State Superintendent Seeks to Replace Aging Public School Buses
Looks to General Assembly to Fund Upgrades
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- With the legislative session set to begin soon,State Superintendent Molly Spearman is making sure child safety is a top priority.
“Under no circumstances, will we ever operate a vehicle that we feel is unsafe for student transportation,” said Spearman.
According to Superintendent Spearman, nearly half of South Carolina’s public school buses are over 15 years old. She said the cost to update the buses will be around $34 million a year, an expense she looks to state legislature to accommodate.
“Our current request to the general assembly includes $10 million in recurring funds and $95 million in non-recurring funds for school bus lease and purchase,” said Spearman.
Spearman said every school district in South Carolina will get at least a few new buses. Officials with Richland District One say this effort is a step in the right direction.
“It’s a great thing. It’s nothing more important to me as a member of a school board than to ensure that our students are transported to school safely and return home safely as well so we’re excited about this and Molly Spearman’s initiative and ensuring that we do all we can to keep our children safe,” said Richland One Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Cheryl Harris.
