Board holds first readings of state-aligned open enrollment transportation policy and bus stop-arm camera policy

The board reviewed two first readings: an interdistrict open enrollment and transportation assistance policy (BP 552) aligned with Assembly Bill 533, and a policy to implement automated school bus stop-arm cameras (BP 816) aligned with Assembly Bill 527.

Miss Mitchell presented the open-enrollment policy as a first reading and said it was drafted to match the most recent Department of Education regulation. She told trustees the state will determine the transportation reimbursement amount and that funding is likely limited; when funding is insufficient, the policy defaults to the state's prioritization and application order. She said the grant application opens in March and the district is closing its enrollment window Feb. 20 to get planning figures from transportation.

During public comment Shannon asked for clearer definitions in the draft ("capacity determination," "instructional model," and what constitutes "no other viable form of transportation") because imprecise definitions could allow capacity to change without clear public justification. Miss Mitchell responded that the state work groups are still defining those terms but that the district drafted the policy to reflect the state's most recent guidance.

Miss Dwyer presented the bus stop-arm camera policy as a first reading, explaining the district currently has two buses equipped with cameras but cannot yet use footage to issue penalties. Her draft would partner with local law enforcement to issue citations based on camera footage and direct fine revenue to transportation costs (fuel and maintenance, not wages). Public commenters raised concerns about contingency planning if penalties do not cover system costs and about vendor data-security and audit rights; Shannon recommended adding explicit oversight provisions and performance standards.

Both policies were presented as first readings with staff noting public feedback will inform revisions before any board action.