CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- If Chicago Public Schools staffers don’t come up with enough bus drivers or alternative modes of transportation by the end of next month, there are going to be some very difficult decisions on who gets bussed to and from school.
The Chicago Board of Education voted Wednesday to take away bussing from magnet and selective enrollment students if not enough buses and drivers are found to transport special education or diverse learners by the end of February.
A CPS official said there are more than 600 special education students who still lack transportation. Many of those students are legally entitled to transportation under their Individualized Education Plan.
The change would go into place in early March if all diverse learners and homeless students aren’t found transportation by the end of February.
"This is a resolution that I support, but I certainly hope we won’t have to implement," said Board President Miguel del Valle.
Schools Transportation Director Kimberly Jones said she’s confident enough drivers will be found by next month’s deadline.
"We physically have names of 200 drivers where 106 drivers have been sent to fingerprinting with 23 drivers that have came back clear already and are already transporting students," she said.
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez agreed.
"We feel fairly confident that we can get down to zero by the end of February," said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez
Board President Miguel del Valle hopes that’s the case.
"Hopefully that is what happens and we won’t have to see a disruption in service for students who are currently being bussed," he said.
One parent told board members the bussing dilemma is causing stress among families.
"Personally, it’s negatively impacting my work life and it’s a significant source of stress for our family," said Joanna, the mother of a 4th grade student who needs, but does not have bus service.
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