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Washoe County school bus driver shortage impacts parents and student body

School buses
AP Photo/Keith Srakocic

Rows of school buses are parked at their terminal, Friday, July 10, 2020, in Zelienople, Pa.

Nevada’s schools are having trouble finding workers. And it’s an across-the-board problem, they simply can’t hire enough teachers, substitutes, aides... or bus drivers. 

In Washoe County, the lack of drivers has forced the district to cut traditional service to thousands of students on a rotating basis.  

It started last week. Students at more than 17 schools in Reno and Sparks had to find their own way to campus. Some walked, a few rode their bikes, but most were driven by their parents. And this week, 28 different schools will go through the same thing.  

It’s a rotation that district officials expect will last through the end of the school year. So, how did Washoe County Schools get here and what impact is it having on the district? 

Scott Lee, Director of Transportation, Washoe County School District; Pete Etchart, Chief Operating Officer, Washoe County School District; Brenda Estrada, Mother

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Paul serves as KNPR's producer and reporter in Northern Nevada. Based in Reno, Paul specializes in covering state government and the legislature.