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News and Notes

February 22, 2024 - Zero Emission Bus Charging Infrastructure - Q&A (UPDATED)

Please CLICK HERE for an updated Q&A on State Aid for Zero Emission Bus Charging Infrastructure

 

January 2, 2024 - IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate Update

As of 1/1/2024, the Internal Revenue Service has updated the standard mileage rate to 67 CENTS PER MILE.

 

December 5, 2023 - Updated SharePoint Access Request Form

Please CLICK HERE to request "Submitter" access to the Pupil Transportation Aid and Regulatory Compliance SharePoint site.

 

June 13, 2023 Announcement of CPI for 2023-2024.

The CPI for the 2023-2024 School Year is 3.5%.

 

June 13, 2023 NEWLY REVISED SED Compliance Spreadsheet

The spreadsheet has been unlocked and font will shrink to fit the data in the cell. 
 

Please click to download the NEWLY REVISED SED Compliance Spreadsheet.

 

June 13, 2023  New REVISED Forms Page for the Paperless Pupil Transportation Program.

Please click for the new REVISED forms are posted for transportation contracts, transportation leases and aided transportation items.

 

May 31, 2023  Paperless Pupil Transportation PowerPoint 

The Paperless Pupil Transportation PowerPoint from May 10, 2023 is now posted as a PDF resource.
In the PDF is the SharePoint information, the new Contract Amendment Form and the new Compliance Spreadsheet.

Please click to download the latest version of the Paperless Pupil Transportation PowerPoint from May 10, 2023.

May 10, 2023  NEW Contract Amendment Form

The Pupil Transportation Unit has created a Contract Amendment Form to revise contracted amounts on contracts with an add and delete clause.

If the form does not load properly as a fillable PDF using Google Chrome please click the button to "open in desktop app" or use a different browser like "Edge" or "Firefox."

Download the new Contract Amendment Form.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

May 10, 2023  Commissioner's Advisory Committee for Pupil Transportation Application

We are approaching the end of another school year and will be looking to fill the open positions on the committee for the next three years.  This committee is essential in the development of the yearly SED refresher programs. We update and revise SED training materials and requirements for school bus attendants/ monitors and school bus drivers.  The committee is an important part of the work we do to keep our children safe on New York school buses.  The committee meets four times a year in Albany.  If you are an SBDI or MI and are interested in being a part of the Advisory Committee, please fill out an application and submit it to Paul Overbaugh   Paul.Overbaugh@nysed.gov by June 1, 2023.  

Please click to download an application.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

March 13, 2023  Cost Justification Form for Contract Extensions for the 2023-2024 School Year.

If the form does not load properly as a fillable PDF using Google Chrome please click the button to "open in desktop app" or use a different browser like "Edge" or "Firefox."

Click to access the 2023-2024 Cost Justification Form.


 

January 26,2023 SAMS Contract Penalty Forgiveness

The Late File/Late Execution Penalty Forgiveness survey can be found in the SED Monitoring and Vendor Performance (SEDMON) application within the SED Business Portal. For more information on the criteria needs to receive forgiveness for a late execution or late file penalty please click the link for SAMS Contract Penalty Forgiveness. 

 

January 26,2023 New IRS Mileage Rate for January 2023

Beginning on January. 1, 2023, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be .655 per mile driven for business use.

1/2023 = .655 per mile
7/2022 = .625 per mile
2022 = 58.5 cents per mile
2021 = 56.0 cents per mile
2020 = 57.5 cents per mile
2019 = 58 cents per mile
 

October 26, 2022 Child Abuse Prevention Training for School Bus Drivers

In accordance with Chapter 363 of the Laws of 2018, the Board of Regents adopted amendments to certain sections of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education related to Reports of Child Abuse in an Educational Setting. A copy of the amendments can be found here. These amendments originally went into effect October 23, 2019 but were subsequently extended to September 30, 2020.

The amendments to the reports of child abuse expanded the definition of individuals required to take both the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment (a.k.a. Mandated Reporter) and the identification of child abuse in an educational setting trainings.

The following Child Abuse Prevention Training webpage contains a chart breaking down who is now required to take which training:

 

October 25, 2022 Paperless Pupil Transportation SharePoint Application

Last month I provided the link to sign up for the SharePoint site. The link is reposted below.
Please click to set up your SharePoint submitter account.

