Transportation Eligibility

Purpose

The Middletown City School District is committed to providing safe, efficient, and equitable transportation for students in accordance with Ohio law and Board of Education guidelines. This policy defines student eligibility for transportation services, establishes bus stop assignment standards, and sets requirements for alternate addresses, daycare transportation, and shared parenting situations.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Grade-Level Distance Requirements

   • Kindergarten through 8th Grade (K–8): Students who reside more than one (1) mile from their assigned school are eligible for district-provided transportation.

   • Grades 9–12: Students who reside more than two (2) miles from their assigned school are eligible for district-provided transportation.

2. Measuring Distance

   • Distance is measured using GPS mapping of the most direct route from the student’s residence (or approved alternate address) to the main entrance of the assigned school building.

   • Sidewalks are not required to be present along the measured route.

   • Safety considerations may be taken into account when determining eligibility, including but not limited to:

     • Railroad track crossings

     • Marked crossings of major roadways

     • Other significant hazards as identified by the Transportation Department

Bus Stop Assignment

1. Standard Stop Distance

   • Eligible students will be assigned a bus stop located within one-quarter (¼) mile from their official pick-up address or approved alternate address.

2. Special Transportation Accommodations

   • Students identified under an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or other approved special transportation need may be assigned a closer bus stop or door-to-door service as determined by the Transportation Department.

3. Stop Location and Safety

   • The Transportation Department will determine bus stop locations with consideration of student safety, traffic conditions, and operational efficiency.

Alternate Address / Daycare Transportation

1. Definition of Alternate Address

   • An alternate address is a location other than the student’s primary residence, such as a daycare provider, babysitter, or other care location, used for pick-up and/or drop-off purposes.

2. Alternate Address Eligibility

   • Transportation will be provided to and from an alternate address only if:

     • The alternate address is within the same attendance area as the student’s assigned school, and

     • The alternate address meets the same eligibility distance requirements (one mile for K–8, two miles for 9–12).

3. Consistency Requirement

   • Parents/guardians must submit a consistent alternate address transportation schedule (AM, PM, or both) for routing purposes.

Shared Parenting / Second Address Transportation

1. Eligibility for Second Address

   • Students in shared parenting arrangements may be provided transportation to and from a second address if:

     • The parent/guardian provides court documentation verifying the shared parenting arrangement,

     • The second address is within the same attendance area as the student’s assigned school, and

     • The second address otherwise meets the district’s transportation eligibility requirements.

2. Parent and Student Responsibility

   • A signed transportation agreement is required from the parent/guardian outlining the days and/or schedule when each address will be used.

   • The agreement will place responsibility on the student to board the correct bus each day based on their schedule.

   • Failure to follow the agreed-upon schedule may result in suspension of second-address transportation privileges.

3. Routing and Scheduling

   • Second address arrangements will be accommodated only if they can be incorporated without creating undue hardship to routing efficiency.

   • Routing changes take effect on the third school day after documentation and agreement submission.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

• Ensure that students arrive at the bus stop at least ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.

• Supervise students traveling to and from the bus stop as appropriate for the child’s age and needs.

• Submit all address, alternate address, and second address changes — along with supporting documentation — to the school building the child attends, not directly to the Transportation Department.

• Allow routing changes to take effect on the third school day after submission of an address, alternate address, or second address change.

Policy Administration

This policy shall be administered by the Middletown City School District Transportation Department and reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with state law, board policy, and operational needs.