School Busing Issues Continue In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The statewide bus driver shortage has not left Bernards Township unscathed.

Of the district's 74 routes — 74 in morning and 74 in the afternoon — overall the district has 71 of the routes covered, said Superintendent Nick Markarian during the Oct. 4 Board of Education meeting.

"We are navigating the bus driver shortage problem and will keep everyone apprised of some of the challenges we are having there," said Markarian.

Additionally, the board unanimously voted on a policy to allow board members to implement a policy to waive student transportation by parents if needed.

"Meaning parents at their option could be allowed to waive their seat on the school bus. If the board decides to exercise this policy it would provide some flexibility and options in managing routes and route costs, as well as the need for the number of routes and number of drivers," said Markarian.

"It provides an option for the board to utilize should it wish to do so," said Markarian.

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