Alexandria City Public Schools said school bus routes may be changing and students may be arriving at school late due to a shortage of bus drivers.
In a letter out to parents, MeChale’ Johnson, director of pupil transportation and fleet management, said ACPS is struggling to fill vacancies in transportation services and it will have an impact on students at the start of the 2024-2025 school year next Monday.
“We are working to finalize bus routes and schedules within our current staffing resources,” Johnson said. “Please expect potential adjustments in pick-up and drop-off times, as we will likely have to complete double and triple runs to support student transportation. We recommend allowing additional time for your child’s commute during the first few weeks of school.”
Johnson said changes to bus routes and schedules, along with delayed bus arrivals, will be sent out via ParentSquare.
Johnson also included a reminder that DASH buses are free to ride.
“As a reminder, all ACPS students are eligible to ride DASH free of charge,” Johnson said. “This is an alternative option of transportation available to ACPS families.”
The bus delays could have a ripple effect on education in the schools, though, as Johnson said that “due to the anticipated delays, some students may experience later than usual arrival times.”
ACPS is offering a $5,000 recruitment bonus for bus drivers hired after July 1 but before Sept. 30. Meanwhile, ACHS still has “a dozen vacancies” ahead of the school year starting on Monday.
“We understand that these transportation challenges may cause some inconvenience, but we appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” Johnson said. “Our priority is to ensure that all students arrive at school safely and on time. Please know that our team is working diligently to identify qualified bus drivers to fill our vacancies to provide for a smooth start to the school year.”
