School bus driver shortages are continuing to impact school districts

School districts continue to see bus driver staff concerns, on Thursday the Fort Ann school district went remote due to a shortage of drivers.

At the start of October, the Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery BOCES saw a shortage of drivers impact two of the districts they serve.

"You know sometimes you take a few steps forward and then you take a couple of steps back. we have been able to higher two more drivers," said Dr. Dave Ziskin. "But we've also had some people who've chosen to leave the organization."

Recently we've seen these shortages have forced districts to go remote. CBS6 investigated what transportation districts are required to provide by law.

CBS6's Emma Quinn asked, "Is there a state law that school districts must provide transportation to students or is that something that's up to the discretion of the district?"

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"That's definitely co-defied in law. there are certain radiuses that district can go below in providing it. but no, districts are required to provide transportation," said Dr. Ziskin.

Officials in Shenendehowa add there are certain criteria the district and taxpayers vote on; "They do have caveats on that which is mileage and things like that," said Belinda Govich, Shenendehowa Dispatch Routing Specialist. "They leave it up to the school board and voters and things to decide whether you want to go above and beyond."

Districts say superintendents also decide if students have a remote learning day.

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while some districts urge parents to drive students to school, they can't force them.

Reporter Emma Quinn asked, "Is it fair to ask parents to bring these kids to school if they're relying on public transportation from the district?"

"It's hard, I mean it's hard for them too, because some of them rely on it. It's the only way for their child to get to school," said Govich. "So, if their willing to and able to I think that's great, and it does help. however, no I don't think they should necessarily be forced to or anything like that by any means."

HFM Boces leaders say the consequences of not being able to meet those transportation needs may include temporarily shifting to remote instruction.