Anacortes School District Receives Grant for Bus Communication System Upgrade

The Anacortes School District is excited to announce that it has been awarded funding from HF Sinclair to improve student and staff safety by upgrading its school bus communication system. The $35,000 grant provided our transportation department with the installation of new, reliable radio systems across the district's 17 bus routes, which were installed during spring break. 

This much-needed upgrade replaced outdated and unreliable Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, prioritizing more consistent and effective communication for the district’s transportation staff. The new system will include digital Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radios that are equipped with a repeater, providing strong and reliable coverage even in Anacortes' challenging topography. This is especially important for the safety of students, particularly those with assistance needs and those involved in co-curricular activities outside of regular school hours.

“Our district is committed to ensuring that all students have access to the safest and most reliable transportation possible,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “This grant from HF Sinclair allows us to provide our students and staff with the technology they need to respond quickly and efficiently in any situation, enhancing both safety and peace of mind.”

HF Sinclair’s generous support will not only improve communication but also promote a safer transportation environment for students and staff alike. The upgraded communication system will serve approximately 1,300 students and 30 transportation staff members, emphasizing improved safety, faster response times, and better coordination during both regular school hours and after-school activities.

“Safety is HF Sinclair’s top priority at work and in our community. That includes partnering with Anacortes School District to help provide it and its transportation team the technology it needs to safely get our kids to and from school and extracurricular activities,” said HF Sinclair Operations Manager and ASD Parent Jodi Baral. “This upgrade will have a long-lasting positive effect on our students and improve the vital communication link between our drivers and support teams in all areas of our island communities.”

For further information, please go to: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation.

To learn more about HF Sinclair, visit: www.hfsinclair.com