Northern Michigan’s largest school district still not able to provide transportation to all high school students.
Traverse Area Public School parents just found out they’ll have to continue to provide transportation for high school students for a bit longer than originally thought. An email from the district said limited bus services will continue until at least March 23.
TCAPS went to a reduced transportation schedule about a month ago because of a shortage of school bus drivers. The district is now announcing it has to extend that schedule through spring break as they train new drivers. Parents say it’s been a struggle to provide transportation.
Ashley Foster is a single mom of three girls, including one at the high school.
“It’s not easy for everybody. Not everybody has a supports system or people that they can count on to go get their kids and take their kids where they need to go,” said Foster.
She said the limited transportation schedule has been a nightmare since it started.
“I’ve been having to try to rely on other people. And when I can’t rely on other people, I’m having to go get her myself. And it’s taking over an hour to get across town at that time,” said Foster.
Now being told she’ll have to hold on even longer, she said has been nothing short of frustrating.
“It’s preposterous. What do they expect us working parents to do? And not everybody even has vehicles. You know, even if parents don’t work, not everybody’s got vehicles to get their kids. That’s why our kids go to public schools, said Foster.
TCAPS mom, Stephanie Liss, said she understands that district is trying their best.
“I mean, I would hope that everything that they need to get done is done by spring break ending. Hopefully they’ve hired more drivers. I heard that they’re offering a lot more pay,” said Liss.
The district said they’ve hired three more drivers and are looking to hire even more. For parents like Liss, they’re just hoping for better days.
“I think everybody’s just sort of muddling through and hoping that it will end,” said Liss.
The district said it hopes to go back to providing transportation full time after spring break.
