learn that the State of Colorado does not require school districts to furnish transportation.  However, like many districts, D-11 provides transportation services in the interest of student safety.  The Board of Education establishes guidelines to determine eligibility that are based primarily on walking distance to school. 

Walking distance is defined as the shortest distance from home to school using safe designated trails, walking paths and sidewalks.  The established walking areas generally fall into the following radii from schools: 

Transportation may be furnished for students who live within shorter distances if, in the opinion of the superintendent, there are mitigating factors such as the need to cross major thoroughfares, the absence of walking paths or sidewalks, or construction zones. 

Students with special needs that fall under the Individuals With Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) are assessed for transportation needs during their staffing evaluation.  Transportation services needs are included in the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 

Students that meet the criteria for The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) consideration for transportation services should contact the D-11 Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices Director at 520-2271 for eligibility determination. 

Special Needs Policies and Procedures

To determine whether students qualify for busing, District 11’s Transportation Advisory Committee  (TAC) has developed a Transportation Service Index (TSI) evaluation form.  The TSI uses a point system to weigh factors such as the student’s age, the distance from home to school, the types of roadways that must be crossed, the presence of crossing guards or intersection control devices, whether a path or sidewalk is available as well as unique considerations such as poor visibility, presence of construction or topographical issues. 

Each factor is evaluated, weighed and assigned a numeric value.  For a specific student or group of students to be eligible for busing, a minimum 14-point TSI must be established.

With the help of the TAC, which includes a number of parent and community representatives, District 11 recently reviewed the methodology it uses to measure home-to-school distances.  In some cases, the measurements were accurate, but in other cases, the distance was shorter or farther than originally thought.  Using the TSI and corrected evaluation criteria, the district is reassessing its student transportation program.  

The review of home-to-school distances for every school in District 11 will be accomplished on a phased basis.  During second semester of the 2001-02 school year, middle schools and some elementary schools were reviewed.  High schools and some elementary schools will be evaluated during the 2002-03 school year, and the balance of the elementary schools will be reviewed during the 2003-04 school year.

If changes in transportation eligibility are anticipated, school meetings will be scheduled with parents.   Parents should watch their school newsletters or check with their school principals to learn more about the timing and status of the transportation review at their schools.