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Bus driver shortage hinders schools
Bentley withdraws from council race
ATLANTA, Ga. — Fulton County Schools is asking parents for patience as it works to fill a shortage of bus drivers to transport nearly 70,000 students to and from school each day. In a letter sent to parents last week, district officials cited the “extreme shortage of drivers” for delays in buses serving the system’s 108 schools. “Sometimes it is necessary to double up on runs or drop the students and return to a subdivision/school and get another load,” wrote Leslie Hannon, a transportation supervisor in North Fulton. “Thank you for your patience during these trying times.” The district is currently running 704 routes with approximately 675 drivers. That is a shortage of nearly 30 drivers with no flexibility for sick days or other absences. The issue is not a new one. Fulton County Schools has struggled for years to maintain a full roster of bus drivers, enticing new applicants through higher hourly pay and retention bonuses. “The Atlanta metro market has always been highly competitive for K-12 personnel, including bus drivers,” said Neal Maloof. “So we continue to assess ways to gain a competitive edge.” Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic last year proved to be a double-edged sword. While many drivers retired or took
MILTON, Ga. — The Milton City Council ballot got a little lighter Aug. 30 when Councilwoman Laura Bentley announced she would not seek reelection. In a BENTLEY Facebook post Monday night, Bentley cited the declining health of family members as her reason for withdrawal. “There was a new reality this morning that my mother and my JOHNSON family need every minute that I can give,” she wrote. “I never want to look back and say that I missed an opportunity to be with her or help her. With that, I have decided that I am not going to pursue my seat on Council.” In the same post Bentley wished “all the best to our next Councilmember, Juliette Johnson.” Johnson and Bentley were the only two candidates to qualify for the seat. Bentley has held the District 2/Post 1 seat since defeating incumbent Bill Lusk in 2017.
By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com
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