Teacher, Bus Driver Shortages Impact Bridgewater Schools

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan School District is facing teacher, staff, and bus driver shortages due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant. These shortages could impact school instruction and bus routes.

Superintendent Robert Beers said he would making an announcement regarding school schedules for next week by the end of the day on Thursday, Jan. 6.

"We remain hopeful that we can resume full-day scheduling on Monday, January 10th," said Beers.

However, Beers noted the rapid spread of the Omicron variant has resulted in a number of positive cases throughout the school community including students, teachers, instructional aides, bus drivers, custodians, and other staff members.

Since Jan. 1, the school district has reported 98 cases and a total of 550 since the start of the school year. (See a breakdown of cases below)

"Any decision to move students towards virtual instruction is contingent on variables beyond our control, specifically the ability to staff our buildings in providing the structures essential for the delivery of instruction. Please understand that any decision to move towards remote instruction will be building-specific, temporary, and only if necessary," said Beers.

Additionally, as a result of the bus driver shortage Beers said there may be days where particular routes are not staffed.

This means that on a given day, parents may need to pick up and drop off their children at school. Should this occur, the district will communicate the situation to parents as soon as possible.

The district intends to choose this option only when absolutely necessary as the only alternative would be to keep every student throughout the district at home.

"Please understand we are doing everything within our power to keep schools open and operating on a full-time basis. Collectively, we are asking the entire Bridgewater-Raritan community to assist us in achieving this goal," said Beers.

Beers stressed that parents need to continue to monitor symptoms and keep students home who are exhibiting signs of COVID-19. Students who are symptomatic cannot be sent back into the school community prior to contacting the school nurse.

"If we all work together, we can get through this current situation," said Beers.

Here is a breakdown of positive cases at each school from Jan. 1 through Jan. 4 (along with the total since the beginning of the school year):

• Adamsville - 6 (39)
• Bradley Gardens - 6 (25)
• Crim - 9 (52)
• Hamilton - 12 (40)
• Kennedy - 12 (39)
• Milltown - 2 (25)
• Van Holten - 8 (27)
• Hillside - 4 (52)
• Eisenhower - 5 (41)
• Middle School - 11 (74)
• High School - 21 (172)
• District Support Staff - 2 (11)

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