SECOND UPDATE: 7:44pm: Greenwich Schools shared word Monday night that the bus company that transports students, First Student, alerted the district that they expect regular bus service to resume on Tuesday.
“We once again apologize for the inconvenience today as First Student continued to resolve an issue that arose from GPS disqualifying a driver from transporting our students,” the district wrote to families.
UPDATED 6:00pm: Greenwich Schools shared a letter that Deputy Superintendent Dr. E Ann Carabillo sent to the bus company back on April 3. In the letter. Dr. Carabillo wrote, “This letter is to disqualify Nadia Micourt (driver) from transporting any students from Greenwich Schools.”
Dr. Carabillo wrote that on March 31 she followed Ms Micourt driving a school bus from North Street School to Lower Cross Road and North Street School was dismissing students as she drove by.
“Ms Micourt traveled between 20 miles an hour and 26 miles an hour. Thee were many cars behind her. She crossed the double yellow line more than 15 times. When she approached curves, she strayed into the on-coming lane (crossing the double yellow line) and one was not able to see if there was oncoming vehicles. When she approached Lower Cross Road, she put on her signal light and was partially in the on-coming lane. As a result of this dangerous behavior, this driver should be removed immediately.”
Original story 9:00am: Greenwich Schools families had a surprise Monday morning when communications were sent from the district around 6:00am saying there would be no bus service to or from school.
Monday is the first day back after a week long school vacation.
The email explained that the bus company, First Student, had alerted the district Monday morning that drivers would not be reporting to work causing the disruption in bus service.
“Earlier this month, we notified First Student that one of their drivers was observed driving in a very dangerous manner,” said the email which came from communications director Jonathan Supranowitz.
“As is our right within our contract with First Student, we disqualified this driver from transporting any students from Greenwich Schools,” he wrote.
The district cannot fire a particular bus driver, only “disqualify” him or her.
Supranowitz said the bus company notified the district at 5:30am to say none of the drivers planned to show up for work as all the drivers had called in sick.
About a third of all GPS students ride school buses, including students who ride the bus with an aide.
The communications from Supranowitz to families said families would need to make alternative plans to get their children to school and back home in the afternoon on Monday.
Supranowitz said he will update the situation throughout the day.