LAPS NEWS
Los Alamos Public Schools is excited to announce the arrival of 12 new school buses. New safety features include the “no student left behind” button, higher quality disc brakes, an anti-roll system, better mirror visibility and easier access for bus drivers to engage student lights.
Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus said, “We are pleased with the new safety features on all 12 buses and will be training our bus drivers about how to take advantage of these additional options for assuring a safe arrival at school and then back home.”
Steinhaus added that “staff are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of students through increased cleaning and disinfecting of the buses. With assistance from parents, students check temperatures and any symptoms at home before getting on the bus. Everyone will practice physical distancing and wear a mask.”
“In addition to the 12 buses already received, a new activity bus is being built and will arrive soon. I am grateful that the New Mexico Legislature prioritized resources for student safety and granted permission for our school district to purchase these buses.”
Next week, the LAPS Transportation department will be preparing for the transition to Hybrid learning at elementary schools. Beginning on Oct. 19, half of the students attend on Monday and Tuesday and the second half attend on Thursday and Friday.
LAPS received special funding from the state to purchase new buses replacing buses that were over 14 years old. “The buses that we replaced were put into service in 2005 and 2006,” explained Keith Rosenbaum, LAPS Director of Transportation. “As with any older vehicle, maintenance cost was rising every year.”
Buses have been running for students in small group instruction.
In preparation for Hybrid instruction, parents and guardians must complete a Student Bus Card in order for their students to ride the bus. The Student Bus Card can be found on the LAPS website under the “Transportation” button on the home page at http://www.laschoools.net.
Based on state regulations, bus service runs for students who live the required distance from their school: 1 mile for elementary, 1.5 miles for middle school and the Topper Freshman Academy, and 2 miles for 10th – 12th grades. Bus service is only available for eligible students who reside in Los Alamos County.
LAPS is hiring bus drivers, bus assistants and substitute drivers and assistants for the 2020-2021 school year. Go to laschools.net and click on “Careers” for more information and to apply.
For questions about transportation, please contact Keith Rosenbaum or Chris Smith at 663-2255 or email Keith at k.rosenbaum@laschools.net.