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‘Everyone needs to be patient’: Glynn County students return to school amid bus driver shortage

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Students in Glynn County said goodbye to their summer break and hello to a brand new school year Tuesday morning.

RELATED: Glynn County Schools asking for ‘patience and flexibility’ during bus driver shortage

This comes as an announcement was made Monday night about transportation challenges, sending families scrambling to make plans to get their kids to school on time.

In a transportation update, the note read that “due to a bus driver shortage, there will be significant delays with bus pickups and drop-offs.”

“Please be sure your child arrives at the designated bus stop at least 10 minutes prior to departure as we make every effort possible to stay on schedule,” the note read.

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Action News Jax witnessed firsthand the consequences unfolding at a local elementary school, where the carpool lines were extensive and traffic was backed up.

Just minutes down the road at a middle school, the roads were also busy as bus drivers and parents worked to get students into classrooms on time.

Wendy and Jackson Feeney dropped off their pre-K son at school.

“If this is the safest way to do it, I will sit in traffic,” Jackson Feeney said.

“Everyone needs to be patient,” Wendy Feeney said. “That’s for sure.”

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The Feeneys are first-time parents.

‘I think he’s more excited than we are,” Jackson Feeney said. “We’re nervous. We’re excited for him.”

Rebecca Joyner dropped off her fourth grade student.

“It’s expected that there is going to be a line to wait,” Joyner said.

She shared some encouragement to all of the students heading back to the classroom.

“Just have fun and enjoy it,” Joyner said. “Remember everyone is here to learn and have a good time. Just have a good school year.”

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A transportation analyst in the district told Action News Jax that there were around 100 routes Tuesday morning in Glynn county. The district typically transports 10,000 students daily.

Keep in mind that through the Edulog Parent Portal you’ll be able to track and see if your child’s bus is running late, on time or early.

You’re also asked to pay attention to those school zones.

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This year the district will be providing school supplies to all students in its school system for the 2022-23 school year. Parents will only need to purchase a book bag and reusable water bottle, if preferred.

This was made possible through CARES Act Funding.

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