Section: Windows for Ventilation During Pandemic

Type: Safety
Date: September 2021

Statement: Public Health has identified the need for good ventilation inside school bus to reduce the spread of Covid-19

Procedures:
STSWR has provided recommendations for each vehicle size to open select windows daily to provide ventilation on the bus. Further, students and families have been notified to dress appropriately for the weather at the bus
stop and on the bus.

• Large Bus – total of six (6) windows open slightly staggered on both sides of the bus (3 on each side)
• Small/Wheelchair Bus – total of three (3) windows open slightly staggered on both sides of the bus (1 on one side, 2 on the other side)
• Minivan – at the discretion of the driver to keep a window or two slightly open.

There is a difference between good ventilation and bad ventilation on the bus, and it is important to recognize the difference. If the window is providing gentle air movement that is above the head level students are sitting, that is good ventilation. If the window is pushing air to the students seated behind the open window, that is bad ventilation.