Kentucky Department of Education Releases Transportation Guidance For 2020-21 School Year

Many of these recommendations may require additional staff, at least on a part-time basis, or changes to current staff duties.

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(Frankfort, Ky.) – The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released a new guidance document on student transportation on June 25 titled “COVID-19 Considerations for Reopening Schools: Pupil Transportation.”

The document outlines the rules and recommendations for when school buildings reopen for the 2020-21 year.

“In some cases, it may seem almost impossible to safely transport students during the COVID-19 pandemic but implementing some changes at the district and school level may allow for transportation,” said Interim Commissioner Kevin C. Brown.

The guidance includes recommendations for multiple scenarios including possible time changes, limiting the number of riders on each bus, face masks, social distancing, and chaperoned “walking school buses.” The guidance also recommends that districts survey parents to see how many plan to have their students ride buses when schools reopen.

Many of these recommendations may require additional staff, at least on a part-time basis, or changes to current staff duties.