School Bus Companies, And Drivers, Face COVID’s Financial Fallout
School bus driver Maureen McAlear loves her job, but it’s not what it used to be. Hybrid school schedules and few after school activities mean drivers are working — and earning — less. McAlear, who is a union steward for her fellow drivers, said they rely on full pay and the extra driving to make […]
Haverhill Schools, NRT Outline Safety Steps as School Buses Begin Rolling this Term
School buses will soon be rolling through Haverhill. Yesterday, the school administration published the bus routes for this year. School Assistant Superintendent Michael Pfifferling reminded the School Committee last night that because of social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions, coming up with a schedule was a puzzle and, for the first time, requires students have a […]
On school buses this fall: masks, open windows, and distanced seat assignments
Students will have to don face coverings to board school buses this fall, but they will each get an entire seat to themselves to maintain social distancing, under new state guidelines that will dramatically reduce ridership and complicate reopening plans for many districts across Massachusetts. The seating restriction — instead of the usual two or […]
Pentucket community members deliver signs to graduates
Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Pentucket High School Principal Jonathan Seymour recently shared that administrators, volunteer parents, first responders and community members from Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury came together to spread some cheer among the senior class. Approximately 180 seniors were greeted by administrators and parents who rode buses decorated with banners that read “Class […]
Food distribution for Winchendon students to continue as long as needed
Superintendent of Schools Joan Landers said that the people and buses from First Student Inc. and Van Pool Transportation have been wonderful as the weeks have gone by during the coronavirus shutdown, thanks to their participation in food distribution Monday through Friday for local students and families. First Student delivers food to six locations throughout […]
Van Pool helping get supplies, meals to students
Even though schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year, a western Massachusetts transportation company is putting their empty vehicles to good use. In partnership with local school districts, they are delivering supplies and meals to students in need. Like many companies facing the ever-changing world of coronavirus, Van Pool Transportation has transformed […]
School bus drivers delivering meals for families along routes
School buses are still on the go during the pandemic, delivering tens of thousands of meals to students and their families. Schools may be closed, but bus driver Paul King is still heading out on his regular route in Marlborough. His stops during a pandemic now serve a new purpose — delivering meals. “This job […]