Update:
A temporary fix could be in the works to solve the shortage of bus drivers impacting students in the Grand Forks School District.
On Monday parents were notified the lack of drivers could mean some students would have to find their own way to school. The transportation focus was on special education…English Learners…and GFAFB students. The district has contract with Dietrich for bus services. Around 950 students requested transportation through the online registration.
Late Tuesday Superintendent Terry Brenner posted an update that the City of Grand Forks has offered the use of City Area Transit buses to address the issue. Staff is working on creating routes and will release additional details later today.
Families will not be required to purchase bus tickets at this time. The statement goes on to say that a process to reimburse families that had tickets with Dietrich will be released soon.
—
A shortage of drivers is a big concern to districts nationwide. One report suggests there are 55,000 fewer bus drivers compared to just two years ago.
= =
GF Public Schools release:
Grand Forks Public Schools, in conjunction with the City of Grand Forks, City Area Transit, and Dietrich Bus Service has created a new regular route busing schedule for students attending public schools in Grand Forks.
Earlier today, families who had signed up for transportation services through the school registration process were notified of their new regular route bus.
Coverage will be provided by City Area Transit and Dietrich Bus Service.
Digital maps for the routes are currently being updated and will be posted at https://www.gfschools.org/Page/7894 when available. The CAT Prowler smartphone app will be updated as soon as possible.
“Sometimes the best ideas and plans come during a crisis. I am more than pleased that the City of Grand Forks and City Area Transit, at the request of school system leadership, came to the table on short notice to collaborate on an immediate transportation solution that will benefit both governing entities,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Brenner. “A special thank you to GFPS Director of Buildings and Grounds Chris Arnold, Business Manager Scott Berge, City Administrator Todd Feland, and Transportation Division Director Dale Bergman for their expedient planning and communicating to stand up busing so quickly. I’m proud of ‘Team Grand Forks.’”
All City Area Transit bus drivers have had the same background checks as school bus drivers.
There will be no cost to families for utilizing City Area Transit or Dietrich buses. The school system is continuing to work on a process to reimburse families who had purchased Dietrich bus tickets.
There is a shortage of bus drivers in the Grand Forks area. Individuals who are interested in applying at City Area Transit can visit https://www.grandforksgov.com/government/city-departments/cities-area-transit-cat, while those interested in applying for Dietrich Bus Service should call 701-772-0601.
= =
Original story:
The tight labor force is impacting school bus drivers in Grand Forks.
With a new school year set to begin tomorrow (Wednesday) the district received transportation requests from 950 students through the online registration. Grand Forks schools would normally have a scheduled run of 26 buses.
Transportation for special education…English Learners…and from the GFAFB will be in operation. Not all students will be bused. A notice to parents went out Monday.
The district is working with Dietrich Bus to find additional drivers to fill the remaining void in the system.
—–
AP contributed to this report
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
