In February, News 3 reported that buses were running late after a large number of drivers called out sick. Norfolk Public Schools, like many other school districts across the country, told us they've been dealing with bus driver shortages all year.
Masks are now optional for anyone inside a school building, bus or car in York County. School leaders said the division will continue to follow masking guidance for people who have been exposed to COVID-19 or have tested positive for the virus.
Some students at Norfolk Public Schools experienced more busing issues Thursday. This comes a day after several school buses were delayed or didn’t show up at all Wednesday.
"We will prefer to have the mask mandate in place, but since the law was passed and signed into law, we will follow the law, of course," Dr. Cardell Patillo, the Portsmouth School Board chair, tells News 3 reporter Leondra Head.
The district has been experiencing a significant shortage of bus drivers for the entire 2021-22 school year. It is continuing to hire bus drivers and substitute bus drivers.