NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The new changes in the upcoming school year will affect not just Metro teachers and students, but hundreds of bus drivers across Davidson County.
There are 467 regular and special education bus drivers with the Metro Nashville Public Schools. Among them is Traci Garrett, a five-year school bus driver who proudly drives the 319 route near her Brick Church Pike neighborhood. Known as a beloved driver who not only keeps her bus in order but encourages dozens of her students, Garrett has been yearning to get back.
She got a taste of the abrupt changes to her workload when COVID-19 forced students to take classes from home in the latter part of last semester.
"It was heartbreaking at first. After sitting at home and not having the same routine daily, it has taken a toll on me," she said. "I really do miss the kids and I never thought I would say that but I do."
Her desire to pick up students again will have to wait even longer. MNPS announced students will begin the school year by learning virtually instead of in-person classes because of the positive COVID-19 trend. Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle hoped children would be able to return to class on August 4 but pivoted to keep them at home until at least Labor Day.
Like many others in her position, Garrett questioned what would happen next for the bus drivers. As of Wednesday, MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted said the district is budgeted for all the bus drivers and will continue to get paid while schools are open virtually. Instead of being able to stay home, the drivers will be running their routes for student meal delivery and supporting technology distribution efforts.
If and once students can safely return, Dr. Battle said buses will have assigned seats, and students will be limited to two per seat. Drivers will have to disinfect the seats after morning and afternoon runs.
Garrett drives the largest type of bus which can carry more than 80 students. Her top priority moving forward is making sure everyone including the drivers are safe.
"I'm concerned on how we are going to maintain our cleanliness of the buses and the social distancing. I mean you have a load of 60 kids, how can you social distance 60 kids?" she questioned.
Among other changes, if children can return to school include sanitizer stations and having students and staff wash their hands at regular intervals.
Nashville charter schools are included in the plan to begin the 2020-21 school year remotely.
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