Families of students attending Stillwater Area Public Schools were warned Monday to expect delays and canceled bus routes next week.
“Our bus company has informed us that it is not able to cover all of our bus routes next week,” Superintendent Malina Lansfeldt said in a note to parents. “At this time, we do not know which routes will be affected. We are doing our best to work with the bus company to identify the affected routes, so we can communicate with families about disruptions in a timely manner. As soon as we have information, we will share it with impacted families.”
Schools are in session Monday through Wednesday next week.
Families “are encouraged to make alternative plans to get your child to school next week,” Lansfeldt said. “We cannot guarantee transportation on those three days.”
Students who miss school due to a lack of transportation will have their absence excused, and teachers will work with students when they return to school to make up any missed assignments, district officials said.
Busing issues have plagued the district all fall. In September, some school buses were running up to one hour late — a sign of a statewide shortage of drivers. District officials later implemented a 2-mile no-busing zone.
In September, district officials sued Metropolitan Transportation Network for an alleged breach of contract, saying that the school-bus company has failed to provide agreed-upon busing services. MTN officials then filed a countersuit against the district, alleging breach of contract; breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing; and racial discrimination.
“Despite the changes we’ve made in recent months to increase the efficiency of our transportation services, the bus company continues to experience delays and canceled routes,” Lansfeldt said. “We recognize how frustrating this is, and we are continuing to do all we can to resolve these issues. We are so very grateful to the amazing bus drivers who are showing up each day to serve our kids. We are also grateful to our families for their continued patience, flexibility and understanding. We are all in this together.”
Lansfeldt ended the note to families with a plea to help: “If you know of anyone who might be interested in driving a bus for Metropolitan Transportation Network, please have them apply at www.metrotn.com/apply.