 

October 25, 2022 Instructions to sign up for Microsoft SharePoint

I am now posting the instructions to assist once you submit the enrollment form and receive an email from me to join the Pupil Transportation Aid and Regulatory Compliance SharePoint site. The PDF instructions are posted for your assistance.

 

September 30, 2022 New Superintendent's Statement of Annual Compliance (New Superintendent's Approval Form)

Click HERE to download the New Superintendent's Statement of Annual Compliance fillable PDF. Once completed please name the form with the following: the Prefix STC followed by a space; then your six digit "SED CODE" (010100) followed by a space; then the beginning year of of the school year you are submitting for (2022) followed by a space; then the letter "D" followed by a sequence number (D0001). The full document name will be "STC_SED CODE_YYYY_DSEQ" for example: "STC 010100 2022 D0001"

 

September 28, 2022 New Paperless Pupil Transportation SharePoint Site

The Pupil Transportation Unit is pleased to announce the open enrollment for the Pupil Transportation Aid and Regulatory Compliance SharePoint site. Each district will be required to identify the individual(s) who will be responsible for submitting transportation contracts, requests for transportation aid and employee compliance forms. Please click HERE to set up your SharePoint submitter account.

 

 

July 28, 2022 New IRS Mileage Rate for 7/2022

Beginning on July. 1, 2022, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be .625 per mile driven for business use.

  • 7/2022 = .625 per mile
  • 2022 = 58.5 cents per mile
  • 2021 = 56.0 cents per mile
  • 2020 = 57.5 cents per mile
  • 2019 = 58 cents per mile
  • 2018 = 54.5 cents per mile
  • 2017 = 53.5 cents per mile
  • 2016 = 54 cents per mile

 

 

June 30, 2022 Paperless Pupil Transportation Postponed

Unfortunately, there has been a delay due to the need to adapt forms for districts that use Google only and not Microsoft excel.  I am working on this but will need to push the roll out off until September.

Please use the current forms posted on the website for the 2022 summer and the 22-23 school year. The old forms for summer and the school year will be accepted until August 17.

After August 17 districts will have to wait for the new paperless system to be rolled out, and then all districts will be required to use the new forms that will be posted on the website and submitted on the Transportation SharePoint.

Thank you for your patience.

 

 

June 10, 2022 The CPI for 2022-2023 is 6.3%.

 

June 2, 2022 School districts outside New York City are not statutorily obligated to transport nonpublic school students on days when public schools are closed.

Overturning a previous decision by a lower court, the Appellate Division, Third Department has declared that the State Education Department’s transportation guidance, to the effect that school districts outside New York City are permitted, but not required, to transport nonpublic school students on days when public schools are closed, is valid.

 Here is the link to the decision: UJC non-public transportation case - 534406

 

May 27,2022 SED guidance related to the request of transportation services to nonpublic schools: 

Individuals seeking transportation to a nonpublic school should either send the request via registered mail, return receipt requested, or hand-deliver the request to the district office and request a copy that is stamped as received. 

Additionally, school districts should consider establishing a web portal or other online system to receive transportation requests, which could provide a digital receipt to parents that would demonstrate the time and date of such requests.

 

 

May 24, 2022  Cost Justification Form for Contract Extensions for the 2022-2023 School Year.

2022-2023_Cost_Justification_Fillable_Form

 

April 5, 2022 Commissioner's Advisory Committee for Pupil Transportation

We are approaching the end of another school year and will be looking to fill the open positions on the committee for the next three years.  This committee is essential in the development of the yearly SED refresher programs. We update and revise SED training materials and requirements for school bus attendants/ monitors and school bus drivers.  The committee is an important part of the work we do to keep our children safe on New York school buses.  The committee meets four times a year in Albany.  If you are an SBDI or MI and are interested in being a part of the Advisory Committee, please fill out an application and submit it to Paul Overbaugh   Paul.Overbaugh@nysed.gov by May 13, 2022.  

