Board approves annual home-to-school transportation plan; district highlights trainee bus-driver program and reimbursement timing

Trustees voted to adopt the district’s annual home-to-school transportation plan on March 19 after staff presented the plan and related compliance requirements.

Richard Kempian summarized why the plan is required (transcribed reference: "ed code 41 8 5 0 2") and explained the district’s prioritization for transportation: special-education students identified by IEP, homeless students (McKinney-Vento), and unduplicated pupils. He told the board that although there is no statewide mandate to provide general home-to-school transportation for all pupils, the district maintains local policy that includes certain transportation services and that transportation is subject to audit.

Kempian said the district spent about $3.7 million on transportation in the prior year and that related reimbursements are projected to occur in a later budget year — staff estimated approximately $1.8 million will be received in 2026–27 because expenditures are recognized before reimbursement. He also highlighted an in-district trainee classification and paid training process intended to recruit and certify bus drivers locally, noting the program has reduced contracted spending but retention remains a challenge.

Trustees approved the plan as presented; Kempian said staff will continue to monitor costs, retention and fleet-age issues and that longer-term planning (including electrification and fleet replacement) will likely be discussed during upcoming budget work and the fall planning cycle.