Durham school buses won’t operate until September 14th
by The Standard | Podcast September 3rd, 2020 https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Busses-Until-Sept-14th-Sep-3rd-2020.wav
DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
DURHAM: The 2020-2021 school year will soon be upon us, but parents will have to wait a little longer than usual for school buses.
On Thursday, August 27th, Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) sent parents a letter updating the status of bus services to Durham District School B o a r d ( D D S B ) a n d D u rh a m Catholic District School board (DCDSB) schools.
“With the reduced secondary school day and limited capacity on all school bus vehicles, DSTS requires time to ensure that all necessary route alternations and planning is in place. Due to the changing routes and variables for school bus operators contracted by DSTS, school bus transportation services will be delayed until Monday, September 14th,” the letter read.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DSTS has to put a number of protocols in place, including requiring all students to wear face coverings and all bus drivers wear masks or face shields, “assigning seats for students with siblings and grade cohorts seated together”, and enhanced cleaning protocols. Because of the delay, the Durham Catholic District School Board has decided to modify their back to school plan.
“The week of September 8th to 11th, 2020 will be conducted virtually with a modied schedule of contact and classes. The focus at that time will be on preparing students to return to in-class learning. Busing and face-to-face learning in-class will begin during the week of September 14th,” read a DCDSB press release.
A Durham District School Board spokesperson was not available for comment by press time.
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