Mountain View Whisman School District

Agenda Item for Board Meeting of 6/13/2024

Agenda Category:  REVIEW AND DISCUSSION

Agenda Item Title:  Field Trips, Parent Drivers, and the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program (40 minutes)

Estimated Time: 

Person Responsible: 

Rebecca Westover, Ed.D., Chief Business Officer

Background: 
MVWSD faces increasing safety and liability concerns, notably highlighted by ongoing Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAMs) cases. These issues led to heightened scrutiny over who could transport students. Historically, parent drivers were utilized, but several significant risks were associated with this practice. Parent drivers were not thoroughly vetted, there were no safety checks on their vehicles, and parents were often alone with students, raising substantial liability concerns. Additionally, insurance requirements were a barrier for some families, complicating the process further. In the 2023-2024 school year MVWSD stopped allowing parents to drive on field trips due to safety and equity concerns. The only school in the district that utilized parents as drivers was Stevenson.  The board has requested that staff present options for allowing parent drivers.

Fiscal Implication:
none.

Recommended Action: 
no action requested.