Purpose
This guidance is intended to support school leaders in planning safe, efficient, and compliant transportation for extended and overnight school trips. The district remains committed to providing meaningful student experiences while adapting to current transportation capacity constraints.
Key Updates
Due to ongoing limitations in bus availability and driver capacity, the district has implemented the following changes:
- District buses will no longer be available for:
- Extended school trips
- Overnight travel
- Charter bus services are now required for all trips that meet these criteria.
Definition of Extended Trips
- In general, an “extended school trip” refers to any overnight trip.
- If a school is planning a long-distance, same-day trip (e.g., travel to St. George or similar distances without an overnight stay), administrators are asked to:
- Consult with the Area Director prior to finalizing transportation plans to determine appropriate next steps.
Financial Considerations
- For the remainder of the current school year:
- The district will provide support for charter transportation costs, as needed.
- Beginning next school year:
- Schools should proactively budget for charter transportation when planning extended or overnight trips.
- These costs should be incorporated into annual school budgets and activity planning processes.
Planning Expectations for School Leaders
Principals and assistant principals should:
- Plan early to secure charter transportation, as availability may vary.
- Work with approved vendors and follow district procurement guidelines.
- Ensure alignment with school budgets for all extended and overnight travel.
- Communicate clearly with staff, students, and families regarding transportation expectations and any changes from past practices.
- Prioritize student safety and supervision in all travel planning.
Support and Collaboration
The district is committed to supporting schools through this transition. Administrators are encouraged to:
- Reach out with questions related to planning, budgeting, or vendor selection.
- Consult on unique or complex travel scenarios, particularly long-distance, non-overnight trips.
- Collaborate early to troubleshoot challenges and ensure smooth implementation.
Conclusion
We recognize that this shift represents a change from prior practice and appreciate your leadership and adaptability. These updates are designed to ensure that all student travel remains safe, reliable, and sustainable given current operational realities.
Thank you for your continued commitment to providing enriching opportunities for students while maintaining strong stewardship of district resources.
For additional guidance or support, please contact your Area Director.
