Miles McLean speaks with WCSD officials about plans for the upcoming school year.

As the beginning of the school year is right around the corner, Washoe County School District has some important information regarding transportation; including staffing, safety and some new improvements. 

The Transportation Team tells us they have staffed 290 out of 297 available positions. With school starting up next week, this is great news as many of the drivers have already begun taking dry runs - which are practice runs to prepare for their routes. 

In addition to filling out multiple positions, they have also begun to upgrade the WCSD Transportation Depot, adding a new building on the east side with more space for buses, employees and offices. 

Director of WCSD transportation, Scott Lee, spoke with us about the new building; "It's going to be used as the same as the building standing behind me. It's going to have a garage. It's going to have a training facility."

We asked Lee about the safety aspect, as back to school also means children all throughout the county will be walking to and from buses, across streets and in areas with usual traffic. 

"If the red lights are on, do not pass the bus. You got to stop." He added, "We may have students loading or unloading. They may be crossing the street, they may be walking out in front where there isn't a bus, and we just need to stop. Slow down and stop."

The Transportation Team also touched on some new programs this year, including a partnership with RTC that allows students to ride free on all RTC buses. All they need is their student ID and ride pass. 

Information on this new program as well as information regarding the closest bus stop to you and careers can be found in the News Links section.