LANCASTER – Students at Desert Christian School in Lancaster will soon be breathing easier during the ride to and from school, thanks to the purchase of a new Bluebird All American school bus.
The new bus runs on clean-diesel fuel and processes its emissions through a sophisticated multi-step filtering process, which significantly reduced emissions.
A $50,000 contribution from two anonymous DCS grandparents last fall kicked off the effort to replace the school’s 17-year-old bus with the new, less polluting model. Encouraged by the generous donation, other families soon began supporting the effort through Jog-a-thon and Bowl-a-thon fundraising events.
Primary funding for the vehicle was ultimately provided through a $125,000 grant from the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District, the local regulatory air agency.
The air district’s AB2766 Program provides DMV funds allocated to the AVAQMD for public or private projects that reduce emissions from mobile sources.
During a press conference Friday, the clean air bus was official put into service, as DCS students joined AVAQMD Governing Board Chairman Marvin Crist and Operations Manager Bret Banks on the vehicle’s inaugural ride.
“Diesel exhaust from school bus travel or standing near idling buses can have negative health effects, especially for children,” Crist stated in a press release. “The AVAQMD is committed to protecting the health of Antelope Valley children and communities by supporting cleaner transportation choices, such as this one.”
School buses travel about four billion miles each year, and more than 25 million American students ride a school bus every day, according to Clean School Bus, a program of the Environmental Protection Agency, which helps communities reduce emissions from older diesel school busses.
While all new buses must meet the EPA’s new tighter emission standards, many older school busses continue to emit harmful diesel exhaust.
Reducing idling and replacing the oldest busses in fleet with newer, less-polluting vehicles are the most effective ways to reduce school bus emissions and, subsequently, protect human health, experts say.
(Information via press release from the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District.)
air breather says
I think the point of this new bus is to make the air better, which last I checked air is public. The former bus was very old and very bad for the air. The board of the air district is just trying to make this valley better for all who breathe, period. It doesn’t matter who you support, you still breathe.
10dog says
If a Christian school take money from the government don’t they have to teach what the public schools are teaching?
DCS Alumni Parent says
The agency that loaned the money is not government. Also, it stated they give to public and Private. What gets you going is it is a Christian school. If they would have loaned to a Gay and Lesbian, or Recovering Drug and alcohol place you’d be all for it. I know Christian anything makes you nervous but those kids are just kids regardless what school they go to. They do teach what the public schools teach, probably better since the kids score higher and get into colleges easier, it’s just that they also teach God’s teachings about evolution and creation. You don’t get the spin on creation in public school its not allowed. You’d be surprised what knowledge private schools provide for kids and it isn’t solely scripture. Math is math, english is english, science is science, health is health etc.. But, the classes are not interrupted by bad behavior, there is no police presence at the school, and the parents are welcome to come and help in any classroom. In fact, they’re encouraged to be a part of their child’s education. DCS does not pick and choose who goes to their school, they even have a scholarship for those families who can’t afford the tuition, for children who excel and want a better education. If they get a new bus after so many years of driving a used hand me down bus what’s it to you? Parents who send their kids to private school do not get a break on taxes for public school. They still have to pay for it. It is a financial hardship that will return great returns in that their child will have a good education, not fear others, no bullying, ability to excel at their own pace, and have a good support group. I personally had all my children at private school, they are all college educated and contributing to society in a positive way. To this day they thank me for sending them to a private school. Are they naive of the world? No, they just have the weapons necessary to stand firm and by weapons I mean education, love and compassion, and the strength of God’s word. So, love or hate Christians but I for one am glad these kiddos got the bus they needed!!
Theodore says
“Not a government agency”? Of course the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District, the local regulatory air agency, IS government! So much for YOUR education!
“Only dislike it because They are Christian”? Couldn’t be because we already support the Runner’s, who own the school, 100% with our tax dollars. Along with their transportation costs and health care? How do YOU know why or why not we support this?
“Science is science”? “They also teach God’s teachings about evolution and creation”? THAT ISN’T science!
“DCS does not pick and choose who goes to their school”? Of course they do! And if you sent YOUR kids there, YOU would of had to sign a contract stating YOU are a Christian, and YOU have to raise your child in a home that has certain activities supporting that faith!
