DEMING – Deming Public Schools has announced that school bus rear door evacuations are scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025.
During the drill, buses will load students as usual before pulling forward a short distance. Drivers will then apply the parking brake, shift into neutral, and provide students with instructions. Students will practice exiting from the rear door and move at least 75 feet away from the bus, simulating an emergency at the front of the vehicle.
For those wondering how students get out through the back door, it is not a reckless jump. The procedure is designed for safety: older students often position themselves at the rear to help classmates down. Others are taught to sit on the edge of the doorway, slide forward, and drop carefully to the ground, landing on both feet. Once outside, students quickly walk to the designated safe area away from the bus.
Once all students have evacuated, the driver will direct them back onto the bus to their original seats. District officials remind families that students should not bring backpacks off the bus during the exercise.
Because of the drills, buses may run 10 to 15 minutes behind schedule. While some evacuations will take place in the morning, most are planned for the afternoon.
In addition, Columbus Elementary School has scheduled its rear door evacuations throughout the week of September 15–19, 2025.
For more details, parents and guardians may contact the DPS Transportation Department at (575) 543-1009 or by email at [email protected].