Below are some reminders from the Transportation Team for the new school year.
Student Eligibility
• New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) transportation state statue provides that students are eligible for transportation services if school bus routes are:
o One mile one way for students in grades kindergarten through 6
o One and one-half miles one way for students in grades 7-9
o Two miles one way for students in grades 10-12
• Students will not be required to walk a greater distance to the bus stop than the required walking distance for each grade level.
• All NM Pre-K students are ineligible for transportation. Students with an IEP must have transportation listed as a service to be eligible for transportation.
• Students who attend a school other than their school of residence are not eligible for transportation.
Parent & Student Roles & Responsibilities
• Parent/Student Roles & Responsibilities forms will be available to all bus riders in their portal and must be signed.
• Students must be at the bus stop ready to load 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled stop time listed on bus schedule on Infinite Campus.
• Log in to Infinite Campus to verify that your child has transportation listed. If the information is incorrect or missing, contact the Transportation Team at 575-543-1009 for assistance.
Transportation Exception Process
• Students who require special transportation due to hardship, custody situations, or safety concerns may apply for an exception.
• Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be granted only if documentation supports the request, and seating is available.
• DPS Transportation Department will first build routes for eligible students.
• Transportation will only be granted if space is available on an existing bus route.
Who Can Apply for an Exception:
• Families experiencing extreme hardship (e.g., no working vehicle, work conflicts, child care needs).
• Households with custody arrangements requiring alternate pick-up/drop-off
• Students with documented safety or medical concerns.
Next Steps:
• Families in need of transportation due to hardship, custody situations, or safety/medical concerns must submit a Transportation Exception Request Form
• Forms are available through Infinite Campus Parent Portal or at the Transportation Department Office
• Applications will be accepted beginning July 28, 2025. The deadline to submit applications will be August 22, 2025.
Any questions, please contact the Transportation Team at (575) 543-1009 or [email protected]
25-26SY Transportation PSA Part 1[8].pdf