GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Guilford County Schools announced a modified school schedule for Friday due to a bus driver staff shortage fueled by COVID-19 cases.
- Elementary schools will start on time, but parents should be aware buses may arrive late to pick them up.
- Middle schools will start one hour late Friday.
- High schools and early colleges will start classes 1.5 hours late Friday.
- Teachers will be on-site, so car riders may still arrive at their normal times.
- For questions, call the GCS Transportation Call Center at 888-511-4427.
School leaders said they had no choice but to adjust school schedules. They said the surging COVID-19 cases in the community are impacting their own workforce, including the bus-driving staff.
The delayed schedule comes just days after GCS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Contreras asked parents if they could drive their children to school, to please do so. She also said the district is doing everything it can to keep schools open and safe for students.
"While we are doing everything we can to keep our students in school, learning in person, and have contingency plans in place to augment possible staffing shortages, it is possible some classrooms or schools may have to close simply because we do not have enough people to provide appropriate instruction and supervision," Dr. Contreras said. "It is also possible we will not have enough bus drivers to provide transportation for all students to and from school. If you can bring your child to school, please do so."
The school district said elementary schools are starting on time, but buses will be arriving late, so parents should keep that in mind when taking their kids to the bus stop. Middle schools are starting an hour late on Friday. High schools and early colleges will start classes an hour and a half late on Friday.
Teachers will be on site as the buildings will be open for parents to drop off their students at their normal times.
Guilford County Schools' offices will operate on a normal schedule.
The district said they'll continue to work diligently over the weekend to create a plan for next week.
GCS advises all parents to check the Here Comes the Bus app for the most up-to-date information.
For more information, visit the GCS website.