Salem School Bus Struggles: Progress, But Work Still To Be Done

SALEM, MA — More than 600 calls went out to Salem Public Schools families this week on changes, delays and other information regarding transportations issues as the district looks to rebound from a shaky start to the new school year when it comes to buses.

Superintendent of Schools Steve Zrike said on Friday that while the work done to tinker with routes to get students to and from school in a timely manner has seen progress, there is still work to be done.

"We have seen improvement," Zrike said on his weekly Facetime with families Friday afternoon. "But we're not there yet. I want to be honest."

Zrike said last week that the district was working with police and the vendor to help alleviate congestion issues around the schools and improve the routes. On Friday, he said the vast majority of the routes were on time this week, but that he was still concerned about afternoon delays at Saltonstall and Witchcraft Heights, as well as traffic around Horace Mann.

He said part of the ongoing issues have to do with traffic, road construction and staffing issues with the bus vendor.

"I know our contractor is struggling but it's our responsibility to continue to get to where we need to be to deliver a good experience for our kids," he said.

A driver shortage has caused many area cities and towns in Massachusetts to have bus issues early in the school year.

"It's a battle that a lot of communities are having," he noted. "But, hey, I work for Salem Public Schools. My interest is in the needs our kids have. So we're not going to rest until we get this right for our kids."

Anyone who is continuing to have transportation issues or concerns is asked to email transportation@salemk12.org.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)