By Broadus Schools Superintendent Jim Hansen
Preparing for the opening of school this year has certainly been difficult. Providing education already has its unique issues, but COVID-19 has given all of us new challenges. Powder River County has been fortunate to stay below four cases and avoid the State mask mandate. However, if our county reaches four cases, the school and all activities will fall under the Governor’s mandate and we will be required to wear face coverings. If you or your child have a medical condition that prohibits wearing a mask, the District will need to have medical documentation for attendance at school or activities without a face covering. On behalf of the District, I would like to thank our staff, parents, and students for their understanding and perseverance as we work through this year together.
The District will be considering bids for the Hammond bus route at their September board meeting. In the meantime, students on the Hammond bus route will be eligible for individual transportation reimbursement. Over the years, I have received numerous questions and comments on how individual transportation contracts work. Families who reside more than 3 miles from the bus stop or school may be eligible for reimbursement. As denoted in Montana Code Annotated MCA 20-10-142, families are reimbursed at 35 cents per mile for one round trip to the bus stop less the first three miles. For example, a family who lives seven miles from the bus stop would be reimbursed $2.80 for each day of attendance (7X2-6X.35=2.80). Some families qualify for an increased rate of 52.5 cents per mile if they qualify for isolation rates due to excessive distances and impassable roads. Additionally, there is a room and board allocation for those who must reside in town due to isolation and road conditions. Local taxpayers and the State equally share the responsibility for this payment. Your local board of trustees considers each individual transportation contract every June. It must then be approved by the County Transportation Committee prior to being sent to the State. For additional information on individual transportation, please see Montana Codes Annotated (MCA) 20-10-142 and Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 10.7.116.
I believe the school year has gotten off to a great start under the circumstances. The staff is excited to provide a quality education to the students of Powder River County. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 436-2658.
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