McKinney Vento Transportation Update (Switch from Taxis to Buses) Andrea Foster, SUSD Homeless Liaison Arturo Basurto, SUSD Transportation Director

Preparing the McKinney-Vento Families: January 2009: Contacted every family receiving taxi service by telephone to confirm address/status Mailed out MV Packets with the following information: 1.Letter explaining switch from taxis to SUSD buses/vehicles 2.MV Transportation Contract 3.Student Code of Conduct regarding transportation 4.Bus route information 5.National Law Center on Homelessness booklet

Preparing the Schools: January 2009: Met with Schools/Principals to inform about changes identified a staff member from each site to receive/log MV transportation information Each school received a MV Transportation Binder containing: 1.Excel spreadsheet with current roster of students receiving MV transportation from that site (schools receive updated roster whenever changes are made) 2.Phone numbers for bus drivers & Transportation Department 3.Phone numbers for MV Program contacts 4.MV Transportation Contract 5.Copy of letter sent home to parents 6.Student Code of Conduct for Transportation 7.National Law Center on Homelessness booklet

MV Transportation Costs to Date: Aug 08-Jan 09: Taxi service invoices totaled $178,764 - Avg $29,794.08/mo Feb 09-Apr 09: SUSD Transportation costs totaled $42,825 - Avg $14,275/mo

MV Transportation Costs to Date: The MV fleet began February 2, 2009 Currently running 5 buses & 2 vehicles Currently transporting 83 MV students: 25 In-District 58 Out of District February 09 thru April 09– 5 buses mileage 19,352/ 7 ml per gal 1 van mileage 4,799/ 17 ml per gal 1 car mileage 5,021/ 17 ml per gal Total mileage = 29,172 ADE mileage reimbursement for 29,172 x $2.72/mile = $79,348 Cost for drivers $10.28 x 9 hrs per day = $92.52 $92.52 x 65 days x 6 drivers = $36,083 (+ benefits) Fuel cost $6,742 Total cost for fuel and drivers $42,825 (+benefits)

Highlights from first 3 months: Parents very pleased to be able to contact bus/van driver directly via cell phone 90% reduction in complaints to MV Program regarding transportation Excellent communication between MV Program and Transportation Department Weekly debriefing meetings Daily phone calls/ s Bus monitors also provide tutoring to students! Parents and Students held accountable Relationship-building: some of the older MV students have begun to mentor younger students Some of the drivers have been instrumental in motivating students to go to school

Taxis Route students in 2 days or less Ability to transport higher number of students – more seats More students = longer commute Parents able to contact driver immediately on cell phone Parents have no hesitation about child riding in SUSD bus/vehicle Receive daily reports on students Average cost $14,275/month Route students in 2 days or less Limited number of seats in vehicle Less students = shorter commute Parents not able to contact driver directly Parents sometimes hesitant about their child riding in a taxi (non-district personnel) Inconsistent student reporting (change of placement, etc) Average cost $29,794/month Buses Vs.

Proposal for 09-10: Possible funding sources: Stimulus Monies available mid May Approximately $40,000 Can be used to hire 2 bus monitors/tutors? McKinney-Vento Grant ($100,000? TBD) Can pay for drivers and excess transportation costs Projected Costs: Projected Costs: Projecting MV Transportation will grow 10% City will be divided into 6 quadrants – will decrease fuel costs and travel time Maintain MV Fleet of 5 buses & 1 van or car (6 bus drivers) $10.28 x 9 hrs per day = $95.52 $95.52 x 6 drivers = $ x 181 days = $100,477 + benefits for school year Total fuel cost $15,000 Total estimated costs $115,477 + benefits (will still claim ADE mileage reimbursement)