Ohio's commitment to student safety is taking a $10 million march forward with launching a new School Bus Safety Grant Program. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced the initiative, which is focused on giving school buses across the state much-needed safety upgrades. According to an announcement released yesterday, this grant aims to support the repair, replacement, or addition of authorized safety features on existing school buses or purchase new ones with enhanced safety measures.
"Whether they are in the classroom or on the school bus, our commitment to parents and families is to do whatever we can to keep students safe," Governor DeWine said, reflecting on the dual settings where student safety is paramount. The Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, following an examination of the student transportation process, identified room for advancement in school bus travel security. Even though school buses are already considered the safest mode for students traveling to and from school, their report, which was published in January 2024, suggested the state could offer financial support to districts for safety improvements.
Director Stephen D. Dackin emphasized the value of the working group's contributions and pointed out the opportunity for school leaders to financially address their particular transportation needs. "The Governor's School Bus Safety Working Group made important recommendations, and I encourage school leaders to look at their local school bus needs when applying for these funds," he told the Governor's office. The group’s findings reflect Ohio's dedication to not just student safety but also well-being.
The flexibility of the Ohio School Bus Safety Grant Program is one of its key features, allowing districts to tailor purchases considering their specific safety needs, alongside district finances. The eligibility extends to a broad spectrum of educational institutions, including city and local school districts, exempted villages, joint vocational school districts, community schools, STEM schools, educational service centers, and even county boards of developmental disabilities. Applications will be accepted until the deadline of Nov. 14 at 5 p.m., through the Department's e-grant system, ED STEPS.
