Minneapolis Public Schools warns of sporadic, delayed bus service due to driver shortages

KSTP
Minneapolis Public Schools[KSTP]

Administrators with Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) are encouraging families who can transport their children to school to do so, due to the shortage of bus drivers.

According to MPS, families may experience challenges with busing. Students could experience some route delays that may result in them being late to school. Families should also be aware that buses will be routed to be filled, so social distancing will not always be possible.

MPS said it will also offer travel reimbursements to families who are able to transport their students to and from school.

MPS currently reports the need for 50 more bus drivers (of a total 150) in order to ensure timely service on their bus routes. The school district has taken several actions to recruit drivers including:

  • Raising the hourly wage.
  • Providing a $3,000 signing bonus.
  • Offering $500 to any current MPS school bus driver who refers a successful candidate to MPS.
  • Offering retention incentives to current and new MPS school bus drivers.
  • Paying candidates while in training to become a school bus driver.

Meanwhile, MPS shared with school and district leaders its guidance for keeping staff and students safe they return to schools, buildings and classrooms.

Three high-level items of interest include:

  1. Face coverings are required for all staff, students, and visitors over 2 years of age regardless of an individual’s vaccination status in all MPS buildings. Face coverings also continue to be required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on public transportation, including school buses.
  2. Maintaining 3 to 6 feet of social distancing continues to be recommended, especially for younger students and unvaccinated people.
  3. MPS is not currently offering a short-term distance learning option. Families do have the option to attend MPS Online School, but enrolled students forfeit enrollment in their current schools so this is not a short-term option nor a formal distance learning recommendation from MPS. Systems are being put in place should school districts be required by the state to offer a distance learning option in the future based on infection rates.

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