An expenditure by a school district to provide suitable transportation during the period from July 1st through June 30th for a student with a disability to and from a private residential school located within or outside of the State, or to and from residential programs in schools enumerated in article 85, 87, 88 or 89 of the Education Law, shall be aidable, provided that:
(a) the student was placed in such school in accordance with the provisions of article 85, 87, 88 or 89 of the Education Law; and the expenditure is for transportation of the student from the student's home to the school at the commencement of the school year, from the school to the student's home at the conclusion of the school year, and no more than three additional trips to and from school for students enrolled in a 10-month program, or four additional trips to and from school for students enrolled in receiving a 12-month special service and/or program, except as additional trips may need to be provided for the periods during which residential care is not provided to the students attending such school; and
(b) expenditures for the costs of travel, lodging and meals incurred by a volunteer escort shall also be aidable if the escort is required by the student's individualized education program and the escort is engaged pursuant to a transportation contract between the volunteer escort and the school district, subject to a test of reasonable cost by the commissioner.