Two Policy Updates: Transporting Students in Private Vehicles and Religious Leave

- News and Announcements

Last Thursday, the Alexandria City School Board approved a new policy concerning staff use of private vehicles to transport students and amended the Staff Leaves and Absences policy.

Staff Transportation of Students in Private Vehicles

The School Board voted to adopt a new policy: Use of Private Vehicles for Transporting Students (GDP/IICAB), concerning staff use of private vehicles for transporting students. The new policy allows staff to transport students in private vehicles to and from school-related events, such as field trips of short duration, when no other form of transportation is available and the event could not occur if the employee did not make private transportation available.

Except in cases of emergency, employees must receive the necessary approvals and submit all required paperwork prior to transporting the student.

Read the full policy to learn all of the requirements (PDF).

Staff Leaves and Absences

The School Board also voted to amend the Staff Leaves and Absences Regulations (GCBD-R) to allow up to 3 days leave for religious observation per fiscal year. ACPS provides reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, and affiliations unless doing so would have a severe impact on program operations. The revised regulations address the process and timeline for requesting and approving religious leave and the rules concerning its use.

Read the revised regulation (PDF).

Watch the School Board meeting discussion: