Written by Kyle Roberts
Richmond, Louisiana. The Lincoln Parish School Board has acquired nine activity buses, which will be utilized by all of the district’s schools for field trips, sports, and club activities, as part of the approval of the bond proposal in April 2024.
The colors and emblems of Simsboro School and Choudrant High are shown on two of the buses, while those of Ruston High are displayed on seven of them.
According to Ricky Durrett, superintendent of the Lincoln Parish School Board, this is a fantastic chance for our children to travel safely. Additionally, as this will mainly be road miles on these activity buses, it will help us with longevity and maintenance in the long run. When we get a new one, it will go on a route right away instead of being an activity bus, so even if there are issues, the guarantee will still be in effect. They will also survive a lot longer than our route buses. That will all be beneficial to us.
And I believe that our communities take pride in our ability to wrap them. All of these students and staff who travel will find it a little more comfortable, and it’s fantastic for activities, sports, bands, and our groups. From elementary schools to high schools, these vehicles will serve all of our educational institutions.
For a complete experience, Doc Hoefler, the transportation supervisor at Lincoln Parish School, sponsored a ridealong. Seat belts, air conditioning, and mobile device charging ports in each captain’s seat are all features of the buses. Over 40 people can be accommodated on one bus.
By the end of May, a few school field trips had already been conducted by the activity buses. To operate the bus, Lincoln Parish’s current bus drivers will not require any more licenses or certifications beyond what they currently possess.
The buses were wrapped by Rapid Signs in Ruston around the close of the school year after being bought from Ross Bus Sales in Alexandria, Louisiana, back in mid-March.
