JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County students might be arriving for their end-of-semester class parties a bit late on Thursday.
The Duval County School Board let parents and guardians know to expect bus delays on Thursday because of an “abnormally high number” of anticipated bus driver absences -- an issue made worse because the district is already short on drivers.
The school board told families in phone calls, texts or emails that the delays are expected to affect both morning and afternoon bus routes.
Thursday is the last day of school before Duval County’s two-week winter break.
As of 8:31 a.m., 27 buses reported at least 30-minute delays Thursday morning, 10 buses reported one-hour delays, 18 buses were still “working to get coverage” and 36 routes were listed as on time.
The school board ensured parents that students will be safe and supervised after school despite how late a bus arrives.
Parents were urged to make other arrangements for transportation if possible Thursday, and to be sure to contact the school’s office to let them know about the change.
Visit duvalschools.org/busdelays to check on a student’s bus status.