RPSB gears up for school year with transport simulation

ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) — In preparation for the upcoming academic year, the Rapides Parish School Board (RPSB) will conduct a district-wide simulated school day on Friday, August 1, as part of its Transportation Start of School Plan.

The simulation will involve RPSB bus operators running both morning and afternoon routes, stopping at every bus stop and school to mirror the procedures of a typical school day. The initiative is designed to ensure bus drivers are fully prepared for student pickup and drop-off protocols before the first official day of school on August 11.

With more than 10,000 students relying on school transportation daily, the exercise will help identify any logistical adjustments needed to improve efficiency and safety across the system.

“This practice run underscores the district’s commitment to student transportation and ensures a smoother start to the school year,” district officials said in a statement.

The transportation simulation will take place across Rapides Parish, involving all bus operators and routes throughout the day.

Visit the Rapides Parish School Board’s website to learn more about their back-to-school plans.