Section 36.13. Transportation.

 

(1)  In this section, "maximum reimbursement per pupil" means 3 times the statewide average per pupil transportation cost.

(2)  

(a) The parent of a pupil who is eligible for a free or reduced-price meal under 42 USC 1758 (b) may apply for reimbursement of costs incurred by the parent for transportation of the pupil to and from the pupil's residence and the school the pupil will be attending. The parent shall file a claim with the department by July 15 following the school year in which the transportation was provided. The amount of reimbursement shall be calculated as follows:

1. Multiply the maximum reimbursement per pupil by the number of pupils transported.

2. Determine the sum of transportation costs for each mode of transportation as follows:

a. When a family vehicle is used, the mileage cost is equal to the number of miles in a round trip from home to school times the number of round trips made per day times the total number of days transportation was provided times the mileage rate specified in s. 20.916 (4) (e) , Stats. The mileage cost may be calculated separately for each pupil who is transported separately, but may not be calculated separately for pupils who are transported at the same time.

b. When public transportation is used, the actual cost is equal to the number of daily, weekly, or monthly bus passes purchased for the sole use of transporting the pupil to and from school times the cost of the daily, weekly, or monthly bus pass. The cost of public transportation is calculated per pupil transported.

c. When another mode of transportation is used, the parent shall submit a receipt for payments made to a private transit company, a taxi, or to a school board for transportation provided pursuant to s. 121.545 , Stats.

3. The amount of eligible reimbursement is equal to the lesser of the amounts in subd. 1. or 2.

4. If the sum of eligible reimbursement for all parents who submit a claim is less than the amount appropriated, the payments shall be prorated among the parents eligible for reimbursement.

(b)

1. For the purposes of this paragraph, "alternative site" means a location other than the pupil's residence including the following:

a. A day care provider.

b. The home of a relative or friend.

c. A location outside the boundaries of the pupil's resident school district from which the pupil is then transported to school by the nonresident school district.

2. Reimbursement may be made for transportation to or from alternative sites, as long as the amount of reimbursement based on transportation to or from alternative sites does not exceed the amount of reimbursement from home to school. No reimbursement may be made for any portion of transportation that is provided without charge to the parent by either the resident or nonresident school district.

(3)  The parent shall provide, by July 15, one of the following as evidence of eligibility for reimbursement:

(a) Verification that the school district the pupil attends has determined the pupil is eligible for free or reduced prices meals under 42 USC 1758 (b).

(b) Income information for all household members. The parent shall provide verification of income at the department's request.

(4)  Payment may be made for claims submitted after July 15 if funds remain in the appropriation.

CR 14-021 : r. and recr. Register August 2014 No. 704 , eff. 9-1-14.