Petaluma
High School
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Transportation

Petaluma City Schools and Petaluma High School are committed to ensuring that all students are provided safe transportation to all school events. All PHS staff who are planning a field trip or athletic contest must follow the PCS transportation policy and secure appropriate round-trip transportation for all events.

PCS Transportation Policy

General Transportation

Transportation by Parents/Guardians:
Parents and/or guardians who wish to transport their student(s) to and from school-sponsored events must now complete a waiver available in each school’s administrative office. Once approved, this waiver will be valid for the academic year it was granted. Parents and/or guardians should also notify the PCS staff member responsible for the event each time they plan to provide transportation for their student.

Requesting District Transportation (for Staff):
All transportation service requests must be submitted through the online portal, accessible through the Transportation Department page on the PCS website.

Requests for day trips must be submitted at least 10 days before the scheduled trip, and requests for overnight or out-of-state trips must be submitted 30 days in advance.

Exceptions include playoff and championship games, which require immediate notification to the Transportation Department via email at transportation_request@petk12.org.

Alternate Transportation Arrangements:
If District buses are unavailable, the Transportation Department will arrange charter buses. PCS staff members planning the trips will coordinate directly with the Transportation Department to finalize arrangements.

Exceptions to District Vehicle Use:
Under specific circumstances, the Superintendent or designee may authorize transportation by private vehicles for trips that exceed specific criteria, such as:

  • Trips of more than 100 miles one-way
  • Multi-day trips with no need for daily transportation at the destination
  • Ski/Snow excursions or other specialized events

For more information, please visit the PCS website's Transportation Department page.

EZActivityTrips - Bus Request Parent/Guardian Waiver

Van Requests

Administrative Guidelines for Use of PHS Transport Vans

Please complete the DMV Authorization Request before submitting the Van Request. Both documents are linked at the bottom of this page.

To help maximize student involvement in interscholastic and extra-curricular programming, facilitate transportation of students, and transport educators to and from professional development and training seminars, Petaluma City Schools has provided vans at Petaluma High School. 

Check-out Process:
The vans will be available for staff to check out from the Student Assistance Center (SAC). Only district employees and approved volunteer coaches who have been made proficient are directly authorized to use the vans. All other drivers must have approval from a supervisor before being allowed to use the vans. The vans are used on a “first come first served” basis in the following ordered priorities:

  • Transportation to and from academic or athletic events.
  • Transportation to take home or pick up students.
  • Transportation to and from professional development.
  • Petaluma High School has priority over any PCS program.
  • All drivers must have a valid driver’s license issued in the United States and be at least 18 years old.
  • All users must have prior approval.
  • The travel authorization must include a list of all parties traveling in the van and drivers must take along all medical authorization forms.
  • When checking out the van, the user will receive a van key and gate key. The Van key has a FOB to access the gas pump located at the Transportation yard.    
  • Vans must be returned full of fuel.

Safe Operation:
Drivers must observe the speed limit, obey all traffic regulations and statutes, and are responsible for any parking and/or moving violations or citations.

In the event of an accident, the driver must call 911, no matter how minor the damage may be. A police report must be submitted at the scene of the accident.

If the driver or any passengers are injured while traveling in a transport van, administration should be made aware immediately and accident forms must be submitted at the PHS office.

Be sure to lock the van at all times.

Integrity of Use:
Since the vans are the property of Petaluma City Schools, drivers are reminded that they are representing the district at all times.

The vans may only be used for district business; misuse may be grounds for discipline and/or dismissal.

No drugs or alcoholic beverages are to be in the vehicle at any time, and drivers may not consume any substance that may impair their ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Smoking, vaping, or the use of nicotine of any kind is not permitted in the vans.

Returning the Vans:
Ensure that the interior is neat and clean. Persons and programs who leave the van unclean will be denied future use.

Lock the van and leave the necessary items inside.

Report any perceived mechanical problems to the Transportation Department immediately: (707) 778-4644

Return the van to the designated parking area at PHS. The van cannot be kept at a user’s residence. 

Loss of Van Privileges:
If a person or group is found to be violating any of the policies and procedures for the use of the vans, we reserve the right to suspend use privileges until further notice.

Van Request Form DMV Authorization of Release Gas Card Usage Agreement