Application link:  Commissioner's Advisory Committee Member Application

 

March 1, 2022 - NYS Department of Health released the following:

New Masking Guidance Update for Schools

March 1, 2022 - This document removes the statewide requirement for universal masking in schools and applies to P-12 elementary and secondary public, charter, private and state-operated schools, including residential schools and programs serving students with disabilities, as regulated by the New York State Education Department. 

New Masking Guidance Update - Supplemental Information to the “Interim NYSDOH Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022  Academic Year”

Masking is no longer required on school buses or vans. Individuals who are required to wear masks in school should wear masks on school transport.

Exposed individuals, regardless of vaccination status, may remain in school by appropriately wearing a well-fitting mask and undergoing recommended testing and may participate in school-based extracurricular activities. These individuals also may continue to ride the school bus and attend school administered childcare programs and programs licensed or permitted by OCFS to care for school age children (whether on-site at the school or off-site at a different location and whether they include students from a single or multiple schools).

New School Masking and Testing Guidance FAQs

March 1, 2022 - Frequently asked questions on the new school masking and testing guidance.

19. How does the new guidance apply to school buses?

This guidance also applies to school buses. Effective February 25, 2022, CDC does not require masks wearing on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/after-school programs. To the extent that public transportation systems are used for purposes of conveyance to and from school, the rules in place of that public transportation system would apply.

 

February 11, 2022  EPA Releases Initial Clean School Bus Program Report to Congress- Initial Funding will be for a Rebate Program

The Clean School Bus Program was signed into law on November 15, 2021, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) for the replacement of existing school buses with clean school buses and zero-emission school buses.

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA may award competitive grants and rebates, and contracts for rebates. For this first cycle of funding, EPA intends to open a rebate program as early as April 2022. 

Please sign up for this email listserv by clicking the button below to receive future emails with information about upcoming funding opportunities, how to apply, eligible technologies and their benefits, and best practices and lessons learned.

Click Here to sign up for Clean School Bus Program newsletter.

Click Here to go to the EPA Clean School Bus Program website.

 

January 3, 2022  New IRS Mileage Rate for 2022

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2022, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 58.5 cents per mile driven for business use.

  • 2022 = 58.5 cents per mile
  • 2021 = 56.0 cents per mile
  • 2020 = 57.5 cents per mile
  • 2019 = 58 cents per mile
  • 2018 = 54.5 cents per mile
  • 2017 = 53.5 cents per mile
  • 2016 = 54 cents per mile

 

12/1/2021  EXTENDED APPLICATION DUE DATE FOR 2022/2023 MI COURSE

SED has decided in light of the current pupil transportation crisis to postpone the the next Master Instructor Course until July of 2022.  This means the course will run from July 2022 to July 2023 and the NEW DEADLINE for SED to receive applications is now May 15, 2022.

During the 2022/2023 school year, SED will be conducting a Master Instructor Preparation Program. The program will consist of a total of nine instructional days during three sessions, of three days each, in the beginning, middle and end of the course. All classes will be conducted in the Albany area. The preparation program will also include of a year-long apprenticeship or mentor program (July 2022 – July 2023), during which candidates will work with a certified Master Instructor to develop a project.

Click link for more information:  2022-2023MICourseInfo

Course applications are due May 15, 2022

 

11/12/21  School Bus Photo Violation Signage Legislation

From:  NYS DMV Bus Driver Unit

New legislation was passed in 2021 allowing school bus operators that have an agreement with a city, town, or village that has entered a demonstration program to display signs or placards or other displays notifying motorists that school bus photo violation monitoring systems are in use.

This legislation is related to a law was passed in 2019 that authorizes school districts and municipalities to use stop-arm cameras on school buses to impose penalties on the owners of vehicles which pass a school bus while the school bus is stopped for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers and red lights on the school bus are flashing.

  • First violation - penalty of $250
  • Second violation within 18 months - penalty of $275
  • Third violation (or more) within 18 months - penalty of $300

The 2019 legislation can be reviewed by visiting: nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1174-A

The 2021 legislation can be reviewed by visiting: nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A6155/amendment/A

 

10/20/21 Updated Information on Parent Contracts

Education Law 1709(27) states that a board of education "may contract with any person... for the conveyance of pupils residing within the district" such as, with a legal guardian or parent to transport his or her own children.

