January 6, 2022
Statement From Alfred-Almond Central Superintendent Tracie Bliven:
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of district families as we had to unexpectedly transition to virtual learning today due to a staff shortage in our transportation department.
We believe that in-person learning provides the greatest educational and social-emotional benefit to our students and plan to return to in-person learning on January 6, 2022. If that changes, or if adjustments to bus schedules must be made due to staffing, we will communicate that to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your on-going patience and understanding.”
BACKGROUND:
Alfred-Almond School bus driver Aaron Howtz, posted on Facebook, that there has been a problem for Alfred-Almond school bus drivers being represented fairly in negotitations, and that bus drivers for Alfred-Almond are not getting paid as much as other bus drivers at other local schools. Numerous media outlets report that seven out of nine Alfred-Almond Central bus drivers are having a “sick out” today. The Alfred-Almond Central Facebook page has an ad posted saying the school system there needs school bus drivers.
Wlea News emailed the school supertintendent asking if there are school bus rides for Alfred-Almond students today and if so, what school’s bus drivers are providing the bus rides. As soon as we hear back from Tracie Bliven, we will post and air her statements, on the radio and here on Wlea.net. UPDATE: At 8:45am, Wlea got an email from Superintendnent Bliven, who says that a statement will be issued sometime this afternoon about this situation.
Official District Statement:
Update 12:59pm: From Superintendent Tracie Bliven:
The Alfred-Almond Central School District is currently investigating personnel issues within our transportation department. At this time, we cannot comment on this matter, as the investigation is ongoing.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our district families as we had to unexpectedly transition to virtual learning yesterday. We believe that in-person learning provides the greatest educational and social-emotional benefit to our students and will continue to work toward solutions that enable students to attend school in person every day.