COPY OF MEMO INFORMATION FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
October 15, 1999 TO: FROM: Area Superintendents Dorothy J. Orr, Ed.D. Deputy Superintendent, School Operations VANS/MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES (MPVs)-REVISION
SUBJECT:
The previous list of specific MPVs provided to you on July 30, 1999, that are in compliance with Federal Passenger Car Standards has been revised effective September 7, 1999 for the 1999/2000 School Year. In order to facilitate the use of these MPVs for approved school-related functions, the following guidelines have been formulated to assist school administrators and department heads. These guidelines are not intended for MPVs to replace school buses as the primary means of transportation on approved field trips and athletic events. The guidelines are intended for small groups of students, where the cost or availability of a school bus creates a hardship. (Please note that School Buses meeting all Federal and State Safety Standards, and specifications remain the safest mode of surface transportation for students.) 1. The maximum number of students and staff which may be transported to any single activity is 21. If more than 21 students and staff are to attend the activity a school bus must be utilized. The MVP must meet both the year and model designation on the approved list attached (Exhibit “A”). All other MPVs, including those manufactured in previous years and those listed on the unapproved list attached (Exhibit “B”), do not meet the Federal Passenger Car Standards and cannot be utilized on approved field trips or athletic events. Note: Due to concerns about air bag safety, students are not recommended in the front seat of the MPV’s, and this seat should not be counted when determining student capacity of a vehicle.
2.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact Jerry Grazioso of the Safety Department at 765-6300 DJO/Im cc: Jerry Grazioso, Manager, Safety Department