Mom concerned after temperature on school bus reaches 138 degrees

Houston County Superintendent David Sewell met with staff Wednesday to discuss stiffing heat on school buses.

He is encouraging drivers, when possible, to leave windows open all day so it will be a little cooler when students board in the afternoon.

“We also want to put water on board (for the students) until this heatwave passes,” Sewell said.

Jessica Granger, mother to a first grader, believes if more measures than those aren't implemented a child could die. She advocates air conditioning on all buses.

In Alabama, only those that transport special needs students are required to have air conditioning. That's something Ms. Granger would like changed.

Her motivation became stronger after Remington, her six year old son, came home from school Tuesday. So overcome by heat, she claims, he suffered from nausea and a headache.

A digital thermometer on one Houston County bus this week showed the temperature at 138 degrees. The vehicle had been sitting idle while waiting to pick up students.

“I would like for somebody to step up,” Ms. Granger said. She wants the Alabama Legislature to pass a law making it mandatory for all buses to have a cooling unit. However, there are no current plans for lawmakers to address that issue.

Jay Bruner, transportation director for Dothan City Schools, would also like to air-conditioning on all of his 94 bus fleet. However, at a cost of up to $10,000 per bus, sufficient money is not available.

Bruner believes most parents accept summer heat as a way of life.

“It's August in the south and it's going to be hot,” he said.