They range from six- to seven- passenger minivans based on the automobile a family might have, up to and including 12- to 14-passenger panel or step-van platforms like Mercedes Sprinters, Ford Transits and Ram ProMasters that are common with delivery service companies. Vans are filling similar roles in school
districts that operate their own fleets. For instance, five of the 28 vehicles operated by Berrien Springs Public Schools in Michigan are vans or minivans (Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Sprinter). Director of Transportation John Legus said these are used primarily for students with special needs and who are served under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The vehicles also transport staff to professional development events.
The vehicles offer a couple of advan- tages compared to school buses, Legus noted. “Vans are easy to maneuver in areas
that can’t be traveled by a school bus,” he said. “For example, some special needs students require door to door service in areas like cul-de-sacs where cars park.” Driver availability is another factor.
“Staff can drive vans without a commer- cial driver’s license, giving us another option when transporting students,” Legus added. Meeting McKinney-Vento program needs is also the primary use for small- er vehicles at Tolleson Union High School District near Phoenix, Arizona. The district operates 10 Chevy Tra- verses along with its fleet of 85 school buses. Most commonly, the SUVs transport up to four students from the
of transportation directors/supervisors stated that they have district-owned vans in their fleets.
67%
(Out of 133 reader responses to a magazine survey.)
49% of these same transportation directors/
supervisors that have vans use them to transport
students with special needs. (Out of 90 responses.)
32 School Transportation News • JANUARY 2024
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