Student transportation in Oregon: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from Oregon transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated October 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with ODE before you act on them.
How does Oregon fund school districts?
Oregon funds General Purpose Grants from the State School Fund on weighted average daily membership, called ADMw, rather than daily attendance. Under ORS 327.013, extended ADMw is the greater of current or prior year weighted membership. Regular attendance still matters, and Oregon reported 2,655 more regular attenders in 2025-26 than the year before.
Sources: ORS chapter 327 and Office of the Governor, 2025-26 attendance data
How does the State School Fund Transportation Grant work?
The Transportation Grant reimburses a share of each district's approved transportation costs. Districts are ranked every year by approved transportation cost per student unit. Under ORS 327.013, districts in or above the 90th percentile receive 90%. Districts at or above the 80th percentile but below the 90th receive 80%. All others receive 70%.
Source: ORS chapter 327
Which students does Oregon require districts to transport?
Under ORS 327.043, districts provide transportation for elementary students who live more than 1 mile from school and secondary students who live more than 1.5 miles from school. Districts also transport students named in a supplemental plan approved by the State Board of Education. Clear stop and boundary data helps districts show which riders fall in each group.
Source: ORS chapter 327
What reports support the Transportation Grant?
ODE's grant guidance names several required forms. Form 581-2256 is the Annual Vehicle Certification Report. Form 581-3171 is the Bus and Garage Depreciation Schedule and Mileage Report. Form 581-2255 is the Annual Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Report. Confirm current dates with ODE each year. Accurate mileage by route keeps the mileage report quick to complete.
Source: ODE, Transportation Grant overview
What does Oregon require of school bus drivers?
Under OAR 581-053-0220, a school bus driver certificate requires at least 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Applicants must be trained in first aid and pass a physical exam within 6 months before applying. To renew, drivers complete a Core or Core Refresher course and average at least 8 hours of training a year over the prior 4 years.
Source: Oregon Administrative Rules, division 53
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