(AbsoluteNews.com) – Many school districts across the country are experiencing bus driver shortages. One state has now taken drastic measures to get children to school.
On September 13, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) announced he activated up to 250 National Guard members who will deploy to four cities: Chelsea, Lowell, Lawrence and Boston, to help with bus driver shortages. He said the service members will “complete vehicle training to ensure the safety of children.” Baker said they’ll “meet all statutory requirements for 7D [transport van] drivers” before they start transporting kids to and from school.
The safe and reliable transportation to school each day is critical to our children's safety and education.
Today, I activated up to 250 members of @TheNationsFirst to support and assist local communities in their school transportation efforts.
➡️ https://t.co/pt5pmqjWcd pic.twitter.com/C1Xxi7eOYF
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) September 13, 2021
Baker explained that the shortage is related to COVID-19, so the state will be reimbursed for the cost incurred.
Massachusetts isn’t the only state experiencing a shortage. According to a new survey by the National Association for Pupil Transportation, 1500 districts nationwide have the same problem. The overwhelming majority of respondents have altered transportation routes as a result. Further, 51% “described their driver shortage as ‘severe’ or ‘desperate.’” Two-thirds say the situation is getting worse over time.
America’s students are finally back in school but now Governor Baker says officials need to figure out how to get them into the classrooms on time.
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