Purpose
The Smithfield Public Schools shall provide transportation in a manner consistent with R.I.G.L. 16-21-1 to ensure safe, equitable, and efficient access to school for eligible students.
The primary concern of the School Department is the safety of all students—those transported by bus and those walking within designated safe walk zones.
POLICY
Smithfield Public Schools will provide suitable transportation to and from school for resident students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not graduated.
Transportation will also be provided to:
Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes transportation as a related service
Eligible in-town non-public school students, consistent with state law
Eligible out-of-town students, as required by law and district programming (provided by statewide busing)
The Superintendent of Schools (or designee) shall administer this policy and all related procedures.
Prior to each school year, the transportation provider shall:
Provide local police departments with bus routes, stops, and turnaround locations
Request certification that routes are safe
GUIDELINES
I. Eligibility for Transportation
All eligible students may register for transportation services.
Transportation eligibility will be determined based on:
Walking distance
Elementary: greater than 1 mile from school
Secondary grades 6-12: greater than 2 miles from school
Safety of the walking route
Programmatic needs (e.g., IEP/504, out-of-district placement)
II. Bus Stop Parameters
Bus stops may be adjusted:
To promote safety
To reduce congestion
To accommodate route efficiency
Students are expected to arrive at their assigned stop at least 10 minutes prior to pickup.
A parent/guardian (or authorized adult) must meet elementary students at the bus stop. A parent/guardian may opt out of this requirement in writing for students in grade 2-5.
III. Bus Stop Location and Routing
Bus stops/routes may be modified throughout the year to accommodate shifting student populations.
Students residing in neighborhoods/developments may be required to walk to a centralized stop (e.g., entrance or main road), unless safety warrants otherwise
Buses will not enter private property (e.g., private roads, condominium complexes) unless approved for safety reasons
The district reserves the right to:
Add, relocate, or eliminate bus stops
Adjust routes for efficiency, safety, and capacity
Families will be notified of significant changes.
IV. Ridership Expectations and Removal
Transportation services may be rescinded if a student does not utilize transportation for ten (10) consecutive school days without notification.
The transportation provider may conduct periodic ridership reviews
Reinstatement of transportation may require:
Up to 3 business days if route adjustments are needed
Up to 1 day if no adjustments are required
V. Change in Bus Stop Location
A. Permanent Changes
Requests for permanent bus stop changes (e.g., childcare) must:
Be submitted annually
Be consistent for both AM and PM routes
Not require additional buses, mileage, or route redesign
B. Temporary Changes
Temporary changes may be approved for emergencies:
Parent/guardian must submit a written request to the principal
The school will coordinate with the transportation provider
C. Same-Day Emergency Changes
Parent/guardian must contact the school directly
Students will only be released to authorized individuals
D. Restrictions
Bus stop changes will not be approved if they:
Cause overcrowding
Increase route time or mileage
Require use of multiple buses
Fall outside the student’s attendance zone
Are requested for social or convenience purposes
VI. Non-Public School Students
In-town non-public school students will receive transportation consistent with public school walking distance standards
All students must comply with established bus stop procedures and timelines. Registration is required for all non-public school students.
VII. Appeals Process
Decisions regarding transportation eligibility, bus stops, or routing may be appealed to the Superintendent (or designee) in accordance with district procedures.
VIII. General Provisions
Transportation is provided for the required number of school days as established by the district calendar and state regulations
Weather, road conditions, or emergencies may require temporary adjustments to transportation services
Safety considerations will take precedence over all other factors
ADOPTED: September 15, 2003
REVISED: December 5, 2016 and May 21, 2026