The Springfield School District says that “circumstances outside of their control” mean that nearly 1,500 students could lose a ride to school in the upcoming weeks.
The “circumstances” in question is a bus driver shortage, which has pressured the district into changing its transportation policy. The district has notified parents of the transportation policy going into effect November 8th.
K-8 students less than 2 miles from the school, and middle and high school students less than 2.5 miles from the school will no longer be eligible to ride the bus to school.
The Springfield Public School district will not be the first district to see a major bus driver shortage, as many districts nationwide are reporting the same issue.
Springfield Public School District leaders say the change will be temporary.
The Springfield Public School District says it has made changes in order to stay competitive with other schools and industries. That includes “aggressive recruitment efforts” and increased wages and benefits.
