Numerous industries, including food service and construction, have experienced a shortage in workers during the pandemic. The private school bus industry has faced shortages for years, but the pandemic led many drivers to quit or retire, The New York Times reported recently.
“According to the bus companies, the rush of resignations was likely driven by the vaccination requirements. As a result, the district went from being able to provide all eligible students a bus route, to being unable to accommodate transportation for approximately 2,100 students within a matter of days,” CPS said in the statement.
DeChant said he’s sympathetic to the district’s situation, but hoped for a more substantial solution than stipends.
“I’m wondering: What’s Plan B? There must be options out there somewhere besides just saying, ‘You’re on your own, here’s some money,’” said DeChant, of the city’s Oriole Park neighborhood.