DeSoto Independent School District ensures the safe transport of students to and from school and school-related activities. As the 2023-2024 school year has started, it’s important that the District provide clarity to assist parents, guardians, and caregivers in understanding bus transportation eligibility and resources to contact with questions related to district-provided transportation.
The School Transportation Allotment Handbook provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) defines bus eligibility for students in two categories: regular-program students and special-program students.
According to the handbook, a regular-program student is one who does not require specialized transportation to access their academic program. A special-program student is one with a disability who requires specialized transportation and meets other eligibility requirements through state and federal laws and verifiable documentation. Students who receive special education services or have 504 plans and do not require specialized transportation are considered regular-program students.
Transportation to and from school is considered regular route transportation. It is available to students who live two or more miles from their academic campus, with pickup and dropoff at school district-approved stops along school district-approved routes. An exception of within two miles is made if the student lives in a hazardous traffic or high-risk of violence area.
It is the District’s responsibility to determine if homes meet these requirements. We are also required to keep turn-by-turn route descriptions and a roster of eligible riders while the route is in operation.
Routes may be viewed online via www.DeSotoISD.org/Transportation where families can view routes based on the student’s home address and locate the Find My Bus transportation tracking app link.
If you have questions or need assistance, please call 972-274-0627.