DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 10

January 24, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Special Education Transportation Symposium April 27-28, 2003

The Department of Education is pleased to announce the annual symposium on special education transportation, April 27-28, 2003, at the Doubletree Hotel in Charlottesville.

The transportation of infants, toddlers, and students with special needs is a major component of public school transportation programs. Many students with special needs are transported on specially equipped school buses to and from schools in the commonwealth. In addition, a number of children under the age of five are transported to programs offered by school divisions. This symposium will address the issues that school divisions face in transporting the special needs population. Some of the subjects to be covered in the workshops include attitude, behavior, and the proper use of child safety seats.

More specific information about this symposium will be sent to the director of transportation in your school division. The Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation (VAPT) is sponsoring a ROAD-E-O for drivers of specially equipped school buses on Sunday, April 27, 2003. The symposium will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2003, and will conclude at 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon.

A federal grant is available to help offset some of the costs of this symposium. School divisions will be required to cover the lodging costs and there will be a $10 registration fee for each participant.

Individuals that should consider attending the symposium include a special education administrator, a transportation administrator, a technician/mechanic, school bus driver trainer, and a school principal in charge of discipline.

If you have any questions concerning this symposium, please contact Ms. June Eanes, director of support services, at (804) 225-2037.

JLD:aam