Edmond Public Schools Enhances Safety Measures Ahead Of First Day Of School

Edmond Public Schools purchased dozens of electrostatic sprayers when COVID-19 hit the state. School officials said it was one of their very first personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases.

As the first day or school approaches, they determined they will be using the sprayers to disinfect not only inside of schools, but on school buses.

Last year the district counted they had over 10,000 riders, this year with the A and B schedule and some students choosing virtual, they believe they will only have 5,000. But district leaders said they aren’t taking any chances with the virus.

"The disinfectants that we use are a botanical blend,” said Garrett Henson, the EPS Transportation Supervisor. “So, they are not toxic they are biodegradable, and they kill human coronavirus in four minutes.”

The buses will be sprayed roughly twice a day. There are also rules to ride that have been put in place. Students are required to sit every other row; a seating chart will be made in case contact tracing has to happen. Kids will also have to wear a mask, face forward, and report any cough, sore throat or temperature.

"We feel very good about the electrostatic sprayers. They are a high-tech tool,” said Susan Parks-Schlepp, the Public Information Officer.

The start date for Edmond Public Schools is August 20.