(a) Pupil transportation services shall be as defined by the commissioner and approved by the state board. State funds for pupil transportation shall be appropriated as determined by the formula established by the commissioner and distributed through the Tennessee BEP.
(b) The formula should encourage the most efficient usage of transportation services by local boards.
(c) Wherever possible, the aggregate purchasing power of LEAs should be consolidated, and transportation equipment and supplies purchased through statewide contracts issued by the department of general services.