Transportation is one of the least discussed — but most important — safety questions when students are released during the school day for off-campus religious instruction.
We recently saw a public post from a local released-time program asking to borrow or rent a passenger bus on short notice.
We’re not sharing this to speculate — but it raises reasonable questions that parents and districts should be asking everywhere these programs operate:
• Who carries the insurance when vehicles are borrowed or rented?
• Are drivers covered under commercial policies for transporting minors?
• Who is the named insured if something goes wrong?
• Are districts verifying transportation coverage before releasing students?
Even when programs operate off campus, transportation incidents can involve multiple parties — including schools, drivers, and nonprofit operators.
This isn’t about one location.
It’s about transparency.
When public schools release children during the instructional day, families deserve clear answers about transportation safety, insurance coverage, and liability protections.
The Secular Education Association will continue encouraging transparency around released-time programs nationwide so families can make informed decisions.
What people are saying:
- Secular Education Association: We focus on systems, not individuals. If your district allows released-time programs, you can ask about transportation and insurance documentation through public records requests or school board questions. Transparency protects everyone.
- Facebook User: Oh….look who it is. Let me tell you….Spencer is an absolute nutter. He makes conservatives look liberal.
- Facebook User: Are they requiring criminal background checks?
- Facebook User: Yeah…I would encourage people not to play along with this nonsense. Borrow a bus or van that they nothing about….
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