The McAllen Independent School District believes that school children should be transported in vehicles that provide the highest level of safety.

 Many school districts, in an effort to save money, rent vehicles or use their personal vehicles to transport students to and from school related activities.  The use of vans, private vehicles and rented passenger cars by district employees in lieu of school buses has become a significant issue in recent years.

 The Texas Association of School Boards Legal Services has sent a memo to all Texas school districts regarding Attorney General Opinion DM-378 that addresses student transportation.  It is important that site base administrators discuss the attached TASB Legal Services memo with UIL sponsors, club sponsors and coaches who plan to transport students during the year.  The mode of travel used to transport students will be determined by the site base administrator and the sponsor following the attached TASB Legal Services interpretation of Attorney General-Opinion DM-378 recommended guidelines.

 If the mode of travel is a rental vehicle, please adhere to the following administrative guidelines:

1)  Review TASB Legal Services (DM-378) to Determine Mode of Travel

2)   Buy Physical Damage Insurance (Loss Damage Waiver) Coverage Only – The McAllen ISD auto insurance policy
      carries liability insurance coverage for rental vehicles.  It is important for all employees who will be driving the vehicle to be
       placed on the insurance list.

3)  Auto Liability Certificate of Insurance and the Motor Vehicle Rental Exemption Certificate are available in the office of the
     Director of Transportation.

Due to the increased liability in case of an at-fault vehicle accident, the District discourages personal vehicle use to transport students.  The McAllen ISD does not carry auto liability insurance or physical damage insurance for employee-owned vehicles.  If a district employee has an at-fault vehicle accident and is sued, the employee’s vehicle insurance policy will be primary and must respond first.  The District TASB policy will be excess.  The District has limited immunity but employees do not, so if a verdict is rendered in excess of these amounts, the employee will be held personally responsible for that amount.

 If you have any questions on student transportation, please contact the following:        

Vehicle Rental Providers – Coordinator for Purchasing – 632-3241
Vehicle Insurance – Administrator for Insurance and Employee Benefits – 618-7380

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