Some WS/FCS bus drivers are striking over safety concerns

About 36 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school bus drivers didn’t show up for work Monday due in part to concerns about their safety.

Officials believe absences will continue on Tuesday.

Several bus drivers met with district leadership last week to talk about the problems they’re experiencing.

One issue was inappropriate student behavior on the buses, like fights, disrespectful language and illegal substance use. There were also reports of parents being aggressive with drivers. 

Superintendent Tricia McManus sent these employees a letter on Friday in response to their concerns.

"It is clear that you need better support, and our leadership team needs to be proactive in tackling some of these complicated issues," she stated in the letter. 

McManus said the district will introduce bus suspensions for students who don’t behave and seek criminal charges for adults who threaten drivers. WS/FCS will also begin holding monthly meetings with transportation employees to improve communication. 

The strike impacted about 120 bus routes. The district is telling families they may opt to pick up and drop off their students themselves, and to expect some buses to be late. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.