School Bus Heat Concerns Prompt Board Oversight Questions

Sarah Ramos, a bus driver for the Chula Vista Elementary School District, reported extreme heat inside a bus during a recent heat wave. Ramos stated that the bus reached 92.5 degrees before 9 a.m., and later averaged 103 degrees, reaching up to 104.7 degrees. Ramos noted that only 39 of the district’s 93 buses are equipped with air conditioning. Board member Cervantes questioned the district’s response one month after Ramos alerted the board to the issue, noting that the district was still awaiting a solution.

The issue highlights operational challenges within the school district's transportation system. Cervantes called for the district to explore options and identify what is financially feasible to protect students from extreme heat. The district had previously moved activities indoors to protect students, but students were still placed on buses exceeding 100 degrees.