Overview
- Superintendent Jesse Bacon said Tuesday the district has full-time drivers assigned to all routes but does not have enough substitute drivers to cover absences.
- BCPS told families that canceled bus routes would not result in excused absences and that parents are responsible for getting students to school when routes are suspended.
- The district outlined contingency options including free early drop-off and aftercare for elementary and middle school students through Right at School, community pickup locations for high schoolers, and up to six parent notes for excused absences.
- Officials published pay and benefits to attract hires, noting average driver pay of $25.44 per hour (about $34,153 for a 179-day year) and experienced drivers earning near $40,000, and opened an online application for recruits.
- Parents say repeated cancellations last year caused missed class time and stress for working families, and the district’s ability to hire substitutes before Aug. 12 will determine whether those disruptions continue this school year.