(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

NESD letter

NESD issues letter to families regarding busing issues

Jan 20, 2025 | 12:24 PM

The North East School Division (NESD) has sent a letter out to parents and others regarding their busing challenges.

The division has been forced to stop several bus routes due to several factors, primarily a lack of mechanics. The letter dated Jan. 13, posted to the NESD website, addresses those concerns.

“Transportation Services at the North East School Division continues to face challenges, which lead to many temporary cancellations of bus routes,” the division said on a letter released on their website. “Reliable transportation is a critical need for many families, and we acknowledge the many disruptions that have impacted your daily routines, and we sincerely apologize for the hardships you’ve experienced.”

The statement read that the primary cause of route cancellations has been a shortage of mechanics, and that the issue is impacting industries across the province.

“We are pleased to share that additional mechanics have recently joined our team. Furthermore, we are increasing our reliance on third-party shops to ensure buses are maintained all while meeting all safety standards,” the statement read.

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The NESD said they have also accelerated their next order of new buses to support the fleet.

A bus driver shortage is also causing issues within the division, which said they are committed to exploring “new strategies and solutions to improve staffing and service levels to add to our existing strategies, such as our current employee recruitment referral bonus.”

The statement also said student safety and well-being remain the division’s highest priorities, and they are making every effort to minimize disruptions to students and families.

In a year-end interview with northeastNOW, Director of Education Stacy Lair acknowledged the need for the division to continue to address the bussing issue in the new year.

“Recruitment of mechanics, recruitment of drivers, especially replacement and sub drivers, and continued focus on our fleet and consistency with that,” Lair said. “It’s been a significant challenge across the province, and I think across the nation, in terms of shortages from suppliers of buses and just the humans that we need to run the department.”

Lair said in that interview they hope their efforts pay off in the near future.

“I think we have some things that are turning around already, and we look forward to more work there to help provide that consistency for parents at home, because it’s important to know those services are in place.”

The Jan. 13 letter apologized to parents and students affected by the transportation challenges.

“To those families who have been without bus service during the 2024-25 school year, we extend our sincerest apologies. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding, as we navigate these challenges.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com