NNPS school bus drivers are offered competitive pay, flexible hours and generous benefits. Job seekers 19 and older can call (757) 881-5061 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the changes to the no-transportation zone and bus stop procedures?
The previous procedure had a maximum walking distance of 0.4 miles for students to reach a bus stop or the school that they attend, the new procedure has increased to 0.5 miles for preschool and elementary school students and to 0.7 miles for middle and high school students. In areas where safety is a concern, consideration is given when selecting bus stops and exceptions will continue to be made for student safety.
Q. Why did the procedures for no-transportation zones and bus stops change?
Changing the procedure for no-transportation zones and bus stops allows Newport News Public Schools to consolidate bus stops, which reduces the number of stops that buses will make on their routes. This will cut down on bus travel time, time spent waiting for a bus, as well as the amount of students that arrive late to school due to riding the bus.
Q. How were the new distances to bus stops and schools selected?
Through comparative analysis of neighboring school divisions and their policies, Newport News Public Schools selected the new distances with a balance between transportation needs and student safety.
Q. What schools are having their instructional hours changed?
The following are the new school day start and end times for the schools that will have changes:
- Hidenwood Elementary School 9:20 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
- Kiln Creek Elementary School 9:20 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
- Sanford Elementary School 9:20 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
- Huntington Middle School 7:10 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.
- Passage Middle School 8:10 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.
Q. Why did the instructional hours change for these schools?
Newport News Public Schools changed the instructional hours of the selected schools as part of the decision to maximize the use of our existing transportation resources to better serve our students and families. Moving schools from one bus run schedule to another allows travel around the city to be more balanced, which shortens travel times for bus riders and make them less likely to arrive late to school.
Q. How were the selected schools chosen to have the hours changed?
The schools that were selected to have their hours adjusted were selected based on several factors that include total student population, the number of buses needed to get students to school, geographic location, and how the buses and routes move through city traffic.
Q. Will the Center for Autism at Kiln Creek change their hours?
No, the Center for Autism at Kiln Creek Elementary School will not change its hours.
Q. Why are these changes happening so close to school starting?
The decision was made to make these changes as soon as possible with the recently assessed staffing information provided by Newport News Public Schools' Human Resources Department. The Transportation Department provides competitive salaries for bus personnel such drivers and assistants. These changes allow our current bus staff to meet the transportation needs of the upcoming school year.
Q. How much time will this save for a child riding the bus?
The time saved by a child riding the bus will depend on the school they attend and the updated stops and routes, which will be released later in August. Not all bus routes for students or runs for drivers will be impacted. In addition to reduced riding times, it is the goal of Newport News Public Schools to improve the timeliness of our existing bus routes by eliminating the need for drivers to double-back to schools to pick up more students.
Q. How can I re-take the transportation survey if my child's school time has changed?
The survey will be re-sent to the affected schools after August 4th. If transportation needs have changed, parents and guardians can contact the school directly.
