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To: Superintendents and Principals, Charter School Leaders, Private School Leaders, and Education Partners
From: Dustin Melton, Pupil Transportation & Fingerprinting Director
Date: March 15, 2022
RE: Feedback Requested By May 31 On New Secure Transport Requirements (SB1547)
Dear School Leaders,
In an effort to continue partnering with you for your community’s success, we are reaching out to notify you of recent legislation, assist in continuing to offer services that can satisfy the new requirements and get your feedback on a few questions to determine how your district may be impacted by SB 1547.
With the upcoming implementation of SB1547 it is necessary to identify districts and students who may be affected. SB1547 pertains to secure transportation of youth traveling to or from Child Caring Agencies, I/DD placements and Child Welfare Certified foster homes. ODE & DHS would like to start with the basics of secure transportation to determine relevance and provide additional details to those who may be impacted.
In order to determine if your district may be impacted by SB1547, please respond by May 31 to Todd Cooley at DHS with answers to the following questions:
- Does your district contract secure transportation for any student?
- Are there times when safety devices (i.e. BESI vest or seatbelt buckle guards) are used during the transportation of a student in your district?
Background on Secure Transportation Requirements
Secure transportation services are defined in the Bill as:
- ‘Secure transportation services’ means the secure transportation or secure escort of children.
- ‘Secure transportation’ means the transport of a child in a vehicle specifically equipped to prevent a passenger from exiting, eloping or interfering with the operator of the vehicle, and as further defined by the department by rule.
- ‘Secure escort’ means escort services for a child who poses a risk of elopement or where restraint or seclusion may be utilized if the child poses a risk of injury to self or others, and as further defined by the department by rule.
Secure transportation is not:
- a student who requires transportation services in a vehicle other than a bus due to living in an area outside of normal bus routes.
- a student who requires ADA or other accommodations, such as a vehicle with a lift, and is contracted separately from standard student transportation options.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to equitable service, and please reach out to Brock Dittus in Pupil Transportation & Fingerprinting if we may assist further.
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