Student transportation in Illinois: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from Illinois transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated October 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with ISBE before you act on them.
When is the Illinois transportation reimbursement claim due?
Claims go to ISBE electronically by August 15 each year and cover the school year that ended the previous June 30. Districts provide free transportation to K-12 students who live 1.5 miles or more from their assigned school. They also transport students who would face a serious safety hazard from traffic or rail crossings on the walk. Route and ridership records kept through the year make the August claim simpler.
Sources: ISBE, pupil transportation FAQ and ISBE, transportation programs
How is regular transportation reimbursement calculated?
Under 105 ILCS 5/29-5, the state pays your prorated allowable cost of transporting eligible pupils minus a local deduction. The deduction is your equalized assessed valuation times a qualifying rate that depends on district type. Every district receives at least a set minimum amount per eligible pupil. If appropriations fall short, ISBE reduces claims proportionately.
Source: 105 ILCS 5/29-5
How is special education transportation reimbursed?
Illinois reimburses districts for 80% of the cost of transportation approved as a related service in a student's IEP. Students with disabilities ages 3 to 21 whose IEPs require transportation as a related service must be transported. Accurate IEP transportation records support both daily service and the reimbursement claim.
Sources: 105 ILCS 5/14-13.01 and ISBE, pupil transportation FAQ
Does Illinois fund schools on attendance or enrollment?
Evidence-Based Funding uses enrollment. ISBE builds Average Student Enrollment from October 1 and March 1 counts and uses the larger of the current year figure or a 3-year average. Daily attendance still matters a great deal for students and for school accountability.
Source: ISBE, Evidence-Based Funding student information
What is the new consistent attendance measure?
ISBE's accountability redesign replaces chronic absenteeism with its inverse, consistent attendance. The new measure looks at students who are present for 90% of attendance days. The State Board approved the plan in April 2026 and sent it for federal approval. Check ISBE for the current status and the first year it applies.
Source: ISBE, ESSA amendment change log
What do Illinois school bus drivers need?
Drivers hold a school bus driver permit from the Secretary of State. Applicants are at least 21, hold a valid license of the proper class and complete an initial classroom course in school bus driver safety followed by an annual refresher course. They also submit a medical exam that includes drug testing and go through fingerprint-based background checks.
Source: 625 ILCS 5/6-106.1
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