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Henrico parents meet with school leaders over late school buses

Posted at 6:28 AM, Oct 04, 2012
and last updated 2012-10-04 14:07:26-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - One month into the school year, and parents in the Henrico County Tuckahoe school district are frustrated because the school buses are arriving late to pick up their kids.

“Why is it taking so long to get this right?" asked parent Julie Klotz. "This morning the bus was late. Yesterday it was on time. All last week the bus was late in the morning and in the afternoon."

Parents met with members of Henrico County Schools' transportation department as well as assistant superintendents to talk about the bus issue.

“[We asked them] okay, what's your issue and what can we do as a system to support your needs,” explained Deputy Superintendent Dr. Pat Kinlaw. He said the school system was committed to getting the issue resolved.

School officials said buses are running late because this year Henrico County has two different start times for elementary school students. Along with the change in start times came a change in bus routes.

“[They] went over what the problem is: a lack of drivers," said parent Gary Smith. "They showed me the routes they are currently running and hopefully that will improve with new drivers coming in."

“I know the transportation department is talking about routes and adjusting the routes to accommodate the feedback we're getting and possibly getting a bus here or there,” said Kinlaw.

Thursday night school bus drivers will meet with school leaders to discuss the issue.