Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District

Transportation. At all IEP Meetings the Team shall determine whether the student requires transportation because of his or her disability in order to benefit from special education.

For information related to specialized transportation please contact:

Heather Dupont, Administrative Assistant/Transportation Coordinator

978-827-3062

hdupont@awrsd.org

AWRSD Specialized Transportation Contractor Expectations

Drivers’ Qualifications. It is the expectation of AWRSD that the Contractor shall furnish properly licensed 7D drivers to operate vehicles used in carrying out the transportation services provided for under the terms of this agreement. Each vehicle shall be operated by a person twenty-one (21) years of age or older who is licensed under the General Laws of the Commonwealth and is subject to an annual physical examination in accordance with the regulations of the carrier employing such a person as an operator. Drivers and monitors of special education students shall be prepared to and assist students at the enter and exit the vehicle. Drivers and monitors may not smoke in or around a 7D van at any time.

Vehicle Equipment. It is the expectation of AWRSD that the Contractor will have vehicles properly equipped in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Transportation Rules and Regulation for so-called “7D vehicles”. All vehicles will be equipped with seat belts and car seats, approved by the US Dept. of Transportation, for children under eight (8) years of age as needed. All drivers are expected to properly install specialized equipment (car/booster seats, buckle buddy’s)

Communications Equipment. It is the expectation of AWRSD that all vans must be equipped with two-way radios or equivalent.

Pupil Safety. It is the expectation of AWRSD that drivers will not leave a vehicle unattended when children are in the vehicle. In an emergency, the driver’s first concern will be for the safety of the children.

Van Arrival. It is the expectation of AWRSD that if the driver is running more than 5 min late, the driver will radio the Contractor’s main office, who will then place a call to the Parent and School notifying each party of the new estimated time of arrival.

Pick up Time. It is the expectation of AWRSD that drivers will wait 2 minutes at each stop past the regular scheduled pick up time and then proceed on the route.

Drop off Policy. It is the expectation of AWRSD that any child under the age of 13 must have an adult present and listed as an authorized party to drop the child off with.

Seating. It is the expectation of AWRSD that a child under the age of 13 may not ride in the front seat of the van without written permission from the parent/guardian.

Alternative Locations. It is the expectation of AWRSD that if the child’s drop off location is different from the home address, a written request must be sent to the Director of Pupil Services, prior to the change, for approval.

Transportation Changes. It is the expectation of AWRSD that any changes to a child’s transportation schedule must go through Pupil Services for approval.

Routing Policy. It is the expectation of AWRSD that for all new transportation requests, or changes to current transportation for a child, the District shall provide the Contractor 48 hours notice to implement the new child or change to their routes.

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