Bus driver shortage forces Seattle Public Schools to change class times for return to in-person learning

SEATTLE — Seattle Public Schools was forced to change class times for a return to in-person learning due to a bus driver shortage.

School officials said Gov. Jay Inslee’s order to reopen schools did not leave them enough time for bus contractors to hire and train enough drivers.

On March 29, classes for grades K-8 will move by half an hour, starting at 8 a.m.

The district said the change leaves an hour between elementary and secondary start times, which allows the same drivers to transport both groups of students once they return.

SPS plans to bring preschool and some elementary special education students back on March 28.

On April 5, kindergarten through 5th-grade is expected to return, along with some middle and high school special education students.

A survey with three choices was sent out last week, giving parents the following options for their kids to participate:

• Return to school for a half-day of in-person learning, four days a week
• Continue with 100% online learning
• Not sure and need more information

Parents were given until Tuesday to respond.

Cox Media Group