Q. In the past we were allowed to claim services on the bus if the student required the services from the time they left their home until they returned to their home. How has the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) changed that?
A. We have always felt that any services during transportation are transportation related services and considering that the Circuit Breaker statute (MGL Chapter 71B Section 5A) prohibited transportation as an eligible cost, we considered these services ineligible. Because of the feedback from districts, we allowed districts to claim services on the bus if the student required the services from the time they left their home until they returned to their home. The SOA allows transportation for pupils attending out-of-district programs as an eligible expense phased in beginning in this claim cycle. Consequently, we have returned to our original premise that any services during transportation are considered transportation services. 25% of Out-of-District (OOD) transportation costs are eligible to be claimed in this claiming cycle.
B1. Do I claim Extended School Year and Regular School Year as two placements?
When claiming a Public placement, you must claim two different transportation placements. If you're claiming a Private Placement that runs July 1st – June 30th only one transportation placement is needed.
B2. If a student changed programs throughout the year, could I claim just one transportation placement?
No, you would need to add an additional transportation placement for each program the student attended.
B3. What if there was a rate change for transportation during the year?
You can combine the amounts paid as you would only need one transportation placement in this situation.
B4. If we have a student with a 1:1 aide on the bus would we claim a separate transportation placement for the aide?
Yes, you would claim a separate placement for the aide. If the Aide was provided by the transportation company, you would claim it on row 66, OTHER SERVICES.
B5. But what if the aide was provided by district staff or a 3rd party vendor?
In that case, you would claim the Aide as a transportation related service which is found on the In-District claim sheet. (cell D15)
B6. Do additional services need to be outlined on the student's IEP?
All services claimed must be outlined on the student's IEP to claim reimbursement.
B7. What if my transportation company billed us a different amount during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Combine the costs and claim it as one placement.
B8. How do I claim the daily rate when I'm reimbursing mileage?
Daily Rate = Annual Rate divided by # of Days
B9. Our collaborative transportation route rates vary month to month depending upon how many students (from various towns) are on the various routes. How do we calculate a daily rate?
You should use the total cost for each student and divide by number of days to get an average rate.
B10. We have an Aide on the bus (provided by the vendor) for four students. How would I claim that additional service on the bus?
If the student's IEP has an Aide on the bus you would divide by four and claim that amount.
Last Updated: July 9, 2020
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