Committee approves insurance exemption so Ontario Bus Inc. can transport preschool special-ed student

Staff asked the committee to approve an insurance-exemption so Ontario Bus Inc. can provide daily transportation for a preschool special-education student who lives and attends childcare in different counties. Staff said the vendor could not meet the county's additional-insurance requirement, and that without the exemption the county could not contract for the needed service; staff noted reimbursement covers about 65% of the transportation cost.

Committee members discussed alternatives (hiring county drivers, using another vendor, or re-locating services) but staff explained state law and the student’s individualized education plan limit options and determine transport requirements. The committee authorized the exemption to permit the vendor to provide required transport so the student can access services.