ROCKFORD, Mich. — Rockford’s school district has a shortage of school bus drivers, leading to consolidated and even eliminated bus routes.
Superintendent Michael Shibler told families in a letter Friday that they should expect possible last-minute changes to routes and cancellations.
The challenges come from limited resources, wellness screening requirements and a requirement to have fewer students on buses to better allow for physical distancing, Shibler said.
The district is in the process of hiring and certifying new drivers and hopes to have them start within the next few weeks.
Families shouldn’t worry about penalties for being late because of busing issues, however.
“You have our assurance that students will not be penalized for being late to school,” Shibler said. “Getting students to school this year will be a very fluid process and your child’s principal will extend grace for delays as a result of late or canceled routes.”
Other changes this year because of the pandemic include expanded walk zones, staggered pick-up times and extra sanitization of buses.
Anyone interested in applying to be a bus driver for the district may contact the transportation department at 616-863-6328.