Commissioner’s Regulations Section 156.3(1)(iii) provides "a parent who transports exclusively his or her own children" is not considered a school bus driver. This classification makes the parent, when driving his own child on a parent contract, exempt from the commercial licensing requirements of Section 156.3 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. Also, the parent's vehicle is not subject to a school bus inspection by the Department of Transportation, and the parent or legal guardian (who is the driver) transporting in this capacity is not subject to Article 19-A of Vehicle and Traffic Law. Article 19-A does not apply to a person operating his or her own vehicle with a seating capacity of 10 or fewer adults.

SED is not requiring any evidence of competitive bidding to approve parent contracts for Transportation Aid.  This is because:

  • The requirement for a parent contract is limited to the driver being the parent or legal guardian and as such there is can generally only ever one respondent to any such transportation request.
  • The exemptions from state agency requirements when parents transport their own children as noted above means parents are not considered school bus drivers or transportation contractors like other for-hire companies.

 

9/8/21  Announcing the 2021/2022-2022/2023 Master Instructor Course Application

During the 2021-2022 and 2022 and 2023 school years, SED will be conducting a Master Instructor Preparation Program. The program will consist of a total of nine instructional days during three sessions, of three days each, in the beginning, middle and end of the course. All classes will be conducted in the Albany area. The preparation program will also include of a year-long apprenticeship or mentor program (February 2022 – February 2023), during which candidates will work with a certified Master Instructor to develop a project.

Click link for more information:  2021-2022MICourseInfo

Course applications are due December 1, 2021

 

8/2/21   LINK TO LOOK UP A BEDS CODE FOR A SCHOOL:  https://portal.nysed.gov/pls/sedrefpublic/SED.sed_inst_qry_vw$.startup

INFORMATION ABOUT THE REQUIREMENT OF BEDS CODES FOR NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS AS IT RELATES TO TRANSPORTATION

Question:  Is it required for a non-public school to have a BEDS code to receive transportation?

Answer:  Yes. When nonpublic schools (located in NYS) have BEDS codes, their annual enrollment reporting generates State aid, which is distributed to their school districts of residence to fund the transportation services. Therefore, SED has said that if they aren't getting the funds (which requires the nonpublic school to have a BEDS code), districts are not required to transport students to those schools.

Please note:  Districts can decide to transport children to nonpublic schools without BEDS codes. However, if the district chooses to provide transportation to a nonpublic school without a beds code, it is with the understanding they will not receive state aid for that non-public school's annual enrollment.

 

7/13/21    Master Instructor and School Bus Driver Instructor List for 2021-2022

Please click on the certificate link to access the updated list of certified Free Certification Cliparts, Download Free Certification Cliparts png  images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Libraryand interim certified MI's and SBDI's. An interim certification means that you have submitted your pre-session assignment on time and completed the online PDS, but your SBDI card and Manual have not been shipped. Individuals with an interim certification can perform the functions of a SBDI.

 

6/18/21 INFORMATION ABOUT THE REQUIREMENT OF BEDS CODES FOR NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS AS IT RELATES TO TRANSPORTATION

Question:  Is it required for a non-public school to have a BEDS code to receive transportation?

Answer:  Yes. When nonpublic schools (located in NYS) have BEDS codes, their annual enrollment reporting generates State aid, which is distributed to their school districts of residence to fund the transportation services. Therefore, SED has said that if they aren't getting the funds (which requires the nonpublic school to have a BEDS code), districts are not required to transport students to those schools.

Please note:  Districts can decide to transport children to nonpublic schools without BEDS codes. However, if the district chooses to provide transportation to a nonpublic school without a beds code, it is with the understanding they will not receive state aid for that non-public school's annual enrollment.

6/11/21 The CPI for the 2021-2022 School Year is 3.2%.

6/1/2021 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools for the 2020-2021 AND THE 2021-2022 School Year

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 5/3/2021.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through June 24, 2021, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the 2020-2021 and the 2021-2022 school year.

Please note:  This Executive Order would also include child care transportation which also had a due date of April 1.

5/17/2021 -    This link will provide information about the CERTS (Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services) Grant Program: 

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-american-industry/coronavirus-economic-relief-for-transportation-services#:~:text=Under%20the%20program%2C%20Treasury%   20will,indirect%20result%20of%20COVID%2D19.

