The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. As a result, federal, state, and local governments and federal and state health agencies recommend social distancing and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people.

The Lakeland Joint School District has put in place protective measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the LJSD cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. In addition, riding the school bus could increase your risk and your child(ren)’s risk of contracting COVID-19.

By signing up for school bus transportation, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and on behalf of myself, my child(ren), my and spouse/co-parent of child(ren) voluntarily assume the risk that my child(ren) and I, and any member of my family, may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by riding the school bus and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 while riding the school bus may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, LJSD employees, agents and representatives, volunteers, program participants and their families and/or any other individual who may be present upon school property or in attendance at any school activity.

I voluntarily agree to assume, on behalf of myself, my child(ren), and my spouse/co-parent of child(ren) all risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to my child(ren), myself and any member of my family, (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I, my child(ren) and/or members of my family may experience or incur in connection with my child(ren)’s riding the bus. On my behalf, and on behalf of my children and/or members of my family, I will advance no claim and I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, defend, indemnify and hold harmless the LJSD, its employees, agents, and representatives, of and from the Claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. I understand and agree that this release includes any Claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of LJSD, its employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any LJSD activity.

Additionally it should be noted that the laws of the state of Idaho provide for numerous immunities for schools should something occur to a student or to the family of a student as a result of activities on school property. In addition to this Agreement, these immunities remain intact.

I understand that riding the school bus is a privilege for students, not a right. I agree that my child will act in conformance with all safety, behavioral, and conduct requirements. If my child fails to follow these requirements, the ability of my child to ride the bus may be suspended or revoked.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 your participation is important to help us take precautionary measures to protect you, your Child(ren) and everyone on campus. If you child has been in close contact or been diagnosed with COVID-19, please honor quarantine standards and not have your child ride the school bus. Likewise, if your child is ill, please do not expose the school’s students and personnel to your child’s illness.