Quality Basic Education

If this bill is passed, it will update part of the Code of Georgia.

• Code of Georgia: These are the rules or laws for the state of Georgia that say what people in Georgia can and cannot do.

This bill:

• Changes how the State Board of Education figures out and sends money to local schools for getting students to and from school (transportation).

• Lets schools use vehicles other than buses to transport students.

• Raises the lowest amount that school bus drivers can be paid

• Counts students living within 1.5 miles of school who can’t walk safely in figuring out how much money to put aside for transportation.

• Requires the Department of Education to update the schedules of when transportation money will go out twice a year.

• Cancels laws that stop this one from working.

• Doesn't include personal cars owned by staff, students, or their families, even if they’re used for student transportation.

• Defines the following:

  • “School bus driver": A person chosen by a school to drive school buses or other vehicles meant for student transportation.

  • "School bus stop": A designated spot for picking up and dropping off students using school vehicles.

• Gets rid of the rule that regular transportation (like daily bus rides) must have all the money they need before other transportation types (like field trips) can get money.

If this bill passes, the law will change to cover buses and other vehicles used by school systems for transporting students.

If this bill passes, the State Board of Education will figure out and give out transportation money to local schools twice a year.

• State Board of Education: A group of people in Georgia who make rules and choices about how schools should work.

• Schools can get all the money they expect for transportation, but not more than what they actually spend.

• The State Board needs to work with local schools to figure out transportation costs and let them share information as needed.

Things Considered in figuring out how much transportation costs:

• Number of students and their where they are.

• Types of vehicles and rides taken.

• Miles driven by school vehicles.

• Cost of keeping vehicles working, fixing vehicles, gas, and insurance.

• Health insurance for drivers (If the bill passes).

• Training and safety programs for drivers and students.

• What the weather and roads are like.

• Other important things the State Board chooses.

If the bill passes, the Department of Education has to update transportation cost schedules twice a year (by March 1 and November 1) and post them on their public website.

• Transportation cost schedules: A list of costs for running school buses and other vehicles that take students to and from school, that helps decide how much money schools need for transportation. 

Choices for how vehicles are used:

• If the bill passes, schools can use state money to fix up vehicles or buy new ones, including those other than buses.

• Fixed up vehicles need to meet all safety rules

Schools should apply for federal money to upgrade the engines of fixed up vehicles.

• The Environmental Protection Division: a government office that works to keep the air, water, and land clean and safe by making sure businesses, schools, and communities follow rules to protect the environment and help prevent pollution, will be told when a school gets state money for vehicle upgrades.

Driver pay and benefits:

• If this bill passes, the lowest salary school bus drivers can get paid goes up from $500 per month to $2,000 per month for 12 months.

  • This is for drivers of all school vehicles, not just buses.

  • Schools must pay at least this salary but can choose to pay more.

• Local schools will get at least $75 for each vehicle each year for driver sick and personal days off.

Including More Students in Transportation Funding:

• If this bill passes, Students living within 1.5 miles of school can be included in figuring out transport money amounts if they can't walk or get there without a vehicle.

  • Safety concerns include things like no sidewalks or bike lanes, and dangerous intersections.

• Disabled Students who live within 1.5 miles of school will keep being part of figuring out transportation money amounts.

If this bill passes, the State Board of Education will set safety rules for:

• All vehicles used to transport students (not just buses).

• Vehicle upkeep, fixes, and checking on them.

• Driver training that they have to do.

• Safety training and emergency drills for drivers and students.

Special Transportation Programs:

• If this bill passes, the State Board can continue to give money for transportation for students living on Sapelo Island who need to get to schools that are not on the island.

• If this bill passes, the State Board will make policies for transporting students with disabilities and will give money to transport for those going to schools outside their local area.

Independent Schools:

• Independent schools will get transportation money only if they ask for them.

• If transportation costs aren’t part of the school budget, they won’t get money for transportation that year.

• Independent schools don’t have to provide student transportation.