INFORMATIONAL

Transporting infants, toddlers, and students with special 
needs has evolved into a major component of public schools' 
transportation programs.  In fact, every day more than 25,000 
students with special needs are transported on nearly 1,800 
specially equipped school buses to and from schools in the 
Commonwealth.  An additional 2,000-3,000 students with very 
unique needs are transported in other modes of 
transportation.

The Department of Education is pleased to offer a symposium 
to certain individuals in the public schools on April 26th 
and 27th, 1999, at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel.  
Registration will be from 4 pm to 5:30 pm, followed by dinner 
and the first general session from 6 pm to 9 pm.  Tuesday 
morning will begin at 7 am with breakfast and roundtable 
discussions, followed by break-out sessions, lunch, and the 
second general session.  The symposium probably will adjourn 
around 3 pm on Tuesday, April 27th.  For informational 
purposes, a tentative program is attached.  The Department of 
Education will cover lodging and meal expenses; however, 
school divisions will be responsible for other travel 
expenses for their participants.  

Each school division will be asked to select a team of five 
individuals, consisting of an administrator responsible for 
discipline, a special education supervisor, a transportation 
supervisor, a special needs school bus driver or trainer, and 
a mechanic. Preference will be given to school divisions 
sending a complete team; however, everyone who is interested 
is encouraged to register.   

Please complete the attached Symposium Registration and Hotel
Reservation Forms and return to the Department of Education 
no later than March 15, 1999.  Since space will be limited to 
approximately 150 individuals, it is imperative to sign up 
early. Questions can be directed to Dr. Barbara V. Goodman at 
804-225-2037.

PDS/aam 

Attachments:    A hard copy of this memo and it attach-
                ment will be sent to the superintendent's
                office.