Page 147 - First Student News Today

By ALEXANDRA RETTER

Dozens of families in Prince George, B.C., were left scrambling for ways to get their kids to class on the first day of school after the sudden resignation of multiple school bus drivers.

Union teachers in Washington’s largest school district may strike the first day of school if an agreement with school officials cannot be reached.

Since school resumed in-person after the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation woes have worsened for CVUSD and districts across the nation.

Kicking off the school year without a ride -- that is what happened on Thursday, Sept. 1 to a group of students in Franklin School District.

Due to a shortage of bus drivers, Helena Public Schools will start this current school year by implementing a 4-week rotation bus schedule that is similar to last year’s schedule.

First Student announced it has agreed to take 78 Seattle Public School (SPS) bus routes previously awarded to Zum. The startup admitted it lacked the drivers and buses to fulfill the terms of their contract, according to a Wednesday news release.

For Highline Public Schools, a staffing shortage meant some students on one bus route were late for the first day of school.

Just a week out from the start of the school year, Seattle Public Schools has come to an agreement with First Student and startup competitor Zum to provide transportation to students. 

With many K-12 students set to return to school in less than a week, school bus companies are still pulling out all the stops to find drivers.