The LPSS transportation staff is working tirelessly to ensure students are transported safely to and from school each day. During the summer months, our transportation staff diligently planned for a new year by recruiting new bus drivers and providing necessary training for all of our bus drivers. We were able to open schools due in part to having adequate staffing of bus drivers, and all bus routes were covered. However in the midst of a pandemic, as many other districts across the state and nation are experiencing, there are many variables that are out of our control that can cause delays or cancellation of routes at certain points.
LPSS is utilizing all resources, including our pool of substitute bus drivers, to ensure transportation for students to and from school. As needed, buses are also making double runs to help provide transportation to as many students as possible when a bus driver is out. A double run will cause delays, as will traffic, road construction, and other unforeseen circumstances.
We will continue to use our resources effectively to provide transportation for students. Our transportation team communicates delays and cancellations via our notification system as soon as we are made aware of them. The cancellation of a bus route is a last resort. We encourage families to have contingency plans in place in the event that a bus cancellation occurs.
“This situation is not unique to Lafayette Parish, and we will continue to do our best to provide transportation to our students. We understand the frustration and stress that parents are experiencing when bus routes are delayed or canceled. We are so very appreciative of our drivers and transportation department who continue to go above and beyond to do their best to safely transport students to and from school during a global pandemic,” states Superintendent Irma D. Trosclair.
It is important that parents provide updated contact information to ensure that they are receiving these important notifications from transportation, the district, and individual schools. Parents are encouraged to visit: https://www.lpssonline.com/family-resources/parent-portal-new to verify the accuracy of their contact information. Changes can also be made at the school level.
Any individual interested in becoming a substitute bus driver should call 337.521.7447. As always, we thank our families for their patience and understanding during this time.