Division had hoped all children would have bus routes by this evening, but some still are without assigned bus routes.
Some Stafford County Public School students are still without assigned bus routes, the division announced this evening.
All students return tomorrow for the first day of the 2024-25 academic year.
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are still students who have not been assigned a bus route,” acting superintendent Chris R. Fulmer wrote in a letter to families this evening. “I understand how deeply frustrating this is, and I want to acknowledge that while some delays with transportation can be expected during the first few weeks of school, not having your child routed at all is unacceptable. For this, we take full responsibility.”
The division said earlier today that about 3,000 students did not have assigned bus routes as of today, which was Transition Day for kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade students.
Fulmer said the transportation team has identified problems with the routing software that are causing “severe inefficiencies,” and that these inefficiencies are worsened by incoming change requests.
“Our transportation team is working diligently to resolve these issues and to ensure that every student receives their bus assignment as soon as possible. We have also contacted our vendor, who is supplying extra support over the next few days,” Fulmer wrote.
“We recognize the stress this situation is placing on you and your family, and we are doing everything we can to fix it. We ask that you continue to check MyRideK-12 for updates, as we are making progress and routing more students each day,” Fulmer wrote. “In the meantime, please consider providing alternate transportation for your students. Should your child not be able to get to school due to a transportation routing issue, he or she will not be penalized for attendance.”
“Please know that we take this matter very seriously, and we are committed to resolving it as quickly as possible. We sincerely apologize for the ongoing inconvenience and frustration this has caused and appreciate your continued patience and understanding,” the letter continues.
By Adele Uphaus
MANAGING EDITOR AND CORRESPONDENT
Email Adele
