Student Transportation Policy and Eligibility

The purpose of this policy is to delineate the available bus services and the eligibility requirements.  This policy applies to the transportation of public school children, grades K-12, to and from schools located within the Town of Franklin, MA.  This policy does not apply to special education transportation.  Bus transportation is provided under contract with private owners through a competitive bid process in accordance with MGL Chapter 30B regulations.  Bus contracts are authorized by the Superintendent of Schools.  Pupils are designated as walkers if they do not qualify as bus pupils.

ELIGIBILITY AND MEASUREMENTS

• For the purposes of this transportation policy, all distances and walking routes shall be measured and determined in accordance with the geographic software system then in use by the Franklin School System.

• All students in grades K to 6 who reside more than 2.0 miles from their assigned school will be bused at no charge to the student.

• Students in grades 7 through 12 are not eligible for free bus transportation.

• The Superintendent of Schools and/or their designee is responsible for execution of the transportation policy and regulations adopted to implement the policy.

• The Franklin School Committee reserves the right to authorize a pay to ride option and all associated components.

The Superintendent or their designee, working with the bus contractor and other appropriate administrators, will be responsible for establishing bus schedules, routes, stops, and all other matters relative to the transportation program.

LEGAL REF.:               M.G.L. 71:68

CROSS REF:  EEB – Student Transportation Policy – Schedules & Procedures           

REF:       Transportation Contract

                Student Handbooks

                Bus Company Handbook/Practices 

 Reviewed, revised:      1/26/10; 2/24/10

Accepted by the School Committee:  3/9/10

Reviewed; Revised Adopted by School Committee:  7/28/2020

Reviewed; no revisions 7/28/21