OLYMPIA…Gov. Bob Ferguson today signed a bill sponsored by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, that will allow schools to use state funding for more appropriate student transportation options when using a school bus is not necessary or cost-effective.

Student transportation to and from school, and to various K-12 programs and services, is funded through the Student Transportation Allocation Reporting System (STARS). Senate Bill 5009 reforms the funding formula to now cover the use of district-owned passenger cars and vans when it is more cost-effective and reasonable than using a school bus to transport only a few students.

Braun said this about his bill:

“When we talk about finding ‘efficiencies’ in state government to cut costs, ensuring taxpayer dollars for K-12 education are spent wisely is at the top of the list. Allowing schools the flexibility to use passenger cars and vans to transport a handful of students may have a relatively small impact on the bottom line, but it makes a lot more sense than paying for only one or two kids to ride a bus that seats 80.

“This new policy will not compromise student safety – drivers still need to meet the same training requirements they do now. Students will need to use seatbelts and follow safety procedures. School districts will be encouraged to use the type of vehicle that is safe and cost-effective for a given situation. My hope is that this new flexibility will translate into savings that can be redirected toward other costs of providing basic education.”

While the section of SB 5009 encouraging schools to use the most cost-effective, approved vehicle option to transport students takes effect July 27, the superintendent of public instruction has until Sept. 1, 2026, to develop rules for drivers transporting students in vehicles other than a school bus.