This field study, which is an examination of the transportation program in a local school district in Illinois, gives special attention to what is expected of a local district by the state of Illinois. Many of those expectations are found in the school code as regulations for the local school district in its transportation program.
Though this field experience, which was done in the Shelbyville Community Unit Schools during the fall semester, 1979, is a summary of transportation practices in one school district, it does contain information of a general nature which may be of interest. Much of the information about the Shelbyville District was obtained through interviews of local district personnel, who provided details about rules and regulations for their bus riders, and also provided information relating to the bus routes. During the interview with a local bus driver, special requirements were discussed which qualified a person to become a driver. It was learned that these requirements had been recently strengthened.
The Illinois General Assembly was observed as a group having a tremendous influence on the local school district transportation program. This came as no surprise, since this group was merely performing its duty of directing the state educational programs by amending the school code as the need arises. However as this study demonstrates, the impact is more widespread than a casual inspection would reveal. It was found that many of the spending practices in a local district were effected by the structure of the transportation formula.
Rural residents were also observed as another group which may exert pressure on the local board and its transportation policies. Also noted was a slight increase in the percent of rural students in the Shelbyville District brought about by the clustering of people in subdivisions around Shelbyville.
Private schools in the same general area were observed as yet another group which may influence the local school transportation program. Private schools were asking for free transportation under a proposal which was passed by the Illinois General Assembly but vetoed by Governor James Thompson.
Another factor noted as having an effect on the transportation finances in a local school was the price and availability of gasoline. With the present world petroleum market and the projected increases in this area, the financial picture is glum.
The voucher system was observed as another factor which has the potential of considerable impact on the local transportation program. Because of the uncertainties surrounding this topic, school personnel should keep themselves well informed about any proposals relating to it.
Finally, the challenge of the future was observed as being in the area of conservation of energy because of the tremendous rise in costs in transportation. As a recommendation, school districts should be encouraged to implement conservation practices by the state through the transportation formula to help meet this challenge
