VBCPS buses experience widespread mechanical issues amid winter weather

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Service trucks were dispatched to repair numerous Virginia Beach City Public School buses experiencing mechanical problems on Tuesday.

VBCPS told News 3 that 71 buses faced various mechanical issues, including frozen doors, air leaks, and failure to start. The buses reporting problems were spread across the city.

Four service trucks were sent out to address the issues with the buses.

Watch related coverage: Teacher attacked in the classroom by student at Virginia Beach school

Teacher attacked in the classroom by student at Virginia Beach school

Additionally, VBCPS noted that the high number of callouts on Tuesday exacerbated the situation. Thirty-five drivers called out on Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of absent drivers to 75.

This figure is double that of a typical day, according to VBCPS.

News 3 is also taking a look at how school divisions decide whether or not to cancel school for winter weather.

School leaders engage with meteorologists and first responders to receive updates on the conditions affecting transportation. Additionally, they consult with other school divisions to gauge the broader impact of weather on operations.

Last year, News 3 got a firsthand look into the decision-making process of Chesapeake school leaders emphasized their commitment to safety.

“We’d rather have a safe student or a safe staff member on a day like this than to go the other way and have something go wrong,” said Paul Wilson, Chesapeake Public Schools Director of Student Support Services, during an interview in 2024.

Their preparations often begin in the wee hours of the morning.

“We’re checking bridges, we’re checking overpasses just to try and make a determination on if there is any frozen precipitation if it’s starting to accumulate on the roads,” said Dr. David Benson, the Director of Transportation in 2024.

A collaborative efforts goes into whether or not school will be canceled.

“We can use all the data that we’ve collected and make the best decision or best recommendation possible to our superintendent, who ultimately makes the final decision as to whether or not we’re going to close, we’re going to be delayed, or we’re going to open as usual,” said Dr. Benson.