Transportation
Information provided by the school typically defines the level of transportation service provided.
Students in special education programs, including students who are in regular classrooms:
Most students with physical, emotional, behavioural and other identified exceptionalities are provided with door to door service. All others are assigned to central pick-up locations in the vicinity of their home. Except for students attending a special program in their home school, special education students are transported on passenger vans, passenger mini vans, wheelchair vehicles and, occasionally taxis. Usual practice follows that near the end of each school year, the Transportation Department will request information regarding the special needs of students currently transported in order to plan for their transportation needs for the following September.
Students in educational programs in care, treatment, and correctional facilities or attending Provincial and Demonstration Schools:
Transportation staff designs a segregated route system, almost exclusively using passenger mini vans, for both daily and weekly residential students. Communication is directly with parents regarding pick-up and drop-off times as well as necessary adjustments. Revisions to student data and new or deleted student information is received from the Provincial school on an ongoing basis
throughout the school year.
The safety criteria that are used by the board in the tendering and the selection of transportation providers for exceptional students:
Wheelchair service for physically challenged students is provided by bus operators, all with considerable experience in this type of service. All vehicles used comply with regulations, including wheelchair securement processes and devices. Drivers are specifically selected for this service based on experience, personality and driving record.
Where appropriate, harnesses are used for students requiring a securement device.
Students identified with specific exceptionalities (physical/medical, emotional, behavior) must be met by a parent or guardian upon return from school or they will be returned to the school. Where necessary, specific health problems that may be encountered while in transit are identified to the appropriate driver along with required driver actions.
Criminal record checks are a mandatory process in obtaining a ‘B’ license. A ‘B’ license provides authority to drive a school purpose vehicle.