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Syracuse Schools Are So Low On Bus Drivers, The District Is Changing Student Schedules

A school bus operated by First Student, the company that manages student transportation in for Syracuse City School District, drives on a road.
Flickr
A school bus operated by First Student, the company that manages student transportation in for Syracuse City School District, drives on a road.

A shortage of school bus drivers is causing the Syracuse City School District to modify some class start and end times.

Superintendent Jaime Alicea announced Friday that some schools will shift their schedules beginning later this month. The company that provides the district's transportation, First Student, conducted an "aggressive recruiting campaign" that included higher pay and hiring bonuses, but its still short staffed, according to a news release from the district.

Franklin Elementary, STEAM @ Dr. King and all Syracuse city middle schools will begin modified hours on Oct. 25.

"We understand that this may be an inconvenience for some of our families; however, we believe that this option provides our families and the District with the greatest benefit for our students," Alicea said in a statement.

The new bus schedules will be communicated with students and families by Oct. 15.

Schedule adjustments will occur at the following schools:

Brighton Academy7:45 am – 2:00 pm
Clary Middle School7:45 am – 2:00 pm
Ed Smith K-89:00 am – 3:00 pm (Elem/MS)
Expeditionary Learning (ELMS)7:45 am – 2:00 pm
Franklin8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Frazer PreK-89:00 am – 3:00 pm (Elem/MS)
Grant Middle School7:45 am – 2:00 pm  
Huntington K-89:00 am – 3:00 pm (Elem/MS)
HW Smith PreK-89:00 am – 3:00 pm (Elem/MS)
Lincoln Middle School7:45 am – 2:00 pm
Roberts PreK-89:00 am – 3:00 pm (Elem/MS)
STEAM @ Dr. King8:00 am – 2:00 pm
STEM @ Blodgett7:45 am – 2:00 pm 
Syracuse Latin PreK-88:00 am – 2:00 pm (Elem/MS)