G225 VEHICLE IDLING

The Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation School Board recognizes that although vehicle idling is necessary in certain circumstances, it poses health risks to the community and consumes financial resources of the Corporation. The Board therefore adopts the following policy to minimize unnecessary vehicle idling on school grounds:

Application

This Policy applies to the operation of any vehicle on Corporation grounds.

Vehicle Idling Time

1. Subject to the exceptions listed below, vehicles should not idle for more than five (5) minutes in areas where vehicle exhaust is likely to be drawn in school buildings (“Designated Area”). The Superintendent or a designee may appoint “Designated Areas” where vehicle exhaust is likely to be drawn into school buildings and post notices advising drivers of such areas.

2. Vehicles may idle for longer than five (5) minutes in Designated Areas in any of the following circumstances:

1. In temperatures below thirty-two (32) degrees (32°F) and above eighty-five (85)  degrees   (85°F),  idling  is  permitted  to  maintain  the  vehicle’s  interior temperature for the comfort and safety of both driver and passengers.

2. Idling is permitted to maintain safety or in an emergency, including but not limited to the following situations:

1. using equipment to load and unload special needs students.
2. using a defroster on windows before departing.
3. using headlights or other warning signals.

3. Idling is permitted  as  part  of  pre-trip  safety inspections  or  if  necessary to make vehicle  repairs.

Notice

At the start of each school year, the Superintendent or a designee shall provide notice of this Policy to Corporation employees, independently-contracted bus drivers, students, and parents.

• 410 I.A.C. 33-4-3

• Adopted/Revised September 21, 2020