Kentucky School District Cancels Class Amid School Bus Challenges

August 16, 2023

Student crosses the street away from school bus stop. — Stock image.

Due to a “school bus disaster,” Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky canceled classes at the start of school last week.

It was a difficult school start up for many students who were dropped off at home several hours after the end of school.

Parents waited hours for their children to arrive, some as late as 9:58 p.m. on Wed. Aug. 9, according to district officials.

A local news article reported that the district shifted start times this year in an effort to ease the delays that had occurred previously because bus driver shortages.However, parents believe the shift actually made things worse.

CBS News reported that new routing software failed because it did not factor in sufficient time between bus stops, which resulted in significant delays.

The district released two statements on social media, one apologizing to the families who waited hours for their child to return home after dismissal.

Another post announced the cancelation of classes on Aug. 10 and 11 due to the transportation issues.

JCPS told parents in their statement that the district would work to improve the new transportation plan throughout the weekend and ensure bus drivers would have what they need to help implement the plan successfully.

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio also uploaded a message, apologizing for the inconvenience and informing families that the district will do everything they can to solve these issues as quickly as possible.

A new post on Saturday notified parents that the school would also be closed Monday and Tuesday as officials continued to execute a transportation plan that works for everyone.

Pollio then announced on the district’s website that elementary and middle school students will return to school on Friday while high schools will reopen for students on Monday, Aug. 21.