Despite the city’s best efforts to hire more school bus drivers, there is still a significant shortage. As a result, WPS has expanded Walk Zones for all schools.

• Walk zones already exist in each school attendance area. They were expanded in 2023-2024 and will remain in place. 

• Elementary student Walk Zones will expand to 0.75 miles, or up to a 20-minute walk. 

• Secondary: Intermediate, middle, and high school Walk Zones will expand to 1 mile, or up to a 30-minute walk. 

• A list of all addresses located in school walk zones can be found here.

Unfortunately, the shortage of bus drivers is significant and complex and cannot be easily solved. The national and local bus driver shortage was growing even prior to the pandemic, and WPS had 40 drivers to fill 55 positions for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Local efforts to increase pay and benefits for school bus drivers have not led to an increase in applicants. Bus drivers received a 5% pay increase for fiscal year 2024, a 10% pay increase in 2023 and a 7% pay increase in 2022. WPS provides compensation that is comparable to surrounding districts. 

WPS also provides training for CDL licensure, flexible hours, health insurance and retirement benefits for part-time positions, referral bonuses, and more. Signing bonuses are currently available. Please visit our website to apply if you are interested in being a bus driver!

Crossing Guards are located at the following spots: 

2023 GQES Walk Zone Map

2023 VACDES Walk Zone Map

2023 DM Walk Zone Map

2023 JHHS Walk Zone Map

Safety is paramount. We are collaborating with the City of Winchester to invest tools, time, and money to help students get to school safely. Supports include: 

• Increased police visibility during the first few weeks of school.

• Infrastructure improvements including painting and repair of crosswalks and increased signage.

• Crossing guards will be hired to work in recommended areas to work two hours/day, up to $5,000/year, to help our students. School staff crossing guards will also be utilized. 

• Bike racks installed at all seven WPS schools. 

• Students and families are encouraged to walk in groups and work together as a community to ensure safety.

To ensure safety, we provide bus transportation in situations where walking infrastructure isn’t adequate. For example, students shouldn’t cross railroad tracks or four-lane roads and should have sidewalks available. Some families still receive bus transportation if they are less than 0.75 miles from the school due to these safety concerns.

Walking or riding a bike leads to improved health and fitness and builds a stronger sense of community as students and families connect. Less cars on the road means more environmental benefits, less traffic congestion, and increased gas savings.

Yes, Right at School offers after-school care for grades K-6. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.rightatschool.com/districts/winchester-va/

Yes! Relying solely on school buses for easily walkable distances is not going to work for this year or the future. We appreciate the strong support we are receiving from the community as we find ways to make our schools and city safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly.

Students with qualifying disabilities are still eligible for bus transportation. If your child has an IEP that requires transportation, your child will still receive bus transportation.

A parent or guardian can request that a sibling ride the bus with a student who requires transportation IF the students are going to the same school AND there is space available on the bus.

Contact walkzones@wps.k12.va.us to request transportation for a sibling.

We encourage you to work with other parents in your neighborhood who are walking their children to school, take advantage of the Right at School after school program, or ask a friend or family member to walk with your child.

If you live in a Walk Zone, your child will not receive bus transportation regardless of the weather. Prepare for various weather conditions throughout the year.

During winter months, the City of Winchester works hard to maintain City roads and residents should always keep sidewalks clear of ice and snow. For more information, visit the City of Winchester website.

WPS always considers sidewalk safety when determining snow and ice closures.

Virginia state law does not require schools to provide transportation; however, it is a service we provide to as many students as possible to promote school attendance.

VA Code § 22.1-254 states that non-transport zones should be under 1 mile for students under the age of 10, and less than 1.5 miles for students aged 11-18. VDOE supports this requirement.

• Do not cross railroad tracks. 

• Do not cross four-lane roads. 

• Crosswalks should be available at intersections, but also at key locations where student traffic might be high. 

• Crossing guards will be recommended in some spots. 

• Review of “walkability needs” with the City of Winchester included considerations for increased signage, pedestrian push buttons, removal of sign obstructions, increased traffic enforcement, and more. 

To report an issue with a sidewalk or crosswalk, please call Public Works at 540-773-1340.