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 the distance from home to school. (Board Policies and Regulations EEA,
EEAA,
& EEAA-R)
What are the distance parameters?
Distance (for transportation eligibility purposes) is defined as the shortest distance from home to school using safe designated trails, paths and sidewalks. The established non-transported areas generally fall into the following radii from schools:
Elementary 1.0 mile
Middle 1.5 miles
High 2.0 miles
Are there any exceptions to the distance guidelines?
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 paths or sidewalks, or construction zones.
Doesn’t the state require bus services for special needs students?
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 Program (IEP) as a related service.
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. (Board Policies & Regulations EEAB, & EEAB-R)
How is busing eligibility determined for a neighborhood area or an individual student?
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.
My child only lives a short distance from a bus stop and is not eligible for transportation. Is there any way he can ride that bus?
Yes, students who are not eligible for District provided transportation services can apply for Space Available Transportation. Parents and/or legal guardians can apply online for Space Available Transportation. The online application is available on the first working day of August. This service may not be available until after October 1st of each new school year. Applications for Space Available Transportation will be valid throughout the grades served by the school level at the assigned stop for the assigned school.
My child is attending a school other than his home school. Is there any way he can ride a bus?
Students who are attending a school other than their home school are choice enrolled students and are not eligible for District provided transportation services. Parents are responsible for the transportation of their children who are on choice enrollment. However, you can apply for Space Available Transportation. Parents and/or legal guardians can apply online for Space Available Transportation. The online application is available on the first working day of August. This service may not be available until after October 1st of each new school year. Applications for Space Available Transportation will be valid throughout the grades served by the school level at the assigned stop for the assigned school.
Our family is homeless – how can I get my child to school?
Students who are homeless are eligible for services under the McKinney Vento Act. Contact your child’s school homeless coordinator. They will discuss your situation and make a determination about transportation eligibility. More information can be obtained from the District’s Title I office at (719) 520-2419.
