Overview

• St. Louis Public Schools will compensate families who drive their children to school, aiming to mitigate the effects of a severe bus driver shortage.
• Starting May 13, eligible families can receive $75 for each of the last two weeks of school, provided students are not frequently absent or tardy.
• The incentive program includes distribution of gas cards to families facing chronic bus absenteeism, effective immediately.
• Recent disruptions include a 'sick out' by drivers and the discovery of a noose at a mechanic's workstation, escalating tensions within the transportation department.
• Leadership changes at local schools and a pending termination of the current bus service contract add to the district's challenges.