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By Jason Subik
The chief herald
JOHNSTOWN – On Thursday, HFM BOCES announced it would temporarily close buses for all elementary students in Gloversville and Johnstown due to COVID-19 staff quarantines, just four days after the cancellation of buses for high school students in these districts for the same reason.
The HFM regional transport service is expected to resume bus service from October 7. “Once the staff are able to work to come back”, according to a press release from HFM BOCES.
HFM BOCES officials said it was Wednesday that they determined there were now 19 total quarantines or “Isolations” among the transport staff for the service, reducing the number of available bus drivers from 13 Monday to now 10.
HFM BOCES Deputy Superintendent for BOCES Operations and Constituent District Services Aaron Bochniak said it was determined that the department does not have enough staff to safely provide regular transport from kindergarten to preschool. Grade 12 for Gloversville Extended School District and Greater Johnstown School District.
“At the moment, the service has only 10 drivers available and they provide transportation for special education, transportation for out-of-district internships and BOCES programs,” reads an email response to questions posed to Bochniak and HFM BOCES District Superintendent, David Ziskin.
In a press release, Ziskin said the two districts will provide distance education for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students who are unable to find other transportation to school.
“The goal of schools in the area is to offer in-person instruction. Unfortunately, due to the national shortage of bus drivers and quarantines, we are unable to provide transport for the next few days ”, Ziskin said in the press release. “We know this presents a challenge for our families, but for the safety of our students, staff and families, we must continue to follow all CDC and health department guidelines. We thank our families for their patience and efforts as we continue to face this crisis. “
Ziskin said the effects of quarantines and isolation are compounded by the bus driver shortage schools face across the state and in the United States. “Statewide business groups” estimated that the number of school bus drivers in New York State is currently 15-20% below full staffing levels.
On Tuesday, HFM-BOCES said at least three full-time driver jobs were missing and “Countless substitutes” before quarantines hit their numbers on Sunday. On Thursday, Ziskin offered additional information in his press release.
“Currently, HFM has seven driver positions and six assistance positions available”, he said. “The vacancies include regular driver and helper positions and alternate driver and helper positions. “
Ziskin’s press release states that HFM BOCES offers free training to those interested in becoming bus drivers and helpers. More information is available about training at www.hfmboces.org/employment or by calling the Regional Transportation Center at 518-775-5788.
In an email response to questions for this story, Ziskin said he had not received any information from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office as to whether the National Guard could be deployed to help with the bus driver shortage. , but he said Hochul announced news on September 19 that York State would help school districts contact commercial driver’s license holders in New York and determine if CDL licensees would be interested in serving as drivers. of bus. The state would share the information of anyone interested with school districts.
“HFM BOCES has now received a list of drivers in the Mohawk Valley and is currently working on this list to find candidates interested in working in our area”, reads an email response from Ziskin.
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