State of Our Schools: Parents frustrated with transportation plan as schools reopen

New York City public schools are set to reopen on Sept. 21 but as of now, the city has not announced contracts with the bus companies to take students to and from school and parents are frustrated.

News 12 Staff

Sep 3, 2020, 2:21 AM

Updated 1,503 days ago

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New York City public schools are set to reopen on Sept. 21 but as of now, the city has not announced contracts with the bus companies to take students to and from school and parents are frustrated. 
First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan said earlier this week that contracts were being finalized for busing but concerns remain. 
"By now bus routes would’ve been made, kids would’ve been set for busing but right now there’s nothing,” said Vice President of the Citywide Council for District 75 Grisel Cardona. 
Cardona says her kids used to get picked up in front of their apartment building but says that this year they’ll be staying full remote since so much is up in the air. 
"We have students in shelter and foster care that often live very far from their schools,” said attorney Chantal Hinds. 
Hinds said certain students that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and school closures like those with special needs or challenging living circumstances will be further affected if busing isn’t available.  
"There are kids that live in one district and go to school in like two districts over,” said Cardona. 
Hinds said that she just wants to make sure students have a safe and reliable way to get to and from school. 
News 12 reached out to the Department of Education for an update but has not heard back yet.