SPECIAL REPORT
Given the complexity involved, good organization is a must. “Prioritize organization from the beginning,” Lemke said. “And estab- lish a reliable system for collecting needed information in advance.” The same goes for maintaining the necessary knowledge base.
“Special needs transportation is
definitely a challenge for many dis- tricts,” Feinberg said. “Knowing the local, state and federal laws pertain- ing to their transportation is vital.” Targeted training can be a key to
effective practice in this area, Mitch- ell pointed out.
DISCOVER A BRAND-NEW LOVE
“Training your drivers and atten-
dants to be accurate and consistent can be a challenge, especially if you’re in a larger district,” said Mitchell. Greenville addresses this need
during new-hire training, with all incoming transportation employees receiving at least four days of training in transporting students with dis- abilities. That includes the Medicaid tracking and reporting process in addition to driver training instruction. “During this training, we impress
on the employees the importance of accuracy and remind them that their signature is their assurance that the form is accurate,” Mitchell added. “Occasionally there may be updates to the process, and when this hap- pens as it did recently, we schedule an in-service training and also give hand-outs with specific instructions.” Even with the best training, mis-
takes can occur. To ensure accuracy, Mitchell said she has found it bene- ficial to have a staff member oversee the process and review the informa- tion generated. Katrina Morris, who directs transpor-
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tation at both West Shore Educational School District and Mason County Eastern School District in Michigan, ad- vises those in transportation who have not yet pursued this type of funding to consider going for it. “A lot of districts do not realize that
there is money for Medicaid reim- bursement for students with special needs who require services,” said Morris, who is also the executive director for the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation. “Please work with your special ed departments to see if this is an option to help receive the funding you are entitled to.” Mitchell offered similar advice. “If your program is set up and
maintained properly, it can run rath- er smoothly and bring much-needed funding back into the district to offset our diminishing budgets,” she concluded. “These funds can aid you in providing safe transportation with qualified staff.” ●
24 School Transportation News • JANUARY 2025
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