Late School Bus Runs Continue In Pennsbury School District

FALLSINGTON, PA —Nearly three months into the school year, the Pennsbury School District continues to deal with transportation issues.

At the Pennsbury school board's recent meeting, Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith and Board President TR Kannan explained that the district was still trying to deal with the nagging issues that include late bus runs for the start of school.

"It's disappointing," Kannan said at the Nov. 17 meeting. "This is an issue that's a little longer than two or three weeks into the school year. Parents are upset. My son's bus has changed three times. Parents are already skipping the school bus and giving rides. I'm almost there myself. Hopefully, we can get this solved."

In early September, Smith sent parents a letter about "habitually late" school bus runs and how the district was determined to get routes moving faster for its 9,000 students.

Smith updated the transportation status at the recent meeting.

"It's improved, however, we're still struggling with several runs and driver shortages," Smith said.

Smith outlined some steps the district is taking:

• By setting up GeoAlerts, parents will be notified about bus arrival and departure times.
• The district is working with Stopfinder to address the issues that some families are experiencing.
• The district continues to recruit and train bus drivers.

"It's a huge jigsaw puzzle. We understand the frustration and we appreciate your patience," Smith told the audience and those watching the meeting on livestream.

Anyone needing transportation assistance should contact the district via email at transportation@pennsburysd.org or call 215-428-4100, ext. 10076.