Harris County school bus driver shortage could lead to delays, officials say. What to know
A shortage of bus drivers in the Harris County School District due to rising COVID-19 cases means arrival times could be delayed by as much as 2 hours, HCSD announced Monday.
HCSD plans to have drivers complete their designated routes and then drive a second route for the absent drivers, according to a news release.
Beginning at 6 a.m. each school day, as soon as transportation officials are aware of a delay for a morning or an afternoon route, they will try to notify the parents of affected students, HCSD said in its news release.
Bus delays are posted on HCSD’s website under the “Daily Bus Status” tab.
Two delays were listed for Monday morning’s routes: Bus No. 18-79 was running approximately 15 minutes behind schedule, and bus No. 14-60 was running approximately 20 minutes behind schedule.
HCSD also has a “Bus Status Hotline” at 706-457-9230. As of 3 p.m., the official answering the phone told the Ledger-Enquirer she wasn’t aware of any delays for the afternoon routes.
If bus riders arrive late to school because their bus was delayed, their tardiness will be excused. Teachers will help them make up the schoolwork they missed, according to the news release.
“Parents need to have a Plan B for transportation in the event of a disruption of service,” HCSD transportation director Cheryl Johnson said in the news release. “Please know, we are working diligently to keep transportation available as best as possible and training new drivers as we can. We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding during this time.”
HCSD has 96 drivers, including eight who are substitutes, seven vacant positions and five absent because of COVID-19, district spokeswoman Rachel Crumbley told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Bus driver job application forms are on HCSD’s webite under the “Employment” tab.
“Though the hours are split,” the news release says, “there are full-time and part-time positions available, and training for qualified candidates is included at no charge.”