5/13/21 - Education Law Changes in the 2021-22 Enacted State Budget Governing Eligibility of Certain COVID Transportation Expenditures for State Transportation Aid

Please click on the link below to read the latest updates:  https://stateaid.nysed.gov/trans/Spring_2020_Unaidable_COVID_Transportation_ Expenditures.html

Thank you

5/3/2021 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools for the 2020-2021 AND THE 2021-2022 School Year

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 3/29/2021.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through May 27, 2021, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the 2020-2021 and the 2021-2022 school year.

Please note:  This Executive Order would also include child care transportation which also had a due date of April 1.

3/29/2021 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 3/4/2021.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through April 20, 2021, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the 2020-2021 school year.

Please note:  This Executive Order would also include child care transportation which also had a due date of April 1.

 

 

03/18/21 SED Revised Monitor/Attendant Physical Performance Test Form

In July 2020 the New York State Regents approved the updated Title 8. Education Department Chapter II. Regulations of the Commissioner Subchapter J. Building and Transportation Part 156 Transportation.

There were many notable changes in the regulations. One change which I would like to draw your attention to is the monitor/attendant physical performance test. A fourth standard was added to the regulation requiring the monitor/attendant to manually open and close the service door three times. This is the same standard drivers perform by manually opening and closing the service door.

Revised Monitor/Attendant Physical Performance Test Form PDF file

Updated transportation regulations

3/16/2021 -  Invition to join the NYSED Commissioner's Advisory Committee for Pupil Transportation.

If you are an active MI or SBDI and are interested in serving on this committee, please submit the completed form by May 15, 2021. Below is a link to the form: 

https://www.p12.nysed.gov/schoolbus/documents/advisory-committee-application.pdf

 

3/4/2021 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 2/3/2021.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through March 28, 2021, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

Please note:  This Executive Order would also include child care transportation which also had a due date of April 1.

 

 

2/10/21 Third School Bus Safety Drill

Please remember the third bus safety drill is to be completed between the dates of 3/1/2021 and 4/30/2021. Considering the pandemic and the need to reduce the spread, the State Education Department is permitting the third school bus safety drill to be conducted virtually or in person.  All students would view and engage in dialogue about how to safely ride and evacuate a school bus. Please remember to conduct mini drills if you are transporting students on athletic and field trips.

 

2/3/2021- Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 1/8/2021.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through February 26, 2021, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

Please note:  This Executive Order would also include child care transportation which also had a due date of April 1.

 

2/3/2021- Revised Training Requirements for Optional Virtual Training of Mandated Two Hour Refreshers for the 2020-2021 School Year

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the State Education Department has received a request to permit online training opportunities for pupil transportation professionals. The criteria listed in the attachment would be the minimum requirements for virtual instruction of the two-hour refresher training only.

Please complete and email the NVTO and NVTC forms to transportation@nysed.gov, which will be shared separately.  

Note:  This change is only for the 2020-2021 school year.

2/3/2021 Transportation for Non-Public Schools During Weather Emergencies.

When a school district is in session remotely or otherwise, pupil transportation must be provided to students attending religious and independent schools, charter schools or students whose individualized education program (IEP) have placed them out of district. 

In the event that the change to remote instruction is due to a snow or other weather emergency, such change will likely impact transportation for students attending school outside of the district.  Decisions not to transport need to be based on real-time information relevant to the safety of students, staff and vehicles.  School districts and religious and independent schools, charter schools and other programs are encouraged, and reminded, to work together to ensure continuity of education while ensuring that transportation can be provided in a safe and efficient manner.

 

2/1/2021- IRS Mileage Rate for 2021

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2021, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 56.0 cents per mile driven for business use.

  • 2021 = 56.0 cents per mile
  • 2020 = 57.5 cents per mile
  • 2019 = 58 cents per mile
  • 2018 = 54.5 cents per mile
  • 2017 = 53.5 cents per mile
  • 2016 = 54 cents per mile

1/8/21 - Virtual Training of School Bus Safety Refreshers for the 2020-2021 School Year.

Approval has been granted for virtual training of refreshers only for the 20-21 school year.

