Students May Get Lift From Teachers Under New Policy

Chatham students may be driven to school activities by teachers under a new policy approved by the Board of Education Wednesday night.

Business Administrator Peter Daquila said the School District of the Chathams realized the practice was needed for events with two or three students, when providing a bus is not feasible. The policy is common in other districts, he said.

Board of Education President Thomas Belding said staff members should be advised their insurance is primary if they agree to transport students.

The policy says private transportation must be approved in advance and in writing, and drivers of students in a private vehicle must be a board employee or parents or legal guardian of a student in the district.

Seat belts must be worn by the driver and passengers. Drivers must never have had their license suspended. Any student transported must be accompanied by another student, and students only maybe to transported from a school designated location to an event, and back to a school designated location.

"The responsibility of teaching staff members for the discipline and control of pupils shall extend to their transportation of pupils in a private vehicle," the policy says.

Travel expenses for drivers can be reimbursed.