School bus cancellations in Colchester County, Nova Scotia, have caused significant disruption for parents following the holiday break. Many families are now struggling to arrange alternative transportation for their children attending local schools.
Challenges Faced by Parents
Catherine Rushton, a parent with daughters attending Chiganois Elementary and Central Colchester Junior High School, has voiced her frustrations. She must check the bus planner each morning to see if there is transportation available.
On one occasion, Rushton found it easier to keep her children home than face logistical challenges. “Access to education is a basic right,” she emphasized. “If we pay for bus services, we should receive them.”
Retirements and Staffing Issues
A letter from the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE) recently informed parents of two long-term bus driver retirements in December. These retirements affected several school routes, including those for Chiganois Elementary and Central Colchester Junior High.
- Chiganois Elementary
- Delbert Elementary
- Central Colchester Junior High
- Cobequid Educational Centre
While CCRCE is utilizing spare drivers to cover the gaps, Chris Zwicker, a representative of the center, noted that there are not enough drivers to meet all current demands. To address staffing shortages, the center is participating in job fairs and enhancing their recruitment campaign, according to spokesperson Jennifer Rodgers.
Community Concerns
Tom Taggart, the MLA for Colchester North, acknowledged that the issue of bus driver shortages has persisted but expressed optimism about improvements. He encouraged better communication from the education center to assist parents, especially those who live in more remote areas.
“Many parents have children in different schools, complicating transportation,” Rushton remarked, highlighting the need for more reliable services.
Provincewide Issue
The shortage of bus drivers is not confined to Colchester County. Jenny-Lynn Wardrope, president of CUPE 3890, indicated that this challenge affects the entire province. Earlier this year, school support staff announced a tentative agreement with the province, citing concerns related to pay and workplace safety.
As the demand for reliable school transportation continues, parents in Colchester County remain vigilant, hoping for swift resolutions to the ongoing bus driver shortages.