Please complete and email the NVTO and NVTC forms to transportation@nysed.gov, which will be shared separately.                                                                                              

Virtual training is ONLY for the refreshers – all other training is to be in person following the social distancing guidance.                                                                                                    

If COVID prevents Basic Courses or PPTs then you need to make every attempt to have them completed as soon as possible. Please mark on the forms that the course or PPT was late due to COVID.                                                                                                            

There is no extension for the pre-service. This training is a “must” to keep our children safe on the school bus.

 

1/8/2021- Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 12/9/2020.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through January 29, 2021, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

Please note:  This Executive Order would also include child care transportation which also had a due date of April 1.

 

1/8/2021- The Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools for the 2021-2022 School Year is still April 1, 2021.

Please note:  The deadline to request child care transportation for the 2021-2022 school year also has a due date of April 1, 2021.

 

12/9/2020- Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 11/4/2020.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through January 1, 2021, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

Please note:  This Executive Order would also include child care transportation which also had a due date of April 1.

 

12/9/2020 Mandated Reporter Training

 

NYSED has partnered with Capital Region BOCES and PowerSchool to offer an online version of the new trainings that will fulfill the requirements associated with the amendments to the reports of child abuse in an educational setting adopted by the Board of Regents at their October 2019 Board of Regents meeting. The original deadline for completion was extended to September 30, 2020. To see who is required to take the trainings on identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment (a.k.a. Mandated Reporter) and the identification of child abuse in an educational setting, you can view the amendments here. To learn more about the online course offerings, including how to easily register, complete, and access your completion certificate, please visit the website here.

 

11/20/20 Second School Bus Safety Drill

Please remember the second bus safety drill is to be completed between the dates of 11/1/2020 and 12/31/2020. Considering the pandemic and the need to reduce the spread, the State Education Department suggests the second drill be conducted using a virtual school bus safety drill.  All students would view and engage in dialogue about how to safely evacuate a school bus.

 

 

11/9/2020- Training Requirements for Optional Virtual Training of Mandated Two Hour Refreshers for the 2020-2021 School Year

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the State Education Department has received a request to permit online training opportunities for pupil transportation professionals. The criteria listed in the attachment would be the minimum requirements for virtual instruction of the two-hour refresher training only.

Note:  This change is only for the 2020-2021 school year.

 

11/4/2020- Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 10/13/20.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through December 3, 2020, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

 

10/29/2020 Fall Refresher Extension

In accordance with the newly revised transportation regulations which states:     

156.3(b)(5)(iii) “All school bus drivers shall receive a minimum of two hours of refresher    instruction in school bus safety at least two times a year, at sessions conducted between July 1st and October 31st… Provided, however, that such refresher instruction may be postponed where a school bus driver is unable to complete such instruction due to the State of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to an Executive Order for the COVID-19 crisis. Such instruction shall be rescheduled and completed as soon as practicable.” and 156.3(d)(5)(iii) “All school bus monitors and attendants shall receive a minimum of two hours of refresher instruction in school bus safety at least two times a year, at sessions conducted between July 1st and October 31st… Provided, however, that such refresher instruction may be postponed where a school bus driver is unable to complete such instruction due to the State of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to an Executive Order for the COVID-19 crisis. Such instruction shall be rescheduled and completed as soon as practicable.”

The State Education Department has extended the due date of the first refresher from 10/31/20 to 11/30/20.  This practicable accommodation should enable districts and BOCES to complete the mandated refresher training while following social distancing and other safety mandated requirements.

 

10/13/20 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 9/4/20.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through November 3, 2020, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

 

 

9/28/2020 - The revised Regulations have been posted on the Regulations page.

 

9/21/2020 - Please read the Pupil Transportation Memo from Interim Commissioner Rosa dated September 9, 2020.

http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/coronavirus/memo-pupil-transportation-9-9-20.pdf

 

 

9/11/2020 - Please see the updated Master Instructor List from 1985 to 2020

NYSED: P-16:EMSC: Pupil Transportation Services: Master Instructor

 

9/4/2020 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 8/27/20.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor has extended through October 4, 2020, Section 3635 of the Education law, the deadline for parents to file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

 

9/1/2020   Guidance regarding Eligibility for Interscholastic Athletics, Inclusive Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

Please click on the link:  http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/coronavirus/eligibility-interscholastic-athletics-inclusive-athletics-extracurricular-activities-9-1-20.pdf

 

8/27/2020 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools

Note: This item is an update to the transportation deadline extension referenced below on 3/30/20.

