The Greene County Schools board of education at its July 16 meeting approved the second reading of a revised policy regarding student use of vehicles. The policy now matches what the school’s practice has been.
By law, a student younger than 16 who has a minor school license can drive to school sponsored activities, like sports practices, at locations other than the school building he attends. To obtain the license, a student must live more than a mile from the school building and must have a form verifying that signed by a school official. Under the school’s former written policy, a student who lives closer than one mile to the high school could still have the required form signed if he lives more than one mile from a practice facility for an activity in which he participates.
According to superintendent Tim Christensen, the school hasn’t allowed the practice exception for seven years. The board revised the policy, striking the paragraph having to do with students who live within a mile of the school. The change in written policy will have no effect on students.
At the same meeting, the board reinstated the activity shuttle, which is used primarily by middle school students. Transportation will not be door-to-door; students will be dropped off at one central point in Scranton, Grand Junction and Rippey, and in Jefferson following games or practices in Scranton or Grand Junction. It will also be only after school. Superintendent Tim Christensen estimates the cost at between $5,500 and $8,500.
“We want kids out for athletics, for activities. It’s good for them to be involved. If they’re not involved the likelihood of them doing something they’re not supposed to is a lot greater,” Christensen said.
The East Greene district for the past two years has transported its middle school athletes to Grand Junction and Rippey after practices and games in Jefferson. The Jefferson-Scranton district offered a shuttle to and from Scranton for many years, but discontinued it five or six years ago when spending cuts were needed.
The shuttle will make only one run out of Jefferson, most likely at about 5:30 pm. Christensen said the biggest challenge will be finding willing bus drivers.
According to activities director Dean Lansman, middle school practices will be primarily in Jefferson, with Grand Junction as the alternate place. Students would be transported to the middle school, Scranton or Rippey after the practice. There will also be middle school football games in Grand Junction, and the shuttle would be available to students after the game.
High school teams may occasionally practice at Rippey. Lansman doesn’t plan to provide shuttle service for them, but to have those who need transportation ride with parents or teammates.
