Dear Families,
The Seattle Public Schools Special Education department is aware that many
of our students have experienced, or are still experiencing, inconsistent and
unreliable transportation services since the beginning of this school year. We
recognize and acknowledge the disruption this has caused our students and
families. We are also frustrated and appreciate your patience during this time
as we work with First Student, our service provider, to resolve a driver
shortage.
Compensatory Education:
Students receiving special education services are entitled to the services
outlined in the student’s IEP. If, due to transportation delays, your
student missed special education services, they can be made up
with compensatory education. The purpose of compensatory education is to

provide education services designed to make up for services that the student needs
but that the District was unable to provide.

The district is offering compensatory education for students in Special
Education if all three conditions apply:
 The student missed school due to a lack of bussing, and
 If the student has a current IEP
 And if the student has missed special education services due to late or
missing busses
Please contact the Special Education office at specialed@seattleschools.org if
you are interested in compensatory education. We will follow up with families
directly with next steps.
Mileage Reimbursement:
Seattle Public Schools is offering gas mileage reimbursement to families that
drove their student to and from school while their student’s transportation
services were unavailable. If you drove your student to school even though
they usually ride district-provided transportation, you may be eligible for
mileage reimbursement. Please send an email to
specialed@seattleschools.org. We will follow up with families directly with
next steps.
In the meantime, Seattle Public Schools continues to work with our yellow
bus vendor, First Student, to actively recruit and train staff throughout the
bus driver shortage. First Student has agreed to significantly increase
salaries for beginning drivers, to help ensure reliable service. The Seattle
Public Schools Transportation department continues to prioritize yellow bus
service to Title 1 schools and for students receiving special education
services.

 Thank you again for your patience. We are working hard to improve our
services.
SPS Special Education Department