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Board approves parent-transport contracts and payment-in-lieu rate; staff explains eligibility rules
Summary
The board approved contracts allowing parents to transport children with payment-in-lieu reimbursement; staff explained the $583.86 per-child annual payment (50% of statewide average bus cost) and eligibility rules including the 30-minute impracticality standard. Motion carried 5-1 with one abstention.
The board on Sept. 23 approved a resolution permitting contracts with parents to transport their children for the 2024-25 school year and outlined the state-dictated payment-in-lieu rate and eligibility rules.
Transportation staff explained the payment is 50% of the statewide average cost per pupil to be transported by bus; for this school year that figure translated to $583.86 per child annually (maximum payment $1,167.72 per family in some instances). District staff said the rate is an Ohio Department of Education figure that may be adjusted each May and that payments are annual.
Staff also described eligibility rules: public-school transportation eligibility hinges on residence-to-school distances (neighborhood school to enrolled school) and a 30-minute impracticality standard measured from the home school's bus drop-off to the school of enrollment during the normal morning transport window. Staff acknowledged that children who enroll at private, parochial or charter schools may receive vouchers or PIL depending on timing and the 30-minute rule.
After board discussion, the resolution passed with five yes votes and one no; one member abstained. Board members urged improved clarity in public materials about the rules and rates.
The board directed staff to post any changes and to include a clear explanation of eligibility on the district website.
