Livingston Parish schools will add air conditioning to more than 150 buses
LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) — The Livingston Parish School Board moved forward with a plan to retrofit 151 school buses, that are currently owned and operated by the district, with air conditioning.
According to a news release, the school board will also upgrade its agreement with Kent Mitchell to add air conditioning to 34 buses the district rents.
Livingston Parish Schools Superintendent Jordy Purvis said the administration “proposes to retrofit only those models dating back from 2015 and newer.” Purvis added that older models will not get the upgrade.
According to Purvis, the exact cost of adding air conditioning to install the 151 school buses would be decided by the bids received. The board OK’d advertising for proposals on Thursday.
Members of the school board also plan to apply for a grant to get 20 electric air-conditioned buses.
“If we can obtain these buses, then we could better ensure that we have AC-equipped spare buses to use in the event of a regular route bus going down,” said Transporation Director Josh Day. “The grant would allow us to obtain these buses at a minimal or no cost to the district.”
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Purvis said the A/C initiative is expected to cost approximately $11 million.
“Clearly, this is a cost we wish we didn’t have to face, but extreme temperature conditions are making it a necessity,” said Purvis. Students can be on buses when temperatures can top 100 degrees.
Purvis said “air conditioning the fleet will increase bus maintenance and fuel costs, as well as increase servicing needs.” According to Purvis, the district’s current mechanics will need additional training and new purchases will involve more overall warranties.
Purvis also hopes the investment will improve the district’s ability to recruit and retain bus drivers.
According to the news release, the district will also look to buy an additional 63 air-conditioned buses, which would cost more than $8.5 million.
“Providing our students and bus driving staff with safer, more comfortable transportation conditions is important to their well-being and overall morale,” said Purvis.
Purvis is hoping that the school buses will be equipped with air conditioning units by December 2025.
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