PRESS STATEMENT
Mayor Gavin Buckley
Public Information Office
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov
Mayor Gavin Buckley: We Are Actively Working Toward Finding a Way to Assist Schools
“The City of Annapolis is aware of the critical bus driver shortage affecting schoolchildren in Anne Arundel County and here in Annapolis. We have been in contact with Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. George Arlotto about the problem and City Manager David Jarrell is actively working toward finding a way to assist the school system.
“The City found out about this on Wednesday when parents started calling in to the Mayor’s office. Dr. Arlotto informed me yesterday that the reason for the bus crisis is that there is a critical shortage of drivers. AACPS does not operate a fleet but utilizes service through independent contractors. Those contractors had a number of drivers not show up for work.
“While this is not the City’s responsibility to resolve in the long-term, we are working on a couple of supports that may ease this burden for AACPS in the short-term, including:
Putting out a request through Annapolis Transportation Department for individuals who have the appropriate licensing and background checks to act as temporary drivers; and
Utilizing other Transportation Department resources as needed.
“I have seen the City of Annapolis staff step up when there is a need, including throughout last week’s tornado. I got word yesterday that Annapolis Police are giving rides to students on a voluntary basis. This is the very meaning of service. We endeavor to fill a need where possible.”
- Mayor Gavin Buckley
Annapolis, MD (11:15 a.m. on September 9, 2021)
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