DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 12

January 23, 2004

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Special Education Transportation Symposium May 2-3, 2004

The Department of Education is pleased to announce the annual symposium on special education transportation, May 2-3, 2004,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 5 are transported to special programs offered by school divisions. This symposium will address the issues that school divisions face when transporting the special needs population.

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. Some of the subjects to be covered in the workshops include IDEA, responding to complaints, Medicaid reimbursements, and the needs of students with diabetes. The symposium 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 who should consider attending the symposium include special education administrators, transportation administrators, technicians/mechanics, school bus driver trainers, and school principals 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