The following elements must be a part of a funding formula for pupil transportation:

• The formula should include explicit state-developed definitions of what services are to be provided. These services should be directly funded.
• A transportation sparsity formula needs to accurately distribute revenue based on cost pressures arising from population sparsity.
• Full funding for between-building and/or multi-district special education transportation should be provided. Indirect costs related to special education transportation should remain in the transportation and not in the special education budget.
• Hazardous transportation funding should be offered and funded by the state to ensure safe transportation for all students.
• Funding should be provided to address short term cost pressures related to energy prices.
• A bus acquisition program should be authorized which is separate from the district’s general fund. “Green” fleet incentives should be developed.

In addition, resources should be provided to districts which must comply with desegregation mandates. These resources should be rationally linked to the direct costs associated with compliance.

—A Framework for a New
Minnesota Education Funding Formula
P.S. Minnesota (November 2006)

Transportation is often thought of as a District Support Service offered at the discretion of the district and local school board, where, in fact, most transportation services are mandated and determined by the needs of students and community variables (PS Minnesota Framework, above).

Transportation Resources at Parents United:

Transportation is part of the Basic Formula Allowance, and is one of five Major Cost Drivers identified in a June 2005 report by the Office of the Minnesota State Auditor.

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