The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District announced on Monday, Nov. 30, that it would halt its bus service indefinitely on Tuesday, Dec. 1, due to “staffing shortages.” The district did not provide a date when busing would resume but said that administrators would be assessing the staffing shortage daily.
“I recognize that this may create additional burdens for our families but we have no other option at this time,” King wrote in a letter to families. “We will continue to revisit this situation on a daily basis and will keep you informed of any changes.”
According to King’s letter, the district will provide transportation plans for students with an Individualized Education Plan. Families whose children have IEPs and are unable to transport them to school are encouraged to contact the district by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
“All other families will be responsible for transporting their student[s] to and from school,” King wrote in his letter. “Please be aware that there may be long lines at pick up and drop off lanes and plan accordingly. If you are unable to transport your students please contact your school and teacher to arrange remote learning services.”
According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, while Arizona Revised Statute §15-342 (12) provides regulations for how a school district provides transportation, “the statutes governing school districts establish that school districts may, but are not required to, provide transportation for students to or from school.”
King ended his letter by encouraging families to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the school district.
“If you or anyone in your family has tested positive, or have been exposed to COVID-19, or [are] awaiting test results for a family member, please notify the school and self-quarantine.”