“NO bullying”? Unless the kid is gay, or the family is NOT adhering to their CONTRACT! And DCS, like ANY OTHER SCHOOL will never be able to get rid of bullying. They, like all schools, can choose how they will deal with it. Which would be interesting to see if the kid being bullied differentiates in any form from the strict religious beliefs at the school.
“No police presence at the school”? No, but there certainly was a presence at a recent bus trip. No matter how hard you try to set up a “perfect world” for your kids, no one get’s a guarantee for trouble free. And Christian’s commit crimes like every other group. There are no perfect people out there.
So stop with the “I’m being persecuted because I’m a Christian” BS!
And admit that the POLITICIAN owners of the school get enough funds off the government teat already.
BTW, the whine of “I send my kids to private school, so I shouldn’t have to pay taxes for a public school” is crap. None of us get to pick and choose where our tax dollars go. What makes you special that you get such an option? There are WONDERFUL and smart kids in every public school out there. And what would they be without that education? Only private school kids deserve a good education? How do you think that would effect our country?
William says
Immediately after the 2010 election when the GOP got control of the House, the Christian/Republican Complex went to work to eliminate funding for NPR and Planned Parenthood because they don’t want their tax dollars going to stuff they don’t approve of.
Then, they turn around and accept our tax dollars for their religious purposes which is hypocritical.
But, that’s how they are.
10dog says
Sorry I’m all for Christian Schools as my kids went to one. This is a Government Agency,(Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District). Christian Schools should not get help from them,if it a true Bible believing school they do not teach the same as public schools.
SitnBull says
Does this “green” bus come equipped with a breathalyzer to ensure that their bus drivers aren’t under the influence like Lizabeth Bachtelle was when she ran into a guardrail? I’m sure good ole’ Marv equipped it with a solar powered moonshine still to share with the good ole’ boys!
sikntired says
Thumbs up!
DCS fan says
We are very grateful for our new school bus. And very thankful to the hardworking parents, who choose to send their children to DCS. Many who send their children do so at great financial sacrifice while also paying taxes to send children to public school. A choice and a right.
Green is a coverup says
The environmental rat. Marvin (the rat) Crist must really believe we are all stupid. Him touting himself as a environmentalist while he uses it to hide the fact he pushes these solar farms as good for the environment. Tell that to the Antelope Acers residents. Our Vally now has the worst air quality ever because of this clown with power.when you remove all vegetation for solar fields you create a dust nightmare. This two talker is taking solar companies money for his political efforts then talk like he is supporting the environment is too much to take for our Valley. He does this a Chairman of the air quality district is just another insult from Marvin ( the rat) Crist. Both Norm ( the weasel) Hickley and Marvin (the rat) Crist are playing us all for idiots in this and other boards they belong to together. More to come
jack says
And what do they do with the other 95% of their time in Sac? Living off the public’s dime. While voting against money for public schools. Talk about hypocrites!
jack says
Because that’s what we American’s do. Make sure ALL kids get an education. Just like people paid for your education. It’s your choice not to use the public schools.
We obviously don’t have a choice when it comes to supporting the RUNNER’S private school with our tax dollars. Agree with Mike on this one. And why are more and more of our tax dollars going to these private schools when our public schools have had so much cut, along with their budgets?
jill says
Why indeed? Operative word here is Runner’s!
DCS Parent says
Thank you for the clarification. Now where do I send the bill for my 7 mail boxes that were destroyed the last 3 years I have lived down the street from a public middle school? What about the $600 dollar window on my house that met a rock? Two months ago they shot the rear window out of my car with a bb gun. Of course that may have been my fault because I parked in my driveway while the children were flowing down my street. What about the mom who ran into me with her SUV in the same driveway. What about all the mail that was scattered across my neighbors lawn? This is just my list, my neighbors have experienced the same including theft. Of course we probally can blame all of this on the budget cuts. In private schools we make up the short fall differenses from our own wallets, not complain about budget shortages. But I regress and must thank those who take and use my tax dollars and supply schools that produce individuals that feel so entitled that they use my neighborhood as their personal punching bag. As a side note, my spouse and I both never attended public school, taking public money as was so wrongly stated in your comment. Excuse me now, I need to return to work so that I may further fund the public school system.
jack says
Wait! What? You can’t protect your home from “da children” so we got to buy the Runner’s a $125,000 bus? Whatever school you went to didn’t teach logic. Maybe you would of been better off at a public school.
jill says
That you Sharon?
jack says
And someone ELSE still paid for your education, regardless of where it was. Unless you’re going to give us some story about working the mines in 1st grade.
