Transportation Issues

Several districts in Maine have recently established or discussed formal "Parental Contracts" or reimbursement structures to combat the bus driver shortage. While these are often managed at the local level (meaning they aren't always widely publicized on state websites), here are the specific examples and precedents you can use in your argument to the school board.

1. Districts with Established Models

• Glenburn Public Schools (AOS 47): This district has utilized formal agreements where a parent provides daily transport and receives either mileage reimbursement or a stipend. This is a direct precedent for using parents as "contracted transporters" to fill gaps left by the driver shortage.

• RSU 22 (Hampden/Winterport/Newburgh): This district has been in active discussions regarding "service delivered vs. contracted cost." Their school board has specifically looked into adjusting contracts because they were paying a bus company for routes that weren't being run. This is a key leverage point for you: if the school isn't paying a bus company for your route, they have "saved" money that can be reallocated to you.

• Portland Public Schools: While they primarily use traditional buses, they have a system for ferry passes and alternative transport for island students. This proves that Maine districts already have the administrative infrastructure to pay for "non-bus" transportation when the standard method is unavailable.

2. State-Level Precedents (The "Going Rate")

If you are asked "how much" you should be paid, you should point to these existing Maine state standards:

• Maine Department of Education (DOE): The DOE already has a standardized "Parent/Guardian Travel Reimbursement Form" (typically used for Child Development Services or Special Education). This form sets a precedent that the state recognizes parents as valid "designee" transporters.

• State of Maine Mileage Rate: As of late 2025, the State of Maine updated its official mileage reimbursement rate to $0.56 per mile. Many districts use the IRS rate, which for 2026 is $0.725 per mile.

3. How to Use This Information

When you speak to your Superintendent or the School Board, use these talking points:

1. "Precedent exists in Glenburn and RSU 22": Mention that other Maine districts have already recognized that when a route fails, the district's legal obligation remains, and they have compensated parents accordingly.

2. "Unused Budget": Ask specifically if the district is still paying their transportation contractor (or internal budget) for the days the bus doesn't run. If they aren't paying a driver, that money is technically a "surplus" caused by a failure of service.

3. "The DOE Form": Mention that since the Maine DOE already has a template for parent reimbursement, the district doesn't need to "reinvent the wheel" to create a contract for you.

Below is a sample form for you to copy and put you and your students information in to so you can request getting paid for taking your child to school when transportation is not provided. 

Here is a sample invoice you can copy to submit to the school.