Please note that, pursuant to Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis, the Governor suspended through September 4, 2020, Section 3635 of the Education law, to the extent necessary to delay the April 1 requirement that parents must file transportation requests with their school district in order to obtain transportation for their children for the following school year.

 

8/19/20  The PTU has received questions about the two hour refresher training and would like to share the following:

Refresher training are permitted to be taught in person up to the capacity of the phase opening in your region with social distancing.

The only other allowance is the distance learning model.  This model is where the refresher is taught in one room with staff present and broadcast to another room with staff.  There needs to be an SBDI in the second room to monitor the attendance and attention to the presentation.

Zoom and WebEx being used at a staff member’s home is not permitted at this time.

Thank you.

 

8/17/20   Back to school reminder about school bus safety drills:

  • Bus safety drills must be conducted when your school opens as required under State Education Department Regulation.
  • Virtual delivery of the bus safety drills is not permitted by  SED.
  • It is recommended to exit the front door of the bus for this first required safety drill to minimize contact with the students and to provide some level of social distancing.
  • The first drill in September is due by the 7th day of school as per SED regulation.  This year, for those of you who are accommodating alternative instructional scheduling, SED has offered the following. The seven-day calendar count starts when students physically attend the bus ride.   For instance, for A/B scheduling, drills are due by the seventh day the students on the A or B schedule attend in person school and ride the bus.  For students attending school on split AM/PM sessions,  drills will need to be conducted for each AM and PM group of riders.
  • It is recommended that “mini-drills” as defined in the amended Part 156 regulation (see attached)  be conducted for students who may have missed the regularly scheduled bus safety drill or started bus transportation after concluding virtual learning.

8/17/2020  NYSDOT Releases Guidance on School Bus Barriers/Partitions

 

8/12/2020  The State Education Department would like to congratulate and welcome the following new Master Instructors:

Elizabeth

Berner

 117

Bradley

Countermine

118

Ellen

Driscoll

119

Suzanne

Fynn

120

Kelly

McLaren

121

Ronald

Mackey

122

Daniel

Proctor

123

Mark

Rice

124

John

Sharpe

125

Karyn

Such

126

JoAnne

Thompson

127

Kari

Turner

128

Their give back to the industry projects will be posted at a later date. 

7/17/2020 The Cost per Mile Formula has been added to the Director's Page.

 

7/3/2020 - Commissioner’s Advisory Committee 2020-2021 Meeting Dates:

  • September 24th, 2020 (NYSED, EB 5A&B, 1-5PM)
  • December 10th, 2020 (NYSED, EB 5A&B, 1-5PM)
  • March 11th, 2021 (NYSED, EB 5A&B, 1-5PM)
  • June 10th, 2021 (NYSED, EB 5A&B, 9-5PM- morning session is PDS/Cores planning)

 

6/8/2020 - Transportation Memo from Assistant Commissioner Coughlin on Testing and Training

5/8/2020 - Please note the anti-idling law has been extended until June 30, 2024. Please see Education Law 3637 External Link.

3/30/2020 - Extension of Deadline for Requests for Transportation to Nonpublic and Charter Schools Please note that due to the closure of schools pursuant to the Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis and recognizing that such requests need to be incorporated into a school district’s budget, the Department directs all public school districts to accept all parental requests for transportation to charter and nonpublic schools submitted on or before May 9, 2020. The Department deems such Executive Order(s) be a reasonable excuse for a delay under Ed. Law 3635.

01/16/2020 - Happy New Year!! Beginning on Jan. 1, 2020, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 57.5 cents per mile driven for business use, down one half of a cent from the rate for 2019.

  • 2020 = 57.5 cents per mile
  • 2019 = 58 cents per mile
  • 2018 = 54.5 cents per mile
  • 2017 = 53.5 cents per mile
  • 2016 = 54 cents per mile

08/21/2019 - Immunizations & Pupil Transportation - Who is responsible for making sure requirments are met?

