(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Public Schools students who attend selective enrollment and magnet schools may not have bus service again next year.
The ongoing shortage of drivers prompted the district to warn parents this week at the Chicago Board of Education meeting.
The school system’s CEO, Pedro Martinez, said busing challenges mean the district has extended the deadline for students to accept or decline the coveted spots.
Families learned Friday if they had been admitted and now have through April 19 to decide.
The district continues to prioritize busing special education and homeless students and told some 5,500 students this school year they don’t have space.
The focus is due to a state mandate that bus rides for special education students be under an hour.
Grandparent Laura Leon asked the board to quickly figure out service for next year and resume rides for students like her 12-year-old grandson, who can no longer take the bus to his magnet school outside of his neighborhood.
Martinez said CPSis looking at other ways to address the shortage, such as adjusting bell times and expanding bus stop locations.
Another option includes filing a waiver for a federal requirement that all bus drivers must be able to lift the hood of the vehicle and identify engine parts.
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