TOMS RIVER – Five Toms River schools will be receiving a schedule change for the 2021-2022 school year due to a bus driver shortage, Interim Superintendent of Schools Thomas Gialanella announced.
As the district prepares to return to a full-day, five-day-a-week schedule in the fall, some adjustments had to be made in order for bussing to run smoothly.
“We continue to feel the effects of the pandemic, State Bill S-2 and a severe, nationwide bus driver shortage. As such, we must implement a change to our busing schedule that will impact several of our schools,” Gialanella wrote in a statement. “Toms River Regional Schools has the largest board-owned bus fleet in New Jersey and for years we have operated on a four-tier schedule. While challenges have persisted over the past several years related to staffing, the department has worked tirelessly and efficiently to safely transport thousands of our students to and from school each day.”
Despite the districts widespread recruiting efforts, the Transportation Department currently has 29 fewer full-time drivers and 20 fewer substitute drivers on staff compared to the 2019-2020 school year.
As a result, the bus schedule has changed for the following schools for the 2021-2020 school year:
- Intermediate North: opening time 7:55 a.m.; closing time 2:15 p.m.
- Intermediate South: opening time 8:40 a.m.; closing time 3 p.m.
- Joseph A. Citta Elementary: opening time 8:40 a.m.; closing time 2:50 p.m.
- Pine Beach Elementary: opening time 9:25 a.m.; closing time 3:35 p.m.
- Beachwood Elementary: opening time 9:25 a.m.; closing time 3:35 p.m.
“We recognize that these modifications may present several hardships that will force our staff and families to make unforeseen adjustments to their students and daily routines… We sincerely appreciate the flexibility of our entire community and thank you for your support,” Gialanella said.
