Iowa Code section 321.376, as amended by Chapter 138, Section 1, Acts of the Ninety-First General Assembly, allows a school district to determine its own requirements for school bus driver instruction.
The Board of Directors of the Nevada Community School District has determined that the district will implement an alternative school bus driver training program that meets all federal requirements and ensures the safety of all transported pupils.
Effective January 1, 2026, all persons applying for employment or employed as a school bus driver for the district shall not be required to successfully complete the specific”new driver STOP class” or the annual course of instruction previously approved and prescribed by the Iowa Department of Education pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 281—43.19(285).
NCSD drivers may instead be required to successfully complete locally developed curriculum for face-to-face training (School Transportation Operators Program (S.T.O.P.), in accordance with Iowa Code section 321.376, subsection 3A and in accordance with 49 C.F.R. pt. 380
All drivers shall continue to be subject to all other applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including valid licensing, physical examinations, and background checks.
Policy to be reviewed annually.
Approved: December 15, 2025
Reviewed: December 1, 2025
Revised: