JCPS says to expect delays after more than 90 bus drivers call out Friday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - After dozens of Jefferson County Public School bus drivers called out Friday, the district said families of students can expect transportation delays.

Friday afternoon, JCPS said 92 drivers called out. On an average day, JCPS said up to 50 drivers calling out is normal.

”This hurts our students and their families,” said JCPS Chief of Communications Carolyn Callahan. “It also hurts fellow bus drivers who show up to work today because they’re picking up those extra routes.”

Some parents say their bus was delayed up to four hours. A text from Westport Middle School to its parents said four different buses didn’t have drivers at all.

In some cases, schools told parents their kids had to be car riders.

”Y’all supposed to come here for our kids, the love of the kids,” said parent of three Cornnielia Sherrell. “I know it’s hard out here sometimes, but show some love for these kids.”

Bus drivers have expressed concerns all school year over their challenging routes. They’ve also expressed their concerns over the behavior of kids on their buses and the perceived lack of discipline from the district.

Callahan addressed some of those concerns Friday, saying they’re being addressed, but may take time.

”There are major challenges, and we know there are changes that need to be made,” he said, “but ripping out transportation completely from our students in the middle of the school year isn’t helping students and it’s not helping families.”

On Thursday, JCPS addressed rumors of a possible mass call-out amongst drivers and said that school will not be canceled, and canceling routes would be a worst case scenario.

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