Long Beach Deals With Bus Driver Shortage Gripping The Nation

LONG BEACH, NY — A nationwide school bus driver shortage is impacting students across Long Island.

In Long Beach, the school district addressed the issue on its website with an "important message" for families.

The schools have been "trying to adjust bus runs since the beginning of the school year," Michael DeVito, assistant superintendent for finance and operations wrote.

They are spreading out the student busloads, "but we are aware that some bus runs are still quite full," DeVito said.

While the school district said they will add runs if they fill driver vacancies, DeVito encourages parents "to drive their children to and from school to reduce the ridership."

DeVito is also concerned that as it gets colder, more students will likely ride the bus, and staff may be more frequently out sick, "which may exacerbate the current situation," he said.

The school district asks parents for their assistance now, or to call with questions.