Return to Learn: Plan for a Safe Return 2020-2021
FAQ: Transportation
Posted: August 5, 2020 (en español)
Will bus transportation be provided for students going to school for in-person instruction?
Yes, Newport News Public Schools will provide bus transportation for students to and from school in each reopening phase in compliance with CDC guidelines.
To ensure physical distancing, buses will only be able to transport approximately 20-30 students at a time (one student per seat, alternating between the aisle and window) and all students and drivers must wear masks. Siblings residing in the same household may be seated together on the same seat.
Bus drivers may need to make several trips back and forth to school to carry all students who need bus transportation to and from school on their designated days of attendance.
Drivers will clean and sanitize buses following each route.
Are students and bus drivers required to wear face masks on buses without air conditioning? Can NNPS install air conditioning on all buses?
Students, bus assistants and drivers are required to wear face masks when on school buses, even on buses without air conditioning. Bus windows will be open to increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible. Windows will not be open if it poses a safety risk to passengers. Bus drivers will also avoid using the recirculated air option for ventilation.
Installing after-market air conditioning units on all buses is not economically feasible. NNPS is changing its fleet over to propane buses. Propane buses have air conditioning; future bus purchases will have air conditioning.
Are students, bus assistants and drivers required to wear face masks on special needs bus routes?
Students, bus assistants and drivers are required to wear face mask on special needs bus routes. Transportation staff will be notified if a student cannot wear a mask due to medical reasons and appropriate accommodations will be made to ensure the student is properly physically distanced.