La. Admin. Code tit. 28 § CXIII-101

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section CXIII-101 - General Authority

A. This handbook was developed by the Department of Education (DOE) to provide information and direction to local education agencies (LEAs) involved in school transportation in Louisiana.

B. Acting under the authority of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the State Superintendent of Education is responsible for carrying out such policies as may be adopted by BESE. The legal responsibilities of the DOE are defined by Louisiana law or policies of BESE.

C. Aside from matters concerned with the financial aspects imposed upon it by law, the primary responsibility of the DOE in student transportation is to provide strong leadership and technical assistance in the development of a comprehensive student transportation program for statewide application.

D. Under the authority of BESE, the DOE shall work with all LEAs to ensure all federal standards and laws regarding the design, purchase, operation, and maintenance of school buses and the school transportation program are enforced. The responsibilities listed below are assumed directly by the DOE within the framework of a total cooperative effort whereby the state and the LEA work together to ensure a safe, efficient, and economical transportation system:

1. develop and implement clear and concise student transportation policies;

2. develop and implement a statewide system for the management of student transportation;

3. develop and implement educational programs and materials for school bus drivers, transportation supervisors, school administrators, and school bus passengers;

4. coordinate services with other divisions of State Government to ensure adherence to all federal and state regulations;

5. mandate established chassis, body and equipment standards mandated in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for school buses;

6. study and make recommendations regarding legislation and appropriate research in the field of student transportation;

7. develop and direct a statewide management information system for the collection and analysis of student transportation data such as operational costs, accidents and injuries, driver certification, and other data as necessary.

La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXIII-101

Promulgated by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, LR 25:625 (April 1999), amended LR 36:1466 (July 2010).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 17:158, R.S. 17:160-161, R.S. 17:164-166, and R.S. 17:494.