08/19/2019 - Piggyback Contract Guidance - NOW AVAILABLE

06/12/2019 - CPI for the 2019-2020 school year is 1.5%

04/29/2019 - Commissioner’s Advisory Committee 2019-2020 Meeting Dates

  • 09/26/19   1-5 pm in EB Room 5A-B
  • 12/12/19   1-5 pm in EB Room 5A-B
  • 03/12/20   1-5 pm in EB Room 5A-B
  • 06/04/20   9-5 pm (morning session is PDS/Cores planning) in EB Room 5A-B

04/16/2019 - MI Course - 2019 Deadline extended - thru May 17, 2019

01/03/2019 - Happy New Year!! Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 58 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3.5 cents from the rate for 2018.

  • 2019 = 58 cents per mile
  • 2018 = 54.5 cents per mile
  • 2017 = 53.5 cents per mile
  • 2016 = 54 cents per mile

11/30/18 - ANNOUNCEMENT -

08/27/18 - The Pupil Transportation office has moved. Our new address is:

The New York State Education Department, Pupil Transportation Unit

89 Washington Ave, 1075 EBA, Albany, NY 12234

07/16/18 - 2017's Master Instructors are now listed. Congratulations to our newest leaders in Pupil Transportation.

06/12/18 - CPI for 2018-19 is 2.2%

05/16/18 - Recall: Seat Mounting Braket Fracture

To find out if your specific passenger vehicle is included in the recall, use this VIN Look-up Tool.   HTSA Recall ID Number : 18V253

 

05/09/18 - Commissioner’s Advisory Committee for Pupil Transportation Services - Next meeting - May 31, 2018 - NYS Education Building, Room 217 EB, from 1-5PM

04/16/18 - Paul Overbaugh appointed as New York State Director of Pupil Transportation

04/02/18 - CPI for 2018-19 will be RELEASED on June 12th at 8:30am

01/25/18 - DOT "Medical Marijuana" Notice @  https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/medical-marijuana-notice

12/15/17 - Beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 54.5 cents for every mile of business travel driven, up 1 cent from last year.

  • 2018 = 54.5 cents per mile
  • 2017 = 53.5 cents per mile

12/05/17 - Commissioner’s Advisory Committee for Pupil Transportation Services 2017-18 Meeting Dates: 

  • September 28, 2017
  • December 7, 2017
  • March 15, 2018
  • May 31, 2018

6/14/17 - The May CPI rate for calculating maximum possible increases for pupil transportation contract extensions in the 2017-2018 school year is 1.8%.

2/7/17 - Federal Regulations for School Buses Word Document Icon

6/16/16 - The May CPI rate for calculating maximum possible increases for pupil transportation contract extensions in the 2016-2017 school year is 0.9%.

05/31/16 -  Application and Information for the 2017 Master Instructor Course

02/22/16  - The Office of Pupil Transportation at NYSED would like to thank two leaders in the Pupil Transportation field for drafting this article on the dangers of dragging incidents, where children are caught in school bus doors, and carried for a distance. This poses a great risk to the children you transport, and we urge all of those responsible for pupil transportation to engage in training to prevent further incidents. Please read this updated article for more information.   PDF ICON  (6,232KB)

04/08/15 - Parkway restrictions for school buses on Long Island.

If any school district transportation office or transportation operator has a question on what vehicles are permitted on the NYS Parkways in Region 10 (Suffolk and Nassau Counties) please call: New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation -
Long Island Region: (631) 669-1000.

They should be able to help you with any direction or guidance concerning this.

03/20/15 -  Non-Allowable Pupil Decimal Preparation and Filing - State Aid Website

04/12/12 -

  1. All requests for NPO, NPC, and PIRP room approvals.
  2. Certificates for school bus driver, monitor and attendant - Basic and Advanced Courses of Instruction.
  3. Requests for lost certificates.
  4. MV 104F for school bus accidents (the NY State Education Department copy).

    Should be sent to: 
    Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI)
    10 Adler Drive, Suite 102
    East Syracuse, New York  13057

    Phone: 315-475-1386 or 1 800-836-2210
    Fax:     315-475-5033

    PTSI Website   External Link