MILWAUKEE -- The Racine Unified School District is warning parents of a significant bus driver shortage, and it's possible your child might have to wait at the bus stop longer than expected. School officials are now apologizing after delays have parents worried.
Friday marked the fourth day of a new school year heavily impacted by growing bus fuss over a driver shortage in Racine.
“We have had some significant challenges this week with busing, primarily due to the shortage of bus drivers,” Stay Tapp said.
Stacy Tapp, Chief of Communication and Community Engagement with the Racine Unified School District, said the delays are the biggest issue and some buses not picking up students at all.
“[Parents are] waiting so long they’re ending up driving their students to school. So, again, it’s primarily just significant delays,” Tapp said.
According to Tapp, the district along with the bus company, First Student, is working to remedy the issue. In a letter sent home to parents Thursday, Eric Gallien, the district superintendent said in part:
“We are working to support First Student as best we can and hope they are fully staffed as soon as possible. However, I want to be transparent with you and say it will likely take some time.”
What’s more, Chris Kemper, a spokesperson for the bus company said he understands parents are frustrated and they’re frustrated too.
“Our full focus is on improving the service to get it to the level that the parents and the community of Racine expects for us,” Kemper said.
First Student is bringing in new drivers over the weekend and the hope is that with new drivers on board, the district will start seeing improvements as early as next week.
