Board approves policy revision adding volunteer private-vehicle transport clause

The Kickapoo Area School District board on Sept. 8 approved a package of policy revisions that restores a sentence requiring volunteers who transport students in private vehicles for school-sponsored activities to comply with the district’s transportation policy.

Board discussion centered on when volunteer drivers might be used and what approvals would be required. Board member (speaker 1) read the sentence that was restored: "a volunteer who transports students in a private vehicle for school sponsored activities or trips must abide by the guidelines in policy 86 60, transportation by private vehicle for district sponsored activities or trips." Board members asked whether the superintendent or principals should be required to approve such exceptions and discussed scenarios such as three students needing transportation when no bus or driver is available.

Supporters said restoring the language offers flexibility while maintaining safety safeguards. One board member noted that volunteers would still have to meet driver-license and insurance verification and other requirements in policy 86-60. Another member said the superintendent could be given authority to approve exceptions when necessary.

After discussion, the board voted to add the sentence back into policy 81-20 (volunteers) and to approve the full set of policy revisions by voice vote. The motion passed without recorded roll-call votes on dissenting members.

The board did not amend policy 86-60 itself at the meeting; the action restores a cross-reference so volunteers who transport students must meet the documentation and requirements spelled out in transportation policy 86-60. The approved change will appear in the district’s published policy volume.