Due to the shortage of bus drivers, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is facing the problem of how to get children to school, which complicates the situation of educators and parents who rely on buses.
CPS proposed a solution: Pay parents to drive their children to school.
according to Chicago Tribune, The school district originally planned to allow some students to pick up the airport 15 to 30 minutes earlier. After a wave of resignations by bus drivers, the move failed. Of the 340,658 students, about 2,100 students were affected by the lack of drivers. In this group, CPS officials told the Tribune that due to a shortage of drivers, 990 special education children will lack transportation on the first day of school.
CPS is considering one way to help students return to school after a difficult first day is to pay their parents directly. CPS said in a statement that it will provide the families of 2,100 students with a two-week advance payment of US$1,000, followed by a payment of US$500. The school district acknowledges that the plan will not completely correct this situation, but it promises to continue to seek more sustainable solutions.
CPS is the third largest public school district in the United States with a student population of most Black and Hispanic. Last spring, only a quarter of CPS students returned for face-to-face learning because most people continue to stay at home for distance learning. Chicago Sun Times.
On Friday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (Lori Lightfoot) talked about concerns about delays in returning young students to school. When asked what CPS would do if thousands of students were unable to attend class, she said that she “does not want to think about the worst-case scenario”.
“We are in an unusual period, but we must contact our young people and their parents and guardians and make sure they understand that the school is opening-to resolve and alleviate any concerns about them, but let them go back to school, “Lightford once Press conference.
Efforts to get students back to school are parallel to other difficulties that Chicago faces in the fight against COVID-19.
Since the Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer’s vaccine on August 23, Lightfoot has been pushing for mandatory vaccine requirements for city employees, with the goal of vaccinating all employees by October.The way forward is not easy, because Revolt From public officials and their unions.Light foot its stuck She insisted on the need to increase vaccination.
“Let us be clear. We always want to contact our union on any issues that will affect its members, and of course their workplaces, but this is a condition of employment,” Lightfoot said. “We must make sure that our people are vaccinated.
