LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools canceled several more bus routes for the second week of school. The cancellation is a part of a continued bus driver shortage in the district.
What You Need To Know
- FCPS canceled eight bus routes the morning of August 19
- The cancellations affected nineteen schools in Fayette County
- FCPS currently has 22 bus driver candidates finishing training or awaiting licenses
- Bus routes will continue to be canceled or delayed until staff numbers are fulfilled
It's only the second week of school for students in the Fayette County Public School District. Eight bus routes were canceled affecting nineteen schools in the district, leaving some children to find another ride or to walk.
Fayette County Public Schools spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall said there are a number of issues causing the canceled or delayed bus routes. This includes drivers and monitors calling in sick, some learning new routes, and others picking up extra routes when staff is down.
“We are working very hard to hire more drivers. We have several drivers, we actually have 22 that are in the pipeline right now, either finishing training or awaiting licenses. We have 15 that we just interviewed this week that we are going to put in a class that will start August 30,” she said.
Deffendall wants parents to know the district is deeply sorry and is trying their hardest to get bus drivers and monitor numbers up. But it's going to take time, which is why she continues to advocate for the FCPS transportation team.
“Our transportation team is really fabulous and they would love to have new members join them,” Deffendall said.
One part of the transportation team is Alonzo Burns. The FCPS bus monitor is encouraging those in the community to work this job because of the impact it leaves on students.
“Being a monitor is very rewarding because you are making a difference. It is like being in a classroom but it is mobile. You are able to communicate with students, bring a smile to their face. You can teach them small things about respect and that they can do great things,” Burns said.
Cancellations and delays will continue until staff numbers are improved, Deffendall said. Fayette County Public Schools does not require drivers and monitors to get the COVID-19 vaccine and currently does not have any numbers of how many drivers and monitors have received their shot.