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LPSS now has 115 air conditioned school buses, more on the way
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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The Lafayette Parish School System currently has 115 school buses with air conditioning units, the school system confirmed.
Tracy Wirtz, communication specialist for the school system, said 115 buses have been retrofitted, and another 42 are in the works. Those buses will be finished in the next 12 to 13 weeks.
The Superintendent of Lafayette Parish Schools Francis Touchet said safety is the focus for this school year.
The focus includes ensuring students are not exposed to high temperatures on school buses.
Moreover, comfort and well-being support the district's efforts to recruit and retain school bus drivers.
"Not only that, it improves the conditions for the bus drivers. Nobody wants to drive around in a hot vehicle. We are hoping it will enhance the experience of being on the bus and being transported to and from school," Wirtz said.
A few months back, there was a Senate bill that would have made heating and air conditioning systems mandatory in all school buses.
The bill did not pass the House of Representatives. LPSS continued with their efforts.
"They recognize how important it is for students to river around or ride around comfortably and for the bus drivers to have more pleasant working conditions," Wirtz stated.
The school district noted on social media that LPSS will make sure future school bus purchases will include A/C units.
The cost to retrofit one school bus with air conditioning is approximately $13,000.