Students in the Holland Patent school district were forced to move to remote learning on Monday after a bus driver shortage came to fruition.
Throughout the fall shortages in transportation staffing had plagued school districts. However, in recent weeks it had been less reported.
The Holland Patent district, which is located in Oneida County, posted an urgent message to Facebook on Sunday.
The district provided no additional information about the closure beyond that it was connected to a staffing issue in the transportation department.
School districts around the region have dealt with this issue. The issues stem from the complexities and timeline associated with hiring bus drivers. While the technical requirements to become a school bus driver in New York State are intense – compensation and hours are also complex.
These factors contribute to an environment that makes recruiting difficult.
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