DCS Parent says
Not the mines but I did have a paper route. Public school apparently served you well. As aside note our private bus will now quit polluting your child’s air. Your welcome!
jack says
Again, the lack of logic. No, OUR BUS will quit polluting YOUR kids air. So stop with your entitlement mentality and THANK THE TAX PAYER.
jill says
A paper route?!?!! BAHAHAHAHAHA Please please don’t tell us you think a paper route paid for 12 years of schooling! Guess your private school didn’t believe in math, along with logic.
jack says
Ungrateful leech! (Along with asking us to believe middle school kids walk from school with BB guns.)
jill says
With your attitude towards the children in your neighborhood, got to wonder if the parents don’t warn them to be afraid of you. Ever threaten them? With your Good Christian education and all!
Michael Rives says
I saw the bus on Channel 3 news tonight. It looked really nice with padded seats and seat belts. As a Christian, however, I resent the fact that taxpayers’ monies were used to support a religious school. I thought there was some kind of separation of church and state.
DCS Parent says
Then explain to me why my tax dollars are supporting public schools when my student has never stepped foot in a public school?
CLW says
Since public education is mandated at a government level, it is your responsibility as a citizen of this country/state to pay taxes, some of which go to support public schools. It is therefore your right to have your children attend those schools at no cost to you. It is also your right to send your children to school elsewhere, but if that is your CHOICE then don’t complain about it and don’t expect other people to pay for it or give you handouts. And what does your living in a bad neighborhood have to do with public schools? Are you asserting that everyone who goes to public schools and their families are hoodlums? We could just as well assert that everyone who attends private schools are elitist religious fanatics. More of that Christian “love” we hear so much about but so rarely see…
DCS Parent says
I live in a neighborhood that is a very”good” area. I am saying nothing about any group. I simply state that Amargosa Creek Middle School students and not all of them, have been damaging to my property. Anyone having issue with my facts, beliefs, education and right to state opinion – have a nice day. I will continue to send my student to private school, will continue to pay my taxes, will continue to offer respect to those who show the same and WILL continue to point out the wrongs I have witnessed by and only by, those that harm my property. As a side note, in no way shape or form will my student ever ride that bus. We use a car to get them to school or they WALK! If the public wants the same for public schools, have them apply for the grant and get a new bus too. Problem solved. Have a nice day. Continue your conversation without me. I have to go plan on how I will continue to vote against any tax hikes that benifit the ones harming my belongings. My apology to the 99.9% of public school kids who will go on to be productive citizens.
jack says
Of course you will vote against that which will help others. You got yours, and that’s all that matters.
jill says
Since the Runner’s do nothing for the AV, I wonder if they spend their time in Sacramento looking for obscure grants for tax payer money that will fund their BUSINESS? DCS.
Gladys says
After reading through the comments to see where this conversation was going with Jack and Jill, I saw the name of the middle school that my neighborhood has been conplaining about for the past 5 years. Nothing is ever done about the vandelism, the fights, traffic or the intimidation. I know they have had several complaints about bullying, inspite of the anti bullying campaign. The students even tag and vandalize their own school. I feel your pain and my children would never attend that school either. Most families in out neighborhood send their kids elsewhere.
Good luck with Heckel and Jeckel.
Michael Rives says
I don’t have any kids…that I know of….but I see nothing wrong with paying for schools that are not religious and are for every race, religion, etc. So, if I practice the Judeo-Christian religion, should I be forced to buy a bus for Islamic students? Certainly not and they shouldn’t be forced to support my religion by buying a bus for Christian students? I don’t think so.