Sabattus, Maine Doesn’t Have Enough Bus Drivers to Get Students to School

Pandemic Problems

As if the pandemic weren't difficult enough on parents, now just days into the new school year, parents and guardians in Sabattus are struggling to figure out how to get their kids to and from school. The bus shortage isn't just in Sabattus, schools nationwide have been experiencing difficulty finding enough drivers.

RSU #4

WGME reports that a notice was sent to parents earlier this week stating that parents would be responsible for coordinating transportation for their kids to get to school for at least the next few days, or they could opt for remote learning. The district is hoping to resume the regular bus route by Tuesday.

Community

Despite the frustrating aspect of the situation, parents, coaches, teachers, and other community members are working to fill in the gaps as needed.

Payout for Parental Transportation

While this hasn't been discussed for Sabattus at this time, there is a school district in Baltimore, Maryland that is now offering parents $250 to drive their kids to school according to KCTV. As long as the students have a 95% attendance rate their parents will qualify for the payment. If every parent participated and qualified, it would cost the district